BMW 309 1934–1936
| BMW 309 | |
|---|---|
1934 BMW 309
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | BMW |
| Production | 1934–1936 |
| Assembly | Eisenach, Thuringia, Germany |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Small family car |
| Body style | 2-door saloon, 2-door cabriolet, 2-door tourer |
| Layout | FMR layout |
| Platform | BMW 303 |
| Related | BMW 303, BMW 315, BMW 319 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | OHV I4 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm (94.5 in) |
| Length | 153.5 in (3,899 mm) |
| Kerb weight | 1,654 lb (750 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | BMW 3/20 |
| Successor | BMW 600 |
The BMW 309 was a development of the 303. A replacement for the 3/20, the 309 was a 303 with a four-cylinder engine developed from the M78 six-cylinder engine used in the 303. The 309's engine had the bore increased from 56 mm (2.2 in) to 58 mm (2.3 in) which, with a stroke of 80 mm (3.1 in), gave a capacity of 845 cc (51.6 cu in) and maximum power of 22 PS (16 kW; 22 hp) at 4000 rpm.
In addition to the body styles offered with the 303, the 309 was also available as a tourer.
With the same body as the 303, the 309 offered the same amount of room at a lower cost and a lower tax rating based on its smaller engine. The 309 was manufactured from 1934 to 1936, with a total of 6,000 made.
Six-cylinder successors: 315, 319, and 329
The 315 replaced the 303 in 1934. The 315 differed from the 303 mainly with its larger engine, with increases in both the bore, to 58 mm (2.3 in) from 56 mm (2.2 in), and the stroke, to 94 mm (3.7 in) from 80 mm (3.1 in).
The 319 were introduced in 1935. Produced alongside the 315, the 319 differed from it mainly by its new, larger engine had a bore of 65 mm (2.6 in), and a stroke of 96 mm (3.8 in), resulting in a displacement of 1,911 cc (116.6 cu in). This resulted in an increase in power to 45 bhp (33.6 kW) at 3750 rpm. The kerb weight of the 319 was 850 kg (1,874 lb), and the fuel capacity was 40 L (11 US gal; 9 imp gal).
Upon the introduction of the BMW 326 in 1936, the 315 and 319 were no longer BMW's largest cars.
The 315 and 319 were discontinued in 1937. A total of 9,765 BMW 315s were built, including two-door saloon cars, touring cars, convertibles, sport convertibles, and 315/1 roadsters. A total of 6,646 BMW 319s of all types were built by the end of production in 1937.
The 329 replaced the 319 in early 1937. The 329 was basically a 319 with the front bodywork and fenders from the BMW 326. The 329 was available only as a convertible, with either two or four doors. The 329 was replaced by the 326-based BMW 320 later in 1937.
| BMW 303-based cars | ||||||
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