During the ’80s and most of the ’90s, BMW Group SA was the only subsidiary of the Munich-based brand to produce M cars outside of Germany. The firm also made its presence felt in national modified saloon and production-car racing series.
South Africa is one of the biggest markets for BMW M cars globally, but why? BMW Group SA made a massive investment into local motorsport, fielding large numbers of BMWs in various racing formulae. BMW formed on-track rivalries with other brands and its drivers were never far from the top step.
In the final episode of the 6-part series about the history of BMW in South Africa, Jacob Moshokoa drives an E28 M5 – the OG super sedan – and E36 M3 sedan – models that bookend BMW SA’s local production of M cars, plus he chats with former BMW SA motorsport and product planning manager Paul Weavers about how the brand got involved in local circuit racing, first unofficially, then as a factory team.
Keen on buying the BMW book mentioned in the video? Buy it here!
Order a 1/18 scale model of a BMW from SentiMETAL
Order a A2 or A3 print of a 325iS, 333i, or other unique-to-SA BMWs
Other ‘BMW 50 Years’ series episodes:
The story behind BMW’s iconic TV adverts + BMW SA exports – BMW Group SA Chronicles (Ep 5)
BMW 333i and 325iS – BMW Group SA Chronicles (Ep 4)
The M1-engined 745i – BMW Group SA Chronicles (Ep 3)
How BMW’s SA race cars were born – BMW Group SA Chronicles (Ep 2)
Celebrating 50 years of BMW in SA – BMW Group SA Chronicles (Ep 1)
