The E30 333i was a pretty special model released by BMW South Africa in 1986. Since South Africa didn't get the E30 M3, BMW SA decided they needed a model to cater for the power hungry South Africans. Basically, the BMW 333i was a standard 325i with an inline-6 3.2 litre engine, from 733i, 533i and 633CSi, stuffed under its hood, which put out 145kw and 285nm. Interestingly enough, it was tested to run from 0-100 in just 7.23 secs, while the more powerful 325iS took 7.42 secs. Top speed also trounced the 325iS, with 231kph vs 226kph. A close-ratio five-speed manual Getrag gearbox, limited-slip differential were also fitted. Alpina dual ventilated front disc brakes allowed the 333i to outperformed the 325iS under braking. The 333i was a car that demanded respect. While it had a lot of natural grip, the chassis required a skilled hand to exploit it. It proved very capable of embarrassing novice drivers, especially in the wet. When pushed hard, it went from understeer to induced oversteer, to lift off oversteer in the blink of an eye. Only 210 were built with 204 being sold to the public, with them carrying a price tag of R41 300 back in 1986. #TunedAutomotive #SomeShitAboutCars #Legends
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