View source for 325iS South African Model

The 325iS was a sports model built exclusively for the South African market. It combined [[M3]] running gear with a 2.7-litre engine from [[Alpina]].
[[Image:325iS.jpg|right|300px]]
=History=

When it became clear that South Africa would not be getting the [[M3]], the 325iS was created. Initially this was the same concept as the [[325i_Sport|325i Sport]] available in other markets; merely a [[325i]] 2-door fitted with a [[Body_Kits|body kit]] and a close-ratio gearbox (improving acceleration at the expense of top speed and economy). This model was available in 1989.

However, consumers quickly demanded more performance, and in 1990 the [[325iS_South_African_Model#EVO_I|EVO I]] was released. This model was a radical redesign of the car, featuring aluminium body panels, brakes and suspension from the M3, and a larger 2.7l engine sourced from [[Alpina]], capable of 197hp. A limited number were produced to allow for homologation into saloon car racing.

In 1991, a further update saw the release of the [[325iS_South_African_Model#EVO_II|EVO II]]. While some of the body panels reverted back to steel, the engine saw even more performance with the addition of parts from the [[E28]] 535i, pushing power up to 210hp.

Unlike the [[333i]] where the options were [[Lights#Foglights|fog lights]] or [[Aircon|Air Conditioning]] , all 325is's were fitted with both. All cars were fitted with BBS X Spoke [[Wheels|wheels]].

=EVO I=

First released in March 1990, the EVO I came fitted with front suspension and rear brakes from the E30 M3. The engine was the same [[M20]]B27 unit used in the Alpina C2 2.7, mated to a dog-leg close-ratio gearbox and [[Limited_Slip_Differential|LSD]]. Its [[Bonnet|bonnet]], [[Front_Wings|wings]], [[Boot_Lid|boot lid]] and [[Doors|doors]] were all made from aluminium to reduce weight. The glass was a special tinted type made by  Sundym. 

For the [[Interior|interior]], the standard sport package was used featuring black [[Interior#Carpet|carpet]], [[Seats#Sports_Seats|sports seats]] in [[Upholstery|Anthracite upholstery]], and a sports [[Steering_Wheels#BMW_Wheels|steering wheel]]. All models came with [[OBC]], [[Aircon]], [[Cruise_Control|cruise control]]. Paint was available in the typical [[Paint_Colour_Codes#E30_M3.2FMotorsport.2FCecotto_Only_Paint_Colour_Codes|M3 colours]].

=EVO II=

In March 1991 the first batch of EVO IIs was released. Fitted with all the same goodies as the EVO I, this model was beefed up to 155 kW (210 hp) by using the [[Intake#AFM|AFM]] and [[Intake#Throttle_Body|throttle body]] from a 535i. This allowed for a 0-62 mph time of just 7.5sec. Engines were still Alpina-derived units, but were built by BMW S.A who used selected heads from Alpina direct as well as using Alpina pistons. The EVO II also has a slightly longer duration cam shaft, which means at idle it was possible to hear the difference between and EVO I and EVO II. The model also benefitted from Alpina [[Anti-Roll_Bar|anti-roll bars]], while the doors reverted back to steel construction.

Externally, the EVO II is distinguished from the EVO I by 3 features:

All EVO II's had a underbody splitter. This looks like a small black lip along the front spolier, but it was not cosmetic and ran from the front spoiler too the wheels, to help smooth the airflow under the body.

The second enhancement was a slighlty lower set of springs, even though all 325iS EVO I and II used Bilstein dampers. The EVO II was a full 10mm lower then an EVO I. 

The third feature was the addition of rear headrests, while the very last models were also fitted with [[Sunroof|sunroofs]].

There is believed to be only one EVO II model in the UK.

[[Category: E30 Range]]
[[Category: non-UK E30s]]
[[Category: South African Market E30s]]