BMW 320

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BMW 320
Paris - Bonhams 2016 - BMW 320 cabriolet - 1938 - 001.jpg
1938 BMW 320 cabriolet
Overview
ManufacturerBMW
Production1937–1938
AssemblyGermany: Eisenach
Body and chassis
Class Mid-size car
Body style 2-door saloon
2-door cabriolet
Layout FR layout
Related BMW 315, BMW 329 (suspension)
BMW 326 (engine, chassis) [1]
Powertrain
Engine 1971 cc OHV M78 straight-6
Transmission 4-speed manual [2] [3]
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,750 mm (108.3 in) [2] [1]
Length4,500 mm (177.2 in) [2]
Width1,540 mm (60.6 in) [2]
Height1,500 mm (59.1 in) [2]
Kerb weight 1,000 kg (2,204.6 lb) [2]
Chronology
Predecessor BMW 329
Successor BMW 321

The BMW 320 was a car manufactured by Bayerische Motoren Werke AG also known as BMW in Germany from 1937 to 1938, the successor to the 319-based BMW 329. It was offered in 2 door saloon and convertible versions. Approximately 4,200 cars were made, of which 1,835 were cabriolets. [4]

BMW 320 cabriolet interior Paris - Bonhams 2016 - BMW 320 cabriolet - 1938 - 004.jpg
BMW 320 cabriolet interior

The car was first presented in July 1937. It showed a very similar resemblance to the 329. It was a high performance car with many admirers. The 320 was built on a shortened BMW 326 frame and used a 326 engine with a single carburettor and an output of 45 hp (34 kW). The 320 had a top speed of 65mph. The suspension, which was carried over from the 329, consisted of an independent front suspension with a high-mounted transverse leaf spring acting as upper control arms and a conventional live axle on semi-elliptic springs at the rear. It had a slightly greater displacement 6-cylinder engine. It was available as a two-door sedan or two-door convertible and stayed until 1938. The BMW 320 was smaller, less expensive, and lighter than its predecessor. It offered easy handling, a fine finish, and a good power-to-weight ratio. [1]

The 320 was replaced by the BMW 321 in 1938.

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References

Citations
  1. 1 2 3 Norbye, p.47
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Carfolio.com: 1937 BMW 320 Saloon". Carfolio.com. Carfolio.com. 2008-04-03. Archived from the original on 2008-12-23. Retrieved 2009-01-23.
  3. "Conceptcarz.com 1937 BMW 320 Specifications". Conceptcarz.com. Daniel Vaughan. Retrieved 2009-01-23.
  4. BMW 320, www.bmwdrives.com Archived 2019-09-01 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 9 December 2016
Bibliography