The BMW 333i was developed by BMW South Africa, BMW Motorsport & Alpina, and was produced between 1985 & 1987. It was created to compete with the Mercedes 190E 2.3-16, and although BMW Germany was developing the M3, BMW SA chose the more traditional six cylinder route to produce its own potent 3-series.
The selected engine came from the 733i, which was chosen due to its free-revving character, and in many ways the 333i is considered to be a smaller version of BMW SA’s 745i, which was powered by the engine from the BMW M1. The design specification was intended to be similar in concept to the Alpina B6, and many Alpina parts were used.
Only 204 examples were made, with most of these being entered for Motorsport competition in South Africa. One vehicle was exported to BMW UK, with another 3 or 4 imported into the UK privately. The car was available in 4 colours; Charcoal Black, Henna Red, Ice White and as this vehicle, Aero Silver.
This car was bought in South Africa, then flown to the UK and transported directly to specialist workshops. Many companies already had experience turbocharging the BMW 3.5 engine, development work was carried out, and the Turbocharger installed.
Although the weight distribution is better than the 323i, the standard bonnet has been replaced with a Kevlar bonnet. This has reduced the front-end weight further, and allows for greater airflow around the engine. The standard M-Technic steering wheel has been replaced by the smaller Alpina wheel. This and the larger sized tyres partially offset the loss of feel caused by the power steering.
Recent improvements have included a new Cosworth 500 water-cooled race-balanced turbo. This is the largest turbo available that has an integrated wastegate, it is also a good match for the engine size. Larger fuel injectors were installed together with a 3-bar map sensor for the management system and twin fuel pumps. The exhaust has been doubled in size and the air intake system has been re-designed. The Intercooler has been doubled in capacity and the pipework has been generally improved. The previous M5 clutch has been replaced by a Sachs racing cera-metallic clutch, the same model was used in the AC Schnitzer 635 racing team.
This car is used regularly, although not as the main car, fuel consumption averages around 18-25mpg, it uses little oil and exhaust emissions are extremely low. Help and information from BMW South Africa has been excellent.
BMW 333i Performance Comparison
. | Standard | Turbocharged | New AVA Turbo
| Maximum Power (at the wheels) | 197 bhp/5500rpm | 319 bhp/4363rpm | 450 bhp/5000rpm
| Maximum Torque | 214 lb/ft/4300rpm | 430 lb/ft/3500rpm | 520 lb/ft/3000rpm
| BHP per ton | 161 bhp/ton | 261 bhp/ton | 369 bhp/ton
| Turbo Boost Pressure used | - | 14 lbs | 20 lbs
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BMW 333i Turbo Specifications
Manufactured by BMW South Africa in 1986. Car No 51 of 204.
| Displacement | 3210cc
| Engine Modifications | Lightened, balanced & fully blueprinted engine, Mahle pistons, Carello con rods, Nitriden crankshaft. Cylinder Head gas flowed & ported, Cosworth 500 water-cooled race-balanced turbo charger with 360° thrust bearing & modified wastegate, Intercooler. Redesigned & ported exhaust manifold & twin 2½" exhaust system. Upgraded fuel injectors
| Maximum output | 450bhp
| Compression Ratio | 6.8:1
| Engine Management System | Zytek, with 3-bar map sensor. Programmable
| Gearbox | M5 Getrag Sport
| Clutch | Sachs racing (6-series)
| Final Drive | ZF Disc - Limited Slip - 25% Locking
| Suspension | Alpina/Bilstein
| Brakes | Hydraulic pump ABS | Front dual Ventilated & Grooved 11.7" Alpina Discs with Alpina pads. Rear modified 323i Discs with Alpina pads Rims | Alpina Light Alloy 7J x 16
| Tyres | Front & Rear: Yokohama AVS-1 205x50x16 ZR
| Bodywork | Original M-Technic
| Other Modifications | Hartge kevlar vented bonnet, Air box,
Air conditioning
| Oil supplied courtesy of Castrol UK
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Last updated 7 February 1998