1936-1940 BMW 328 – Exterior and Interior – Classic Expo Salzburg 2021
Technical Details:
The BMW 328 is best understood as an exercise in extracting maximum efficiency from established engineering principles. At its core sits a front-mounted inline six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1,971 cc. This unit originated in the BMW 326, but for the 328 it was comprehensively refined. Munich engineers increased output to 80 horsepower at 4,500 rpm through a series of targeted changes rather than a complete redesign. The most important measures included the use of three carburetors instead of two, higher compression, and revised combustion chambers with a semi-hemispherical shape. Overhead camshafts were consciously avoided to keep costs under control, yet performance remained competitive.The drivetrain followed the traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, which suited both spirited road driving and competition use. With a top speed of around 150 km/h, the BMW 328 operated at the upper end of what was achievable for naturally aspirated two-liter sports cars of its time. The relatively moderate maximum engine speed also contributed to mechanical durability, a crucial factor in long-distance racing.
A particularly forward-looking aspect was the braking system. In 1937, hydraulic brakes on all four wheels were still far from standard. BMW referred to this setup as a “four-wheel hydraulic foot brake” and emphasized its superiority over cable-operated systems. According to factory data, the BMW 328 could stop from 30 km/h within five meters, corresponding to a deceleration of 6.94 m/s². The brakes were self-adjusting, and BMW paid close attention to even wear by using rear wheel cylinders with larger diameters. This technical sophistication highlighted the company’s focus on controllability alongside speed.
- Manufacturer: BMW
- Model Name: BMW 328
- Year of Manufacturing: 1936–1940
Design:
Design played a functional rather than decorative role in the BMW 328. With a length of 3.90 meters and a width of 1.55 meters, the car appeared compact and purposeful. Its proportions conveyed lightness and agility, qualities that aligned closely with its sporting mission. Visual cues such as the leather straps across the hood and the central locking mechanisms on the steel disc wheels reinforced the car’s competition-oriented character.The bodywork, made primarily of steel sheet metal, was shaped to minimize excess mass while maintaining structural integrity. Entry into the cabin required some compromise. Rear-hinged doors opened into a narrow space, and the large steering wheel further restricted access. These inconveniences were accepted trade-offs in an era when driver focus and chassis balance took precedence over comfort.
Beyond the standard roadster layout, the BMW 328 became a platform for extensive coachbuilding. Cabriolet versions were created by Ludwig Weinberger and Gläser, while Wendler of Reutlingen produced a coupé with a removable hardtop. Wendler also built streamlined variants based on designs by Freiherr Koenig-Fachsenfeld. These cars were regarded as aerodynamically advanced when new. Later wind tunnel tests conducted in 1978 measured a drag coefficient of 0.44, which could be reduced below 0.40 by narrowing the hood ventilation openings. Most of these special bodies were handcrafted using mixed construction, combining metal panels with wooden frameworks held together by numerous small nails.
Historical Significance:
In historical terms, the BMW 328 arrived at exactly the right moment. Its debut at the 1936 Eifel Race on the Nürburgring immediately established its credentials. Driven by Ernst Jakob Henne, the BMW 328 dominated the class for sports cars up to 2,000 cc without supercharging, achieving an average speed of 101.6 km/h. This success was not incidental; it reflected a clear development focus on motorsport from the outset.The production version was introduced in February 1937 at a price of 7,400 Reichsmark. Built in Eisenach, the BMW 328 represented a shift for BMW toward a dedicated sports car identity. Between 1936 and early 1940, approximately 462 to 464 examples were produced, depending on the source. While numbers were modest, the influence of the car far exceeded its production volume.
The BMW 328 shaped perceptions of German sports cars before the Second World War. It demonstrated that strong performance could be achieved through intelligent engineering rather than forced induction or excessive displacement. After the war, BMW would struggle for years to regain a comparable position in the sports car segment, underlining the lasting importance of the 328 in the brand’s history.
Quirks and Pop Culture:
The competitive success of the BMW 328 generated a wide range of special versions and one-off constructions. Streamlined coupés based on the 328 competed in the Mille Miglia in 1938 and finished first and third overall, a remarkable result against strong international competition. A particularly specialized variant, known as the BMW 328 Mille Miglia, was built exclusively for that race. Featuring a lightweight aluminum aerodynamic body, it reportedly reached a top speed of 220 km/h.For the 1939 24 Hours of Le Mans, BMW commissioned the Italian coachbuilder Touring to build a coupé using its patented Superleggera construction. Thin aluminum panels were welded to a tubular frame, reducing weight but significantly increasing production complexity. The car finished fifth overall and won its class. In 1940, BMW returned to the Mille Miglia with this Touring coupé, a Kamm-tail version, and three roadsters that served as prototypes for a planned post-war model.
From early on, the BMW 328 became a popular foundation for private and factory-led modifications. Builders replaced steel body panels with lighter materials, fitted full aluminum bodies, or installed BMW 328 engines into bespoke racing chassis. This adaptability helped cement its reputation in motorsport culture.
