Specifications
BMW 503
Date of manufacture
1956 – 1960
Bodywork type(s)
Coupe and Cabriolet
Engine
Type 90⁰ V8
Capacity 3168cc
Bore x stroke 82mm x 75mm
Power 140bhp @ 4800rpm
Compression 7.3:1
Carburettors 2, Zenith Twin choke , 32 mm downdraught
Valve design Overhead, 2 per cylinder
Valve gear Central camshaft. Rockers, tappets and springs
Electrics 12 volt
Transmission
Clutch Dry single disc Fichtel & Sachs H 18, 225 mm diameter
Gearbox ratios
ZF S4 – 15
( below front seats )
1st 3.78:1
2nd 2.35:1
3rd 1.49:1
4th 1.00:1
Axle ratio 3.90
Synchromesh 1st – 4th
Chassis
Frame “Full protection” longitudinal box section with tubular cross beams
Suspension Front: Double wishbones, adjustable torsion bars
Rear: Live axle with adjustable torsion bars
Steering Bevel gear segment and pinion
Brakes Four wheel hydraulic with servo, drum brakes, self adjusting
Handbrake: cable on rear wheels ( last cars with front discs)
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2835 mm
Track front/rear 1400 mm/1420 mm
Length/width 4750 mm/1710 mm
Tyres 6.00H x 16
General
Fuel capacity 75 litres
Max speed 118 mph
Number produced 412
Club Mailing Address
BMW Historic Motor Club
Lower Norgrove,
Yarrington Road,
Alfrick,
Worcestershire.
WR6 5EX