BMW 320

Last updated
BMW 320
Paris - Bonhams 2016 - BMW 320 cabriolet - 1938 - 001.jpg
1938 BMW 320 cabriolet
Overview
Manufacturer BMW
Production1937–1938
AssemblyGermany: Eisenach
Body and chassis
Class Mid-size car
Body style
Layout Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Related
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 BMW in Germany from 1937 to 1938, as 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 (33 kW). The 320 had a top speed of 65 mph (105 km/h). 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 and a balanced power-to-weight ratio. [1]

The 320 was replaced by the BMW 321 in 1938.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Norbye, Jan P. (1984). BMW - Bavaria's Driving Machines . Skokie, IL: Publications International. p. 47. ISBN   0-517-42464-9 . Retrieved 2024-12-20 via Internet Archive.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "1937 BMW 320 Saloon". Carfolio.com. Archived from the original on 2008-12-23. Retrieved 2024-09-13.
  3. Vaughan, Daniel (January 2017). "1937 BMW 320 Specifications". Conceptcarz.com. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
  4. "BMW 320". bmwdrives.com. Archived from the original on 2019-09-01. Retrieved 2016-12-09.