Welcome back to Carshistory1, your ultimate guide to the evolution of the world's most iconic cars. In our previous posts, we explored the innovative BMW 303 and the economical BMW 309. Today, we step into April 1934 to witness a true performance milestone in German automotive history: the introduction of the BMW 315.
Engineering a Milestone: Breaking the 100 km/h Barrier
The BMW 315 was introduced as the direct successor to the groundbreaking BMW 303 (the company's first six-cylinder automobile). BMW's engineering team made a smart decision: they retained the excellent lightweight chassis, the proven engineering principles, and the elegant bodywork of the 303. The real magic, however, happened under the hood.
The engine received a significant upgrade. By increasing both the bore and the stroke of the inline-six engine, engineers successfully raised the power output to 34 horsepower. While that number might sound small today, in 1934, it was enough to make history. The BMW 315 became the very first BMW automobile to break through the then-magical speed barrier of 100 km/h (62 mph).
Production and Custom Coachwork
The BMW 315 enjoyed a highly successful production run from April 1934 until June 1937. During this period, BMW manufactured over 9,700 vehicles. Interestingly, this number included 837 bare chassis that were sold directly to independent coachbuilders to accommodate special, custom-made bodies for wealthy clients.
A Wide Array of Body Styles
To cater to a growing and diverse customer base, the BMW 315 was offered in a stunning variety of body styles. Let's explore the lineup that made this model a massive success:
1. BMW 315 Sedan
The classic closed-body sedan provided a perfect balance of the newly found 34-hp performance, everyday practicality, and comfort.
2. BMW 315 Convertible 4-Seater
A luxurious option for families or groups who wanted to enjoy the thrill of open-air driving combined with six-cylinder smoothness.
3. BMW 315 Touring Car
Designed for endurance and comfort, the touring car was the ideal companion for long-distance road trips across 1930s Europe.
4. BMW 315 Convertible Sedan
Featuring a roll-back roof, this model offered the structural safety of a sedan with the breezy benefits of a convertible.
The Legend: BMW 315/1 Sports Car
We cannot talk about the 315 series without highlighting the breathtaking BMW 315/1. This was a dedicated sports car variant that featured a stunning, aerodynamic roadster body. It wasn't just beautiful; it was a serious performer in early motorsports and laid the foundation for BMW's legendary roadster lineage (like the famous 328 that followed).
5. BMW 315 Convertible 2-Seater (Sports Convertible)
A sporty, elegant two-seater that offered a more relaxed driving experience compared to the hardcore 315/1 roadster.
6. BMW 315 Convertible 2-Seater (Drauz Convertible)
This specific version featured custom coachwork by the renowned German coachbuilder Drauz, adding an extra layer of exclusivity and bespoke craftsmanship.
Quick Specs Overview:
- Production Years: April 1934 – June 1937
- Total Units Produced: > 9,700 vehicles
- Engine: Upgraded Inline Six-Cylinder
- Power Output: 34 hp
- Top Speed: First BMW to exceed 100 km/h (62 mph)
- Predecessor: BMW 303
The BMW 315 proved that BMW was no longer just making cars; they were making performance machines. The breaking of the 100 km/h barrier and the introduction of the 315/1 sports car cemented their reputation in the automotive world. Keep following Carshistory1 as we continue to shift gears through history!
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