BMW Group South Africa has taken the wraps off its freshly restored 325iS (often referred to as the “Gusheshe”), giving the special SA-only version of the E30-generation 3 Series a new lease on life.
BMW SA’s press vehicle technicians restored the classic, after doing to same with the 333i and M1 in 2016.
The 325iS was introduced in the late 1980s, and was essentially a local upgrade of the 325i (since South Africa did not get the very first M3 of the time). Powered by a naturally aspirated 2,7-litre fettled by the folks over at Alpina, the Gusheshe was initially offered with 145 kW and then later with 155 kW (peak torque output was 265 N.m in each model).
The 325iS famously battled Opel’s GSI 16V “Superboss” at racetracks all over South Africa in what was then known as Stannic Group N racing (for production cars). Tony Viana, Deon Joubert, Robbie Smith and the like wrestled these rear-wheel-drive machines to many victories over the years.
BMW SA’s heritage car collection now includes the aforementioned M1, 325iS and 333i, along with the BMW 750Li Individual by Esther Mahlangu, the last 3 Series (in 340i spec) ever produced by Plant Rosslyn and the first X3 (in xDrive30d guise) to have rolled off the local production line.
Check out the restored 325iS in the gallery above…
