BMW 320

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	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
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 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.

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.

The 320 was replaced by the BMW 321 in 1938.