BMW 303

BMW 303 is a compact executive car produced by BMW from 1933 to 1934, designed by Fritz Fiedler and Ernst Loof. The BMW 303 was the first BMW model to feature a straight-six engine, which was designed by Rudolf Schleicher and produced in collaboration with ZF Friedrichshafen. This engine was also used in the BMW 309 and BMW 315 models, and was later replaced by the BMW M328 engine used in the BMW 328 model. The BMW 303 was manufactured at the Eisenach plant, which was also used to produce the BMW 309 and BMW 315 models, and was designed to compete with the Mercedes-Benz 170 and Opel Olympia models.

● Introduction

The BMW 303 was introduced at the Berlin Motor Show in 1933, and was designed to be a more affordable alternative to the Mercedes-Benz 380 and Horch 830. The BMW 303 was available in a range of body styles, including sedan, Cabriolet, and touring car, and was designed to appeal to a wide range of customers, including Adolf Hitler, who was known to have owned a Mercedes-Benz 770. The BMW 303 was also used by the German Army during World War II, and was later replaced by the Volkswagen Kübelwagen and Volkswagen Schwimmwagen models. The BMW 303 was also exported to several countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and Italy, where it was sold through BMW dealerships and competed with the Alfa Romeo 6C and Lancia Augusta models.

● Design and Development

The BMW 303 was designed by Fritz Fiedler and Ernst Loof, who were also responsible for designing the BMW 309 and BMW 315 models. The BMW 303 featured a straight-six engine designed by Rudolf Schleicher, which produced 34 horsepower and was capable of reaching a top speed of 115 km/h. The BMW 303 also featured a 4-speed manual transmission and a rear-wheel drive layout, which was similar to the Mercedes-Benz 170 and Opel Olympia models. The BMW 303 was also designed to be more fuel-efficient than the Mercedes-Benz 380 and Horch 830 models, with a fuel economy of up to 12 km/l. The BMW 303 was tested by several automotive journalists, including Bernd Rosemeyer and Rudolf Caracciola, who praised its handling and performance.

● Technical Specifications

The BMW 303 featured a range of technical specifications, including a straight-six engine with a displacement of 1173 cc, which produced 34 horsepower at 4000 rpm. The BMW 303 also featured a 4-speed manual transmission and a rear-wheel drive layout, which was similar to the Mercedes-Benz 170 and Opel Olympia models. The BMW 303 had a top speed of 115 km/h and could accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 24 seconds, which was comparable to the Alfa Romeo 6C and Lancia Augusta models. The BMW 303 also featured a range of safety features, including a drum brake system and a chassis designed to absorb impacts. The BMW 303 was also equipped with a range of amenities, including a radio and a heater, which were designed to provide comfort and convenience for drivers and passengers.

● Production and Sales

The BMW 303 was produced from 1933 to 1934, with a total of 2300 units manufactured at the Eisenach plant. The BMW 303 was sold through BMW dealerships in several countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and Italy, where it competed with the Mercedes-Benz 170 and Opel Olympia models. The BMW 303 was priced at around 3500 Reichsmark, which was comparable to the Alfa Romeo 6C and Lancia Augusta models. The BMW 303 was also exported to several countries, including the Soviet Union, where it was used by the Red Army during World War II. The BMW 303 was later replaced by the BMW 309 and BMW 315 models, which featured more powerful engines and improved handling.

● Legacy and Impact

The BMW 303 had a significant impact on the development of the BMW brand, and is considered to be one of the most important models in the company's history. The BMW 303 was the first BMW model to feature a straight-six engine, which became a hallmark of the brand and was used in several subsequent models, including the BMW 328 and BMW 335. The BMW 303 also influenced the design of several other BMW models, including the BMW 309 and BMW 315, which featured similar body styles and technical specifications. The BMW 303 is now highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, and is considered to be a rare and valuable classic car, with several examples on display at the BMW Museum in Munich and the Deutsches Museum in Berlin. The BMW 303 has also been featured in several films and television shows, including The Great Escape and Hogan's Heroes, and has been driven by several famous owners, including Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss.