BMW 320
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.
| BMW 320 | |
|---|---|
1938 BMW 320 cabriolet | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | BMW |
| Production | 1937–1938 |
| Assembly | Germany: 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) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1971 cc OHV M78 straight-6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm (108.3 in) |
| Length | 4,500 mm (177.2 in) |
| Width | 1,540 mm (60.6 in) |
| Height | 1,500 mm (59.1 in) |
| Kerb weight | 1,000 kg (2,204.6 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | BMW 329 |
| Successor | BMW 321 |
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.
The 320 was replaced by the BMW 321 in 1938.