[Video] BMW 333i is the White Gold of South Africa

In the mid-80s BMW fanatics were enthralled by the debut of the first-ever M3, but the iconic left-hand-drive-only sportscar (now highly sought-after by collectors) was not destined for South Africa. Local enthusiasts such as Lenasia’s Arshaad Nana could only dream of owning one. However, BMW South Africa partnered with BMW Motorsport and Alpina to develop a uniquely South African E30 edition, called the 333i. It took the M30 engine from the 733i and shoehorned it into the engine bay of the small and light 3 Series, instantly creating one very hot compact sedan.

Only around 200 were sold to the public, making the 333i one of the rarest and most desirable E30s in the world. Key to its appeal was always the stirring straight-6 under the bonnet, as opposed to the 4-cylinder used in the M3. In the 333i, and with the help of various Alpina bits, the 3.2-litre motor punched out 148 kW, which doesn’t sound like much today, but the low-down torque delivery, as well as its stirring soundtrack and edgy dynamics make the 333i a massively rewarding car to drive.

Owner Arshaad Nana, who owns BMW specialist workshop EuroSpec, was entertained by the 325iS models on South Africa’s racing circuits in his youth, but for him, the 333i was always the ultimate – it was his destiny to own one.

“I found the car, or the car found me, a very long time before I could buy it,” he explains. Given the growing value and desirability of the 333i in recent years, Arshaad knows he was lucky that it wasn’t snapped up before 2010, when he finally was ready to buy it, with help from his grandmother. Neglected for years and standing under dust, Arshaad bought the car and lovingly restored it to its current state himself. “I know every nut and bolt in this car,” he says.

This is his story.