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BMW 328

WorldBrand briefing

AI supplement

Original synthesis to sit alongside the encyclopedia article below. Not part of Wikipedia; verify facts on Wikipedia when precision matters.

The BMW 328 is a notable automotive nameplate with two distinct eras: originally a legendary sports car manufactured by BMW from 1936 to 1940, celebrated for its lightweight design and racing dominance; later, it was reused as a high-performance trim level for the modern BMW 3 Series in global markets.

Key moments

  • 1936Debut at the Nürburgring Eifelrennen race, where driver Ernst Henne won the 2.0-liter class
  • 1937Achieved over 100 class victories in international motorsports during its first full production year, including the RAC Tourist Trophy and Austrian Alpenfahrt
  • 1936-1940Production of the classic sports car model, equipped with an 80-horsepower inline-six engine and weighing under 800kg, reaching a top speed of 155 km/h
  • 2010s-presentReintroduced as a high-performance trim for the BMW 3 Series, such as the 2.0L turbocharged variant with 180kW power and 8-speed automatic transmission in the Chinese market

Pivotal Role in Shaping BMW's Sporty Identity

The 1936-1940 BMW 328 was a foundational model that established BMW's reputation for driver-centric performance. Its innovative lightweight construction and efficient inline-six engine proved that agility and engineering finesse could outperform more powerful competitors on the racetrack. With 141 wins in 172 races, it laid the groundwork for BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos and its long-standing legacy of inline-six engine excellence.

Nostalgic Branding Linking Past and Present

Reusing the '328' designation for modern 3 Series trims is a strategic branding move that connects contemporary BMW models to the brand's historic racing success. This association leverages customer nostalgia for the classic sports car, enhancing the appeal of sport-focused trims by tying them to a legendary predecessor. The modern 328 retains the brand's performance focus, delivering balanced power and handling that honors the original model's driving dynamics.

Timeless Engineering Principles

The classic 328's emphasis on lightweight design over raw horsepower was ahead of its time. This principle remains critical in modern automotive engineering, especially as the industry shifts toward electric vehicles where weight directly impacts range and efficiency. BMW's early investment in lightweight innovation with the 328 demonstrates a consistent commitment to engineering efficiency that continues to drive its product development today.

The BMW 328 was a sports car produced by BMW from 1936 to 1940. Its body design is credited to Peter Szymanowski, who became BMW chief of design after World War II (although technically the car was designed by Fritz Fiedler).

Specifications

Awards

In 1999 the BMW 328 was named one of 25 finalists for Car of the Century by a worldwide panel of automotive journalists.

Motorsports

The 328 was introduced at the Eifelrennen race at the Nürburgring in 1936, where Ernst Henne drove it to victory in the 2.0-litre class.[1][4] The 328 had more than 100 class wins in 1937, including the RAC Tourist Trophy, the Österreichische Alpenfahrt, and the La Turbie hillclimb.[5] In 1938, the 328 won its class at the RAC Tourist Trophy,[6] the Alpine Rally, and the Mille Miglia.[5]

The 328 won the RAC Rally in 1939[7] and came in fifth overall and first in class in the 1939 24 Hours of Le Mans.[6][8]

Frank Pratt won the 1948 Australian Grand Prix driving a 328.

Mille Miglia

In 1938, BMW 328 became a class winner in Mille Miglia.[5]

In 1940, the Mille Miglia Touring Coupé won the Mille Miglia[6][9] with an average speed of 166.7 km/h.

In 2004, the BMW 328 Mille Miglia Touring Coupé became the first car to win both the Mille Miglia (1940) and the modern-day classical version of the race.[10]

Production

After the Second World War, the manufacturing plant in Eisenach where the 328 had been built found itself in the Soviet occupation zone, and automobile manufacturing in Eisenach would follow a state-directed path until German Reunification in 1989.

Influence on Bristol

One of the Mille Miglia 328s (disguised as a Frazer Nash) and BMW's technical plans for the car were taken from the bombed BMW factory by English representatives from the Bristol Aeroplane Company and Frazer Nash companies. Fiedler, the BMW engineer, was persuaded to come, too. Bristol Cars was set up to build complete cars, called Bristols, and would also supply engines to Frazer Nash for all their post-war cars. The first Bristol car, the 400, was heavily based on the BMW plans. This Bristol engine was also an option in AC cars, before the V8-engined Cobra.

Gallery

External links

References

  1. Norbye, p.47^
  2. BMW 328 - The Legendary Roadster Bmwccn.no, retrieved 2010-11-20^
  3. Norbye, p.48^
  4. Noakes, p. 31^
  5. Norbye, pp. 66–67^
  6. Noakes, p. 35^
  7. 1939 Miscellaneous Rallies retrieved 2018-03-24^
  8. Norbye, p. 67^
  9. Norbye, p. 68^
  10. Tom Evans. Revealed:new BMW Mille Miglia! Cars.uk.msn.com, retrieved 2010-11-20^