{{Redirect|BMW 315|the 1981–1983 BMW 315|BMW 3 Series (E21)}} {{Infobox automobile | name = BMW 303 | image = BMW 303 1933 bicolor vr TCE.jpg | caption = 1933 BMW 303 | manufacturer = BMW | production = '''303:''' 1933–1934<br />'''315:''' 1934–1937<br />'''319:''' 1935–1936<br />'''329:''' 1937<ref name=Norbye250 /> | assembly = Germany: Thuringia, Eisenach | successor = ''BMW 315'' (model)<br/> BMW 320 (series) | class = Small family car | body_style = '''303, 315, 319:''' 2-door saloon, 2-door cabriolet<br />'''329:''' 2-door or 4-door cabriolet | layout = FMR layout | platform = BMW 303 | engine = BMW M78 OHV I6<br />'''303:''' {{cvt|1173|cc|cuin|1}}, {{cvt|22.5|kW|PS hp|0}} at 4000 rpm<ref name=Norbye34 /><br />'''315:''' {{convert|1490|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}}, {{cvt|25|kW|PS hp|0}} at 4000 rpm<ref name="Carfolio315" /><br />'''319, 329:''' {{cvt|1911|cc|cuin|1}}, {{cvt|34|kW|1}} at 3750 rpm<ref name=Norbye44 /> | transmission = 4-speed manual, synchromesh on 3rd and 4th<ref name=Norbye35 /> | wheelbase = {{cvt|2400|mm|in|1}}<ref name="Carfolio315" /><ref name=AutoMotoruSport197406 /> | length = {{cvt|3900|mm|in|1}}<ref name="Carfolio315" /><ref name=Norbye36 /> | width = {{cvt|1440|mm|in|1}}<ref name="Carfolio315" /> | height = {{cvt|1550|mm|in|1}}<ref name="Carfolio315" /> | weight = {{cvt|1808|lb|kg|0}}<ref name=Norbye36 /> | related = BMW 309,<br /> BMW 315/1,<br /> BMW 319/1,<br />BMW 328 | designer = | sp = uk }}
The '''BMW 303''' was a small family saloon produced by BMW in 1933 and 1934. It was the first BMW motor car with a six-cylinder engine and the first BMW motor car with the "kidney grille" associated with the brand. The platform developed for the 303 was used for several other BMW cars, including the '''BMW 309''', a four-cylinder version of the 303, the '''BMW 315''', a 1.5-litre version of the 303 which replaced it in 1934 and was built until 1937, the '''BMW 319''', a 1.9-litre version of the 303 produced alongside the 315 from 1935 to 1937, and the '''BMW 329''', a development of the 319 with styling based on the newer, larger BMW 326, that briefly replaced the 319 in 1937.
The 303 platform was also used for the '''BMW 315/1''' and '''BMW 319/1'''. These were high-performance versions of the 315 and 319 respectively, with tuned engines and lightweight roadster bodywork. The 315/1 and 319/1 were replaced by the BMW 328 in 1936.
