BMW MZANSI EDITION

I was randomly browsing the face-gram sites one day, and noticed an ad from BMWSA introducing a MZANSI edition 3 series. 

I was intrigued to find out more of this Mzansi edition 3’er to see what BMWSA has done to the G20 model to make it uniquely South African.

The word Mzansi is derived from the Xhosa word uMzantsi which means south – referring to South Africa as the Southern most part of Africa.

As South Africans we have a desire to personalize our cars,

We cannot leave them standard.  We have to customize our cars to suit our individual tastes. Sometimes the changes are subtle and other times its done way over the top. Whatever we choose to do to maintain our uniqueness in our cars, be it – a lowering kit, bigger wheels, aero kits and so on and so on……we just cannot leave them standard.

Talk about an Mzansi Beemer and this springs to my mind ………

BMW SA has used this Mzansi term to offer their clients a fully kitted G20 model. Basically fitted with stuff that fanatics would fit anyway after buying a standard model.

In essence what it is - is a standard G20 318i , 320i, or 320d fitted with a whole list of extras :

Copied from BMW SA website :-

THE BMW 3 SERIES MZANSI EDITION COMES STANDARD WITH M SPORT PACKAGE.

The M Sport model gives the vehicle an even sportier touch. In addition to a sharpened appearance in the exterior and interior, the M Sport model guarantees an increase in driving pleasure. The M Sport pack includes:

• Upholstery in Alcantara/Sensatec combination in black with blue stitching
• 19 " M Light Alloy wheels Double Spoke 791 Bicolour
• Sport seats for driver and front passenger
• BMW Individual roof rails high-gloss Shadow Line
• Interior trim finishes in Aluminium Tetragon
• LED fog lights
• M Sport suspension
• Steering wheel M Leather
• Wider front inlets
• BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line
• Anthracite roof lining

Knowing our Mzansi people - A sunroof is a big statement , so BMWSA got that right :)

The Mzansi edition is also just available in a choice of 4 colours 

Available in 4 colours

Portimao Blue Metallic

Mineral Grey Metallic

Black Sapphire Metallic

Pricing starts at around R825K .... 

 A reminder that BMW SA does not build the 3series in SA anymore. The previous model 3'ers were built at Rosslyn but the Pretoria plant now only builds the X3. Their is an X3 Mzansi edition too but that is a bit more plain than the 3series. 

Has BMWSA done enough to satisfy the Mzansi flavour with their new BMW MZANSI 3 SERIES ?  I think they could have done a bit more special - Just like the 330is , the Mzansi is a wasted opportunity from BMWSA. Why do i say this ... cos we know what legends have been built in South Africa before. 

pics courtesy of @RBphotograhy_cpt