A Valuable Question E30M3, 333i or 325iS

A friend called and asked my advice. He had an opportunity to own/import an E30 M3 into SA, which would cost about the same in ZA Rand vaue as what a 325iS is trading at nowadays.

He asked which would be a better investment between the E30 M3, the 325iS, and the E30 333i.

I thought about it for a while and gave him this answer.

In order to establish which of these iconic yet so different versions of the popular BMW E30 would be a better investment in South Africa, one would have to look at what gives them their actual value.

LETS START WITH THE E30 M3

A total of over 17 thousand of these E30 M3s were produced between 1986 to 1991, but none for the South African market, thus making the E30 M3 which is a dream BMW for many enthusiasts worldwide,  a very scarce product in South Africa.

But this scarcity alone does not make the E30M3 valuable. What makes the E30 M3 special is its success in the touring car world championships.

It has won more than 1400 races – So its value is literally in its track record, its’ ability to battle with other cars and overcome anything that’s its competitors could throw at it.

It is also the most successful touring car ever produced.  Making it very popular amongst legendary car collectors all over the planet.  There are a few very limited versions of the E30M3 like the Ravaglia Edition of which only 25 examples were made, making some even more valuable than others.

The E30M3’s value is cemented in all its trophies, and making history in the automotive world. Let’s not also forget it’s the first ever M3, it kick-started the M3 fever that is still burning today.  

Its the original trend-setter.

The E30 333i

The 333i was thought up by engineers in South Africa who wanted a lighter bodied race car to compete with V8 fords and Chevys in the early 80s. This would be in place of the 745i and E28s 5series’ that were taking part in the Group1 racing series in South Africa.

To enter these races BMW SA had to build more of these 333i cars to sell to the general public, and they ended production at only 210 numbers.

While we were lost in the excitement that the 333i is an exclusively South African car, major car collectors and enthusiasts in Europe, China and other parts of the world were noticing that the 333i is a rare car for the entire world.

It’s not a particular nice car to live with as a daily, but It’s value is purely in the limited number aspect - (like other limited numbered BMW cars and their values eg CSL).

Only 210 of these E30s were made between 1985 to 1987, and now only about 50 or less live on.

Making it a very very special rare car. 

There are German, English and US collectors who would love to get their hands on a 333i.

Remember the value of the 333i is in the numbers – the limited numbers, the matching chassis number, engine numbers, the tiny details that make a 333i etc. All these have to be in line with production papers in order to capitalize on a 333i.

Like the E30M3, many South Africans have never actually seen a 333i.

Whereas plenty have seen the next one.

THE E30 325iS

Talk about a car that is loved by a nation more than it’s president, then the 325iS comes up.

It’s value is in the people. The people that love them, the people that drive them, the people that want them, and the people that made lifetime memories with them. The 325iS is a cultural structure of our South African society.

Many have wonderful memories of a 325iS be it when it was launched, or owning them brand new or remembering them as a kid in school etc. Almost everyone in South Africa can relate to the 325iS. From racing on the track to spinning in the streets to safe-keeping them in mansions next to Porsches and Ferraris – everybody wants one.

And this is where the value is – in the history and the hearts of the South African people.

Overseas the E30 325iS was a normal 2.5litre straight six 2 door plastic bumper with an MTech bodykit, whereas in South Africa, the 325iS was a development between BMWSA and ALPINA Germany to create a 2.7litre dancing queen for the race track. (and also to kinda make up for no E30M3 in SA), but it captured the hearts of everyone that came into contact with one of these cars. 

The world still has to learn more of the 2.7litre 6 cylinder 145/155kw South African E30 325iS, and they were also limited to just over 500units. between 1989 and 1992. 

Each of these cars above have no set value, They are worth whatever somebody that WANTS them will think they are worth.