BMW 340

This article is about BMW cars produced between 1949 and 1955. For the 2016–2018 340i models, see BMW 3 Series (F30). For the current M340i and M340d models, see BMW 3 Series (G20).
BMW / EMW 340
EMW 340 sedan
Overview
ManufacturerEisenacher Motorenwerk (EMW)
Production1949–1955
21,250 built
AssemblyEisenach, East Germany
Body and chassis
Body style4-door saloon
5-door estate
LayoutFR layout
RelatedBMW 326
Powertrain
Engine1971 cc OHV M78 straight-6
Transmission4-speed manual[1]
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,870 mm (113 in)
Length4,600 mm (180 in)
Width1,770 mm (70 in)
Height1,630 mm (64 in)
Curb weight1,200 kg (2,600 lb)
(Measurements approximate)
Chronology
PredecessorBMW 326
The 340 was based on the prewar BMW 326 illustrated here.
EMW 340 kombi

The BMW 340, subsequently rebadged as the EMW 340, is a large six-cylinder four-door passenger saloon produced at Eisenach initially in the name of BMW. Five-door 340 station wagons were also manufactured. It was described in 1948 as the first new car model produced in Germany after the war: despite new body panels, under the skin it was a modified version of the BMW 326 with which it shared its engine and wheelbase, and which had originally been commercialised in 1936. The 326 had nevertheless been an innovative and well regarded product and the 340, which incorporated several improvements, was seen as a desirable car well into the 1950s.[citation needed] Early years were dogged by disputes centred on ownership of the plant where it was assembled and its manufacturers’ rights to use the BMW name. The cars later appeared badged as EMW 340s, and it was under this name that 340s continued to be sold until at least 1953.

A coupé version, originally launched in 1937 as the BMW 327, was also reintroduced after the war and produced in parallel with the 340 until approximately 1955, badged in its final years as the EMW 327.

  1. ^ Gloor, Roger (2007). Alle Autos der 50er Jahre 1945 - 1960 (1. ed.). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 978-3-613-02808-1.