1956 BMW 503

The BMW 503 is a coupé designed by Albrecht Goertz with 2 doors and a front mounted powerplant which delivers the power to the rear wheels. The BMW 503's engine is a naturally aspirated petrol, 3.2 litre, overhead valve 90 degree V 8 cylinder with 2 valves per cylinder. In this application it produces 138 bhp (140 PS/103 kW) of power at 4800 rpm, and maximum torque of 216 N·m (159 lb·ft/22 kgm) at 3800 rpm. The engine supplies its power through to the wheels by means of a 4 speed manual 'box. The quoted weight at the kerb is 1501 kg. Maximum speed quoted is 190 km/h or 118 mph.
Full specs

Body type
2 door fixed-head coupé with 2+2 seats
Length
4750 mm
Weight
1501 kg
Engine type
naturally aspirated petrol
Engine size
3.2 litre
Cylinders
8, V
Power
140 PS / 138 bhp / 103 kW @ 4800 rpm
Torque
216 Nm / 159 ft.lb / 22 kgm @ 3800 rpm
Acceleration
0-100 km/h 13 s
Top speed
190 km/h / 118 mph

1956 BMW 503 specifications

1956 BMW 503 data
bodywork
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Body type	2+2 seater fixed-head coupé
Number of doors	2
Designer	Albrecht Goertz
dimensions & weights
Wheelbase	2835 mm	111.6 inches
Track/tread (front)	1400 mm	55.1 inches
Track/tread (rear)	1420 mm	55.9 inches
Length	4750 mm	187 inches
Width	1710 mm	67.3 inches
Height	1400 mm	55.1 inches
Ground clearance	178 mm	7 inches
length:wheelbase ratio	1.68
Kerb weight	1501 kg	3309 lb
Weight distribution
fuel tank capacity	75 litres	16.5 [19.8] UK [US] gal.
aerodynamics
Drag coefficient
Frontal area
CdA
Powertrain
engine type	naturally aspirated petrol
Engine manufacturer	BMW
Engine code
Cylinders	V 8 in 90° vee
Capacity	3.2 litre 3169 cc (193.384 cu in)
Bore × Stroke	82 × 75 mm 3.23 × 2.95 in
Bore/stroke ratio	1.09
Valve gear	overhead valve (OHV) 2 valves per cylinder 16 valves in total
maximum power output (Net)	140 PS (138 bhp) (103 kW) at 4800 rpm
maximum torque (Net)	216 Nm (159 ft·lb) (22 kgm) at 3800 rpm
Specific output (Net)	32.5 kW/litre 44.2 ps/litre 43.5 bhp/litre 0.71 bhp/cu in
Specific torque (Net)	68.16 Nm/litre 0.82 ft·lb/cu³
Engine construction
Lubrication	wet sumped
compression ratio	7.3:1
Fuel system	2 Zenith 32 NDIX carburettors
bmep (brake mean effective pressure)	856.5 kPa (124.2 psi)
Maximum RPM
crankshaft bearings	5
Engine coolant	Water
Unitary capacity	396.13 cc
Aspiration	Normal
Compressor	N/A
Intercooler	None
Catalytic converter	N
performance
Acceleration 0-80km/h (50mph)
Acceleration 0-60mph
Acceleration 0-100km/h	13 s
Acceleration 0-160km/h (100mph)
Standing quarter-mile
Standing kilometre
Maximum speed	190 km/h (118 mph)
Power-to-weight ratio	Higher is better 93.22 PS/tonne (1000 kg) 0.09 PS/kg 68.56 kW/tonne (1000 kg) 0.07 kW/kg 91.94 bhp/tonne (1000 kg) 0.09 bhp/kg 0.04 bhp/lb
Weight-to-power ratio	Lower is better 14.59 kg/kW 24.36 lb/bhp
fuel consumption
Fuel consumption
universal fuel consumption (calculated from the above)
litres/100km
km/litre
UK MPG
US MPG
Carbon dioxide emissions
Carbon dioxide emissions
Carfolio Calