South Africa's BMW 333i - Restoring one of the Rarest and most desirable 3 Series E30s in the world

SentiMETAL Ep 4: White Gold
The emotional story of Arshaad's rebuild of his gorgeous BMW 333i in South Africa. The iconic 333i is a South African special - one of a few cars that were built exclusively for the South African market. Arshaad restored his BMW from a heap of rust to the incredibly beautiful one of a kind 333i, aptly named White Gold. With so few of these incredible cars left, restorations like this help preserve the heritage of this rare and amazing machine.
The story of the 333i:
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 cars were sold to the South African 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…
0:00 Intro
2:58 Comparison to BMW 325is
4:19 Driving experience
5:15 Handling
6:01 Outro
Featuring: Ashraad Nana - BMW 333i
Directed By: Justin Pinto
Produced By: Sanchez Labs - www.sanchez.co.za
Story and Research: Hannes Oosthuizen, Jenna Mervis
2nd camera and Gimabal Operator: Shaan Bester
Assistant : Riaan Fourie
Online: Sanchez Labs
Filmed on location in Johannesburg, South Africa

[@kenrossaukrsa]

Guys , this car is actually a 3.2 litre straight 6 (not a 3 litre as described in the video), Bmw used the old 733i engine with a custom Alpina intake manifold and Alpina cams, if I Remember correctly ,it made 145kw. A dog leg 1st gear bottom left close-ratio five-speed manual gearbox, limited-slip differential and Alpina dual ventilated front disc brakes were also fitted. They also came with 16” Alpina wheels wearing 195/50/R16 Pirellis. ABS was an optional extra. Another interesting option was the air conditioning, which would eliminate the power steering option when had, as the massive engine wouldn’t allow the space for both systems. So you either sweat from the South African heat but had easy steering, or worked hard at the steering wheel and stayed nice and cool.

[@balthasar6091]

I am from Germany and even in my country, you didn't see an BMW Alpina often. But it was before a few months, it was a rainy, dark morning, evrithing was bad. I was late for high school, I wrote an exam at that day and was really tired. But then, out of the nowhere, this beatiful Alpina, I think it was an e46, drove around the corner and I was fascinated. The driver locked at me and he didn't understoud my reaction but I was still standing and looked at this beautiful car. Even as it drived away, I was still standing at my point and looked after it for a while. This happening really saved my das.

[@johnabasphillips5862]

BigUps to Arshaad for making the purchase, seeing the potential in her and taking the time to restore this beauty. This one belongs to Saffas

[@DavetheCarGuy]

What a beautiful machine and a proper piece of South African car history.

[@francisdamonse6551]

Þhytet4 ddr

[@Malangakhona]

To this day this car is instant street cred ekasi. Legendary and will never die.

[@eurospecautosouthafrica3455]

Also to all that watched this video and shared your opinions.. thank you.. don't forget to click on the like button if you enjoyed it!!

[@kenvandenbosch8739]

Hi Arshaad, I'm from Belgium. 2 years ago I build myself an E30 with M30 swap, goes quite good, but I don't like the way it sounds (it has a stock manifold, coupled to an M20b25 Scorpion exhaust system). What exhaust system do you have? It sounds heavenly! It's quite difficult to hear E30's with an M30 on KZbin, so that's why I'm asking... Thank you!

[@eurospecautosouthafrica3455]

Purpose built branch.. with xpipe and 57mm dual thru 2 box system it's got a 300 and the rear a big 600.. it's a system that only wakes up when u accelerate other then that it just purrrs.. the gas flow and cross port makes the tone really hit those notes.

[@mohamedshan3143]

i have a 333i Alpina

[@lukasgaseb9666]

Hi real beauty boss . I'm from Namibia I need your contact details boss I'm currently busy with an M30B35 swap in my E30 320i coupe. I think you can assist me in a way with advice. I'll die by an E30 boss specially 325is shadowline and 333i

[@nelsonsegotso3544]

Arshaad, hook me up with one but make it four doors..I'm in Botswana..

[@sydneyNemesis101]

Awesome to see in South Africa!

[@fredschriks8554]

Never knew this was a thing. A 333i E30. It doesn't get better than this.

[@joshimitsu96]

Lovely machine, stunning!! Greetings from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@JJSmith1100]

I loved that time when SA was doing its own thing car wise. BMW333i, Ford Sierra XR8, Opel Kadett 16v Turbo, all mad cars only build in SA. Now nearly everything is imported and dull.

[@eurospecautosouthafrica3455]

Johan Smith .. no jokes fastest e30 in the world .. is in here in SA.. our boys represent.

[@cam_121]

Don't forget the SA only 745i, uses the m88 engine from the bmw m1, was created to compete In group 1. we also got a 325is evo 1 which used a bigger 2.7L engine to compete in group N against the South African only opel superboss, we also got the alfa Romeo alfetta gtv6 3.0L to compete in group 1, the rest of the world had to make do with the alfetta 2.5L, it's so special that South Africa were able to get these cars that weren't available to the rest of the world. Now days we get nothing special.

[@cam_121]

@morton christie it was only just beaten by the opel kadett superboss, while it was only a 2 litre, it was a very good engine.

[@ockertolivier6474]

Do not forget the Chevvy Can Am....monster

[@DiscoFang]

Plus SA had the Landrover Defender with the BMW straight 6 diesel.

[@d.b.cooper2277]

And some people will say that the M-technik II looks better than M-technik I, what is wrong with those people... Absolutely stunning machine!

[@caribshogun9772]

Definitely one of the few positive things to come out of South Africa. Beautiful car.

[@ShoganGeorge]

This guy is hilarious, we need someone like that on a local car show. Lately most of the guys have been boring, why the shows don't survive.

[@IGSMaths]

Back when BMW and natural aspiration was driving nirvana ... NICE VIDEO Arshaad, you have an awesome classic!

[@Drifty325i]

Lovely 333 mate, New Zealand managed to import a few 333 and 325is from SA and we love them over here! I had a 400hp 1UZFE V8 powered 325i for years and loved it

[@eurospecautosouthafrica3455]

Drifty325i I do have an original m30 333i motor if u interested in getting it back to original

[@illsuspect]

Drifty325i turbo?

[@kylef4419]

Arshaad Nana hi where are you situated?

[@eurospecautosouthafrica3455]

Kyle 777 ... Proudly In Beautiful South Africa..

[@eurospecautosouthafrica3455]

Joburg

[@mustii22]

Just browsing thought KZbin when I came across my mechanic and his 333. What's the odds of that

[@paddaboi_]

That's cool as hell

[@Nathan-wg2ms]

U should give me his number🙂

[@jeeyzF101]

Thee single greatest vid this channel has ever posted ... ever

[@markmulder6462]

Beautiful cars indeed! I worked at the Rosslyn plant in the test and research centre, a department called "Musterbau" Masterbuild. A very small department, but we were responsible for doing the first build, by hand of every new car that was to come off the production line, as well as approval of all locally manufactured parts to go into production. I personally built the first 333i and 745i. The best job I have ever had.

[@Carscoza]

Wow, Mark, this is awesome. Thanks for sharing. If you don't mind, could we get in touch with you? Drop us a mail at [e-mail] if you'd like, but please don't feel obligated.

[@mrkatse]

Awesome Car! I see how Arshaad's grandma saw the passion... Dude really loves his car!

[@iamkhanyasakawuli]

This is so awesome. In the late 80's this was the car that my grandfather, in the Transkei, used for runs to the bank which was roughly 80 kms away. They say it was a monster!!!

[@cleopatralimakatsomokokoan7873]

Gusheshe!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍

[@Baspiet]

What a beauty!! I would like to visit Lenasia some day and meet Arshaad, great work indeed

[@dylanandrade7196]

I’ve only ever seen one in my lifetime. I’m a big BMW fanatic and I’m glad to see that a beaut such as your car is being driven and enjoyed!

[@ricardomakhura]

The car is a beaut however big up to Arshaad for having the vision and seeing what most people wont, nice one bro! Treat her well man...

[@vincerisi9698]

A mate had 2 in the 90's, he dropped a 735 block in 1 and bored to 3,7lt , 298 km on the dyno, used the 333 head, box and diff. The other he left standard was fast but nothing like the modded one. Linksfield to Pretoria 7 minutes. Crazy people.

[@meglinmaistry4765]

5:78 - What's the use of taking her to the party and you can't dance!!! Nice to see this is no garage queen

[@Sam_AMG]

Meglin Maistry I was just going to quote the same thing! What he said made me think about how I am. I have a super low mileage m3 and the truth is, it very rarely comes out and it made me think, what's the point of having such a nice car and just parking it up? I'll probably sell my m3 and buy another m3 with average miles and just enjoy it and not worry about putting miles on it.

[@eurospecautosouthafrica3455]

Go out and enjoy it before someone else does.. and the fun part is that it will still be in good touch once you had your fun.

[@nicholaswoodward8191]

Nice dude. Enjoy the dance😃

[@jarredjackson6537]

@@Sam_AMG why not just drive it

[@VelocitiLife]

This is so cool. I was in school with Arshaad....Greetings from Germany

[@eurospecautosouthafrica3455]

Big UP to Cars.co.za as well as Hannes, Justin,Shaan,Riaan and all else involved.. Was really awesome making this video. You guys were professional and excellent company.. look forward to working with Shanchez Labs and cars.co.za in the near future. Watch this space.🔧🔩📽🎬

[@dirkvandermerwe6027]

1986/87... what a year for BMW

[@8KilgoreTrout4]

This is so beautiful. The Alpina parts are OMG

[@kr8zeivan]

He had the vision to see the potential where others saw junk! That is awesome!

[@michaelmassart2349]

Glorious, feelin' the love. Great to get an impression of the South African car scene 👍 Keep 'em coming! Groeten uit België

[@digalog634]

I can feel that soul through this video....... the BEST ,if I had 2/3 mil I would offer that thanks mate.

[@kegomoditswemolemane3577]

Wow man this car is super interesting.

[@COV61]

A Unicorn in the bmw e30 range.!!!

[@gareth_ross]

The first BMW I brought home was a DCT 135i coupe. My dad shook my hand and told me hes proud of me for buying such a car at such a young age. Got the car to stage 2+. 1 year later it got " taken away " from me. This guy is really lucky to still have this white gold machine

[@Hajis627]

South Africa for the win !!! 🤘🏾

[@cooperwilliams4686]

Best sounding BMW.

[@khensanimashego268]

THANK YOU GRANNY

[@eurospecautosouthafrica3455]

Khensani Mashego may God rest her soul.

[@impowered9864]

You guys intros are getting better every time. I’m loving this❤️

[@rickwajuan9189]

Salute my bru. God bless u keep u safe from the haters. Well done. U the man

[@divianpapiah1]

What a great video. Thanks guys. Beautifully shot and I love the car. Amazing machine

[@ganjabobby]

Guys, your production quality on this one was fucking superb!

[@kadirmohamedfaheem4518]

WHAT A FREAKING LEGEND BRO!!

[@Maeztu1]

Hello! What is the song 4:10??? Thanks!

[@sifisomlangeni8143]

woow!! this looks very solid. its a gorgeous piece of machine.

[@kagisoramoloto5036]

the best e30 ever built! luv this beemer!!

[@JOBEEHUSTLER]

TRIPLE 3.... A CAR WORTH A MILLION RAND....

[@dionkauzuu6093]

My brother had the only black 333i in Namibia. No jokes. That car hit 185 with the 3rd gear l!!!

[@asd36f]

The BMW E30 M3 was never imported into South Africa, so BMW South Africa teamed up with noted tuners Alpina to create a replacement model - the 333i. The 333i started out as a standard E30 325i, but the major improvement was the shoehorning of the M30B32 engine (used in the much larger 533i, 633CSi and 733i models) into the engine bay. Alpina provided the specially-developed inlet and exhaust manifolds and plenum chamber, heavy-duty copper-cored radiator, and various other cast alloy bits, resulting in 194bhp at 5,500 rpm. The engine was such a tight fit that buyers could only have one of two options when buying the car. If they wanted the car with air conditioning, they would have to sacrifice power steering. If they really wanted power steering, they’d have to forego the air conditioner system. A power steering-optioned car has driving lights in the front bumper; an air conditioned-optioned version just has vented grille-type covers. Other changes over the base 325i included a dog-leg close-ratio 5-speed manual gearbox from Getrag, and a limited-slip differential from ZF. Alpina also provided 296mm vented and grooved discs up front. BMW SA’s official performance claim for these cars were 0-100 km/h (0-62mph) in 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 228km/h (142mph). Just 204 333is were sold, with a price of R41,300 (US$2,720) new.

[@keepingitreal5674]

Wow what a beautiful car

[@kylejhbsa]

straight outta lenz!!!

[@with_palo]

kyle lutchmanen bra😁😁😁

[@WethuKhoza]

Tjerrrrrr this is a beautiful beast

[@savilleadams1468]

What a car! Great video editing too

[@antoniogoncalvesb.pereirag8922]

This is the hottest e30 out there , I had a 3.25is but like u commented on ur video nothing can compare to the 3.33i . That’s my dream car 😁

[@timmotsoeneng3422]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@rivashsivanath5257]

100%whats the point Taking her to the party if you can't dance. Love this car. Guy is so humble.

[@ryanmiddleton2431]

Awesome video guys, and beautiful car Arshaad. It’s a pity the 333i is so rare, wish I could get my hands on one ☝️ I have a 325i though that I absolutely love 💕

[@stubbk3]

Nice work man. Passion comes thru

[@alreid5810]

very special car take good care of her good luck

[@vincentmotonya2859]

M so envious of this man what a beautiful machine

[@LarenNiksic]

Beautifull car! An Icon of century!

[@Shakes23100]

Brilliant!!

[@lucienpetrus6906]

awesome man

[@utm4219]

What a beauty!!

[@gordonsmithsa115]

Awesome car,.... enjoy it...

[@africamatji6808]

I just saw one in Pretoria, last week. I feel so lucky 😊

[@sandilemnguni4662]

This is majestic

[@johnypiston]

That classic BMW straight six sound ...deepened by several delicious octaves. Say what they will but these new twin-turbo straight sixes will never sound this good. It will need a lot more than fart sounds between gears shifts to beat this car's sound!

[@paulthomson9709]

Yeh totally agree ,.old cars sound mechanical , new cars.sound fake

[@neokgatla]

Can we have more videos like this?

[@21funstreet20]

gorgeous car!!

[@Eircans]

This car is NEAT.

[@aphiwentuli6502]

Best sounding bmw👏🔥

[@ryansmithza]

Lovely car!

[@Boutit031]

Never clicked so fast. Still luv this matchbox.

[@waynemaluleke2021]

This is the content I signed up for!

[@daunebatho4370]

very very nice my friend, lekke vid as well.

[@musaceletv6596]

Goosebumps

[@shanepadayachee9344]

what a beauty!!!

[@fuaadvalli364]

MashAllah. that was an amazing video. well I get to personally drive in the car so hey good job guys on the video. the car is a making of the a new fast and furious movie. well done Arshad.

[@mandlakazifolose5145]

Awesome 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@mremingtonsteele]

Such a beauty

[@chrisgray9807]

I lived in Johannesburg in the eighties and saw one of these doing the traffic light grand prix! Fast! Only one I've ever seen though!

[@rizwantagari6954]

You one lucky guy

[@warrenmoses7370]

Gusheshe.....😍

[@UpandAbove2000]

Warren Moses KING GUSHESHE HAHA

[@reghardmans2357]

Paw

[@moiggc]

Great production Cars.co.za! Btw, Bernd Pischetsrieder (if I'm not mistaken) was responsible for the 333i.

[@luckyndlovu1232]

Masterpiece!

[@RanuJZR]

great video, amazing car and worthy owner... have fun!

[@eurospecautomotivesampower1231]

Thank you for those kind words. Arshad.. TC

[@seank1171]

I found a rolling chassis, with Alpina parts in the boot....found a pukka 733i, did the conversion myself...I enjoyed my play time with her! Hey Ashraad Nana...did yours have dogleg gearbox? Mine was number 186...there were 202 made...Sean K

[@eurospecautosouthafrica3455]

Sean K .. Yup that's the most speacial part of the 333i was the dogleg box..that give the torque to this beast.. put it into second gear, drop the clutch and guess what.. the wheels smoke up. Unbelievable. They say 210 but who's knows the true no#.

[@seank1171]

We love grandma, right!?!......Do yourself a favor: dice with a 325is...whilst he is trying to find 2nd and 3rd, you will pass him with your loooong legs diff! hehe....Well done Bro - she's a beauty!

[@Keegans08233]

"what's the point of taking her to the party and you can't dance" beautiful car my man 👌

[@surtography]

Somebody has been watching Petrolicious

[@mattnycm3]

Nice video

[@choklat85]

This might be the best accent...in the world!

[@arshaadcreighton5134]

It is a Capetonian accent from South Africa.

[@tashil_b]

@@arshaadcreighton5134 big time jozi accent And you south African?

[@stopspin]

Yes, "Jozi" (Johannesburg), I think it's a foreigner that made that comment. They cant tell the difference between our accents across South Africa.

[@eurospecautomotivesampower1231]

lol.. Thanks Born and bred in Jozi>> was a bit nervous but yeah came out sweet with some excellent edits

[@kresienm9031]

cool car! which is faster between E30 M3 vs 325is mk2 vs 333i in order?

[@tyronmaringa4005]

Pure legend

[@poovaneswaransupramaniam6706]

Amazing car

[@msikwe9667]

That is lovely

[@irv.gi.7882]

I liked the 3.25is that was my dream car in 94

[@bibihubsi]

Cool...thats even better than a M3

[@ANILTV82]

a little bit is never enough