Many models were produced just for our market through the decades, some of which were born out of a desire for performance.
We are also a global contributor when it comes to vehicle production. Our platinum-rich land also provides parts used in diesel-powered vehicles’ catalytic converters and, in a report by Bloomberg earlier this year, new production techniques will see precious palladium being substituted with platinum in various petrol-powered cars to. With our unique market and indeed, our love for cars, I have compiled a list of BMW models made in South Africa and included some local legends for good measure.
BMW
The Bavarian brand has been a household name in South Africa for decades and has one of the strongest local connections of any brand locally. BMW first entered the South African market with a motorcycle in 1929, however, the first car brought to SA, the 501, only made an appearance locally in 1952. Fast forward over a decade to 1968 and a company called Praetor Monteerders began building BMW and Jeep products in Rosslyn, Pretoria. Models produced during the late 60s include the BMW 1800 and later, the 2000.
Last year I attended a press event where BMW South Africa announced the completion of its latest restoration project a, 5 Series, more specifically, a homologation special, the 530 Motorsport Limited Edition (MLE). This car was born out of the desire to compete in the local Modified Production car series and was based upon the standard 5 Series (which was also assembled locally ) which was shipped over to SA in Knock-down kit (CKD) form before being engineering and modified locally.
The MLE paved the way for several special South African models, including the super-rare 745i fitted with the brand’s M88 3.5-litre straight-six motor, made popular by the company’s M1 supercar. After we gave the world a full-blown racing 7 Series, the 3 Series, in E30 guise was produced in Pretoria. When word that the E30 M3 wasn’t heading our way reached BMW South Africa, it went about producing a potent E30 for our market.
The result was the 333i, a car that I am lucky to have driven. Under its bonnet was a 3.2-litre straight-six as seen in the 733i and 633CSI along with a five-speed manual gearbox, a limited-slip differential along with Alpina-sourced wheels and brakes. Later, the 333i was replaced by the 325iS Evo, which was powered by a 2.7-litre straight-six which produced 145kW and 265 N.m and later, 155kW in the Evo variant. Both versions of the ‘Gusheshe’ 325iS features engine fettling from Alpina but were developed by South Africans, for South Africans.
As we approached the mid-90s and South Africans were freed from the tyrannical Apartheid regime, exports appeared to be a real possibility, with BMW SA beginning the exportation of E36 3 Series models, a practise which it continued with until the final F30 3 Series rolled off of the production line in 2018. Since then, the brand has started producing the new X3, which is sold to the local market and is exported to international markets too.
