BMW SA is showcasing a few, very special models that were produced on local soil over the last 45 years, including the famous BMW 325iS.

On tour

It is called “The Legends of Rosslyn” and the entourage includes the South African exclusive BMW 333i (E30), which was refurbished in 2017.

In addition, two special cars; car number 1 191 604 – the last current-generation BMW 3 Series to be produced locally – and the new BMW X3 that started rolling off the production line in April, will join the tour.

Another classic remade

Over the last few years, BMW SA technicians have refurbished a BMW 333i (E30) and a BMW M1. The BMW 325iS is the most recent classic car to be restored.

In local circles the 325iS is well-known. It was created, in South Africa, in the early 1990s to race in the Group N series for production cars.

325iS models were powered by a 2,7-litre naturally aspirated engine that initially made 145 kW and later 155 kW in Evo II models. The earlier cars even made use of aluminium panels to keep the mass down, but the cost of these panels and constants need for replacement in racing meant that BMW SA reverted to conventional steel on the later cars.

Click here to watch some Group N racing action.

An M-Technic bodykit along with 15-inch cross-spoke alloys gave the “iS”, as it was known, a distinctive appearance. Underneath, the road car created for racing possessed a 25 per cent limited slip differential and M Sport suspension with Bilstein struts.

It wasn’t a stripped out racer either, inside the 325iS was a full suite of mod-cons expected of a range-topper of the era.

Group N success

The BMW 325iS legend was created on racetracks around SA as it battled with the Opel Kadett GSi 16v “Superbosses” of the day. The likes of Tony Viana, Shaun Watson-Smith and Deon Joubert fought tooth and nail against the works Opels of Mike Briggs and co, each with its own camp of cheering supporters.

Read more about special local racecars by clicking here.

Collector’s items 

Currently, BMW Group South Africa’s heritage car collection includes the BMW M1, a BMW 750Li Individual by Esther Mahlangu, BMW 325iS, BMW 333i, the last BMW 3 Series (340i) produced by Plant Rosslyn and the first BMW X3 (xDrive30d) to have rolled off the production line.