==Design, engineering, and styling== ===Chassis and suspension=== left|thumb|BMW 303 2-door saloon rear left|thumb|BMW 303 2-door cabriolet Upon its introduction in 1933, the 303 was the largest car BMW had made.<ref name=Norbye36 /> The wheelbase of the 303 was {{cvt|2400|mm|in|1}},<ref name=AutoMotoruSport197406 /><ref name=Noakes24 /> an increase of {{cvt|300|mm|in|1|}} over the 3/20. The track, {{cvt|1150|mm|in|1}} at the front and {{cvt|1220|mm|in|1}} at the rear, was also wider than the 3/20's {{cvt|1100|mm|in|1}} front and rear. Unlike the 3/20's backbone chassis,<ref name=Noakes24 /> the 303 had a ladder frame made from tubular side members and box-section cross members.<ref name=Norbye36 />
The independent front suspension used a transverse mounted leaf spring mounted above the wheel centre line. The hubs were located with the spring mounts at the top and control arms at the bottom.<ref name=Norbye36 /> The rear suspension used a live axle on semi-elliptic leaf springs,<ref name=Norbye36 /> a conventional system neither as advanced nor as troublesome as the 3/20's swing axles.<ref name=Noakes25 />
The 303 was the first German car in its size and price class to have automatic "one-shot" chassis lubrication. Each wheel had a drum brake; all four were operated through the pedal using rods and levers, while the rear brakes were also operated by cables from the handbrake lever.<ref name=Norbye37 />
===Engine=== {{Main|BMW M78}} The 303 was the first BMW car to use a straight-6 engine. The M78 1182 cc six-cylinder engine was developed from the four-cylinder engine used in the 3/20. The engine had the same bore and stroke as the four, but the bore spacing was increased to allow for further increases in bore and to provide for crankshaft bearings between the ends of the crankshaft. The crankshaft ran in four plain bearings.<ref name=Norbye34 />
===Styling=== The 303 was the first BMW to use the 'kidney grill',<ref name=Norbye36 /> which has since become a defining feature of the company's models.<ref name=Norbye36 /><ref name=Noakes25 />
Two-door saloon and cabriolet bodies were manufactured, at first by Daimler-Benz's coachworks in Sindelfingen, and later by Ambi-Budd in Berlin. Ambi-Budd would also offer a two-seat sports cabriolet for the 303.<ref name=Norbye36 />
==Reception== At the time it was being made, the 303 was the least expensive six-cylinder car in Germany. However, it was considered underpowered, with a top speed of {{cvt|90|km/h}}. The combination of soft spring rates at the front and hard spring rates at the rear caused understeer, body roll, and a generally unsettling pitching movement.<ref name=Norbye37 /> 2300 BMW 303s were produced up to 1934,<ref name=Norbye249 /> when the 303 was replaced by the 315.<ref name=Norbye39 /> {{Clear}}
==Models developed from the 303== ===309=== {{Infobox automobile | name = BMW 309 | image = BMW 309 1934.JPG | caption = 1934 BMW 309 | manufacturer = BMW | production = 1934–1936 | assembly = Germany: Thuringia, Eisenach | predecessor = BMW 3/20 | successor = BMW 600 | class = Small family car | body_style = 2-door saloon, 2-door cabriolet, 2-door tourer | layout = FMR layout | platform = BMW 303 | engine = OHV I4 | transmission = | wheelbase = {{cvt|2400|mm|in|1}}<ref name=AutoMotoruSport197406 /> | length = {{cvt|153.5|in|mm|0}}<ref name=Norbye36 /> | width = | height = | weight = {{cvt|1654|lb|kg|0}}<ref name=Norbye38 /> | related = BMW 303, BMW 315, BMW 319 | designer = | sp = uk }}
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 {{cvt|56|mm|in|1}} to {{cvt|58|mm|in|1}} which, with a stroke of {{cvt|80|mm|in|1}}, gave a capacity of {{cvt|845|cc|cuin|1}} and maximum power of {{cvt|16.5|kW|PS hp|0}} at 4000 rpm.<ref name=Norbye38 />
In addition to the body styles offered with the 303, the 309 was also available as a tourer.<ref name=Norbye38 />
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.<ref name=Noakes26 /> The 309 was manufactured from 1934 to 1936, with a total of 6,000 made.<ref name=Norbye250 />
===Six-cylinder successors: 315, 319, and 329=== thumb|left|BMW 315 The 315 replaced the 303 in 1934.<ref name=Norbye250 /> The 315 differed from the 303 mainly with its larger engine, with increases in both the bore, to {{cvt|58|mm|in|1}} from {{cvt|56|mm|in|1}}, and the stroke, to {{cvt|94|mm|in|1}} from {{cvt|80|mm|in|1}}.<ref name=Norbye34 /><ref name=Norbye39 />
The 319 were introduced in 1935. Produced alongside the 315, the 319 differed from it mainly by its new, larger engine with a bore of {{cvt|65|mm|in|1}}, and a stroke of {{cvt|96|mm|in|1}}, resulting in a displacement of {{cvt|1911|cc|cuin|1}}. This resulted in an increase in power to {{cvt|34|kW|hp|1}} at 3750 rpm.<ref name=Norbye44 /> The kerb weight of the 319 was {{cvt|850|kg|lb|0}}, and the fuel capacity was {{convert|40|L|USgal impgal|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Carfolio319" />
Upon the introduction of the BMW 326 in 1936, the 315 and 319 were no longer BMW's largest cars.<ref name=Noakes28 />
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.<ref name=Norbye250 />
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.<ref name=Norbye47 />
{{Gallery |title=BMW 303-based cars |width=160 |height=170 |align=left |File:BMW 315 1936 white vr TCE.jpg|BMW 315 |File:BMW 319 Convertible.jpg|BMW 319 convertible |File:1937 bmw 329 cabriolet 03.09.2011 cloppenburg 445 (cropped).jpg|BMW 329 }} {{Clear left}} {{Clear}}
===315/1 and 319/1 roadsters=== {{Infobox automobile | name = BMW 315/1, BMW 319/1 | image = BMW 315.JPG | caption = BMW 315/1 roadster | manufacturer = BMW | aka = | model_years = | production = '''315/1:''' 1934–1937<br />'''319/1:''' 1935–1937<ref name=Norbye250 /> | assembly = Germany: Eisenach | predecessor = BMW Wartburg | successor = BMW 328 | class = Sports car | body_style = roadster | layout = FR layout | platform = | engine = BMW M78 OHV I6<br />'''315/1:''' {{cvt|1490|cc|cuin|1}}, {{cvt|30|kW|PS hp}} at 4300 rpm<ref name="Carfolio315_1" /><br />'''319/1:''' {{cvt|41|kW|hp|1}} at 4000 rpm<ref name=Norbye44 /> | transmission = 4-speed manual<ref name="bmwccn.no_315_1" /> | wheelbase = {{cvt|2400|mm|in|1}}<ref name="Carfolio315_1" /> | length = {{cvt|3800|mm|in|1}}<ref name="Carfolio315_1" /> | width = {{cvt|1440|mm|in|1}}<ref name="Carfolio315_1" /> | height = {{cvt|1350|mm|in|1}}<ref name="Carfolio315_1" /> | weight = {{cvt|750|kg|lb|0}}<ref name="Carfolio315_1" /> | related = BMW 319/1<br />BMW 328 | designer = Peter Szymanowski<ref name=Norbye40 /> | sp = uk }}
The BMW 315/1 was a sports car based on the 315 saloon. It used the same chassis as the 315 saloon and had an engine of the same displacement. However, with compression ratio increased to 6.8:1<ref name="Carfolio315_1" /><ref name=Norbye40 /> from 5.6:1 in the saloon,<ref name=Norbye34 /><ref name="Carfolio315" /> and with the use of three Solex carburetors,<ref name="Carfolio315_1" /><ref name=Norbye40 /> power increased to {{cvt|30|kW|PS hp}} at 4300 rpm, while the roadster bodywork reduced kerb weight to {{cvt|750|kg|lb|0}}.<ref name="Carfolio315_1" />
The BMW 319/1 was a 1.9-litre version of the 315/1 introduced alongside the 319 in 1935. The dimensions of the 319's engine with the performance modification of the 315/1's engine resulted in {{cvt|41|kW|hp|1}} at 4000 rpm in the 319/1 roadster.<ref name=Norbye44 />
Production of the 315/1 and 319/1 roadsters ended in 1936, with 242 of the 315/1 roadsters and 102 of the 319/1s built.<ref name="bmwccn.no_315_1" /> The 315/1 and 319/1 were replaced by the BMW 328,<ref name=Norbye47 /> which was based on an all-new tubular steel ladder frame, but used the steering gear and suspension of the 319/1.<ref name=Norbye48 />
{{Gallery |title=BMW 315/1 and 319/1 |width=160 |height=170 |align=left |File:Frazer Nash BMW 315.1.jpg|1935 Frazer Nash BMW 315/1 for the UK market |File:2007-06-16 BMW 315-1 (02).jpg|1935 BMW 315/1 sports roadster }} {{Clear left}} {{Clear}}
==References== {{commons category|BMW 303}}
;Citations {{reflist|30em|refs= <ref name=AutoMotoruSport197406>Auto Motor und Sport, No. 6/1974, pp. 102-108</ref>
<ref name=Noakes24>Noakes, p. 24</ref> <ref name=Noakes25>Noakes, p. 25</ref> <ref name=Noakes26>Noakes, p. 26</ref> <ref name=Noakes28>Noakes, p. 28</ref>
<ref name=Norbye34>Norbye, p. 34</ref> <ref name=Norbye35>Norbye, p. 35</ref> <ref name=Norbye36>Norbye, p. 36</ref> <ref name=Norbye37>Norbye, p. 37</ref> <ref name=Norbye38>Norbye, p. 38</ref> <ref name=Norbye39>Norbye, p. 39</ref> <ref name=Norbye40>Norbye, p. 40</ref> <ref name=Norbye44>Norbye, p. 44</ref> <ref name=Norbye47>Norbye, p. 47</ref> <ref name=Norbye48>Norbye, p. 48</ref> <ref name=Norbye249>Norbye, p. 249</ref> <ref name=Norbye250>Norbye, p. 250</ref>
<ref name="bmwccn.no_315_1">BMW 3/15 PS, 315/1 and 319/1</ref>
<ref name="Carfolio315">Carfolio.com: 1934 BMW 315 Saloon</ref> <ref name="Carfolio315_1">Carfolio.com: 1934 BMW 315/1 Sport</ref> <ref name="Carfolio319">Carfolio.com: 1935 BMW 319 Saloon</ref>
}}
;Bibliography *{{Cite book|last= Noakes |first= Andrew |author-link=Andrew Noakes|title= The Ultimate History of BMW |year= 2005 |publisher= Parragon Publishing |location= Bath, UK |isbn=1-4054-5316-8 |ref=Noakes}} *{{Cite book |last=Norbye |first=Jan P. |title=BMW - Bavaria's Driving Machines |year=1984 |publisher=Publications International |location=Skokie, IL |isbn=0-517-42464-9 |ref=Norbye |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/bmwbavariasdrivi00norb }} *{{Cite journal |year=1974 |title=PS |journal=Auto, Motor und Sport |volume=6 1974 |series= Heft|issue=6 |pages=102–108 |publisher=Vereinigte Motor-Verlag GmbH & Co KG |location=Stuttgart |language=German |ref=AutoMotor}} *{{Cite web| url =http://www.bmwccn.no/eng/chapter2/articles/roadster1.htm|title= BMW 3/15 PS, 315/1 and 319/1 - early roadsters|accessdate=2009-01-18|work=bmwccn.no|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20081112120052/http://www.bmwccn.no/eng/chapter2/index.htm|archivedate=2008-11-12 |url-status = dead|ref=BMWCCN}} *Carfolio web pages: **{{Cite web| url = http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=96052| title = Carfolio.com: 1934 BMW 315 Saloon| accessdate = 2009-01-18| work = Carfolio.com|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20081223193900/http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=96052|archivedate = 2008-12-23|url-status = live|ref=Carfolio315}} **{{Cite web| url = http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=96063| title = Carfolio.com: 1934 BMW 315/1 Sport| accessdate = 2009-01-18| work = Carfolio.com|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20081223193905/http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=96063|archivedate = 2008-12-23|url-status = live|ref=Carfolio3151}} **{{Cite web| url = http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=101618| title = Carfolio.com: 1935 BMW 319 Saloon| accessdate = 2009-01-18| work = Carfolio.com|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20081223195959/http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=101618|archivedate = 2008-12-23|url-status = live|ref=Carfolio319}}
{{BMW pre war}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bmw 303}} 303 Category:Cars introduced in 1933 Category:Cars discontinued in 1937