![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/45/Paris_-_Bonhams_2016_-_BMW_320_cabriolet_-_1938_-_001.jpg/640px-Paris_-_Bonhams_2016_-_BMW_320_cabriolet_-_1938_-_001.jpg&w=640&q=50)
BMW 320
Motor vehicle / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fb/Paris_-_Bonhams_2016_-_BMW_320_cabriolet_-_1938_-_004.jpg/640px-Paris_-_Bonhams_2016_-_BMW_320_cabriolet_-_1938_-_004.jpg)
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)[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] |
Length | 4,500 mm (177.2 in)[2] |
Width | 1,540 mm (60.6 in)[2] |
Height | 1,500 mm (59.1 in)[2] |
Kerb weight | 1,000 kg (2,204.6 lb)[2] |
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.[1]
The 320 was replaced by the BMW 321 in 1938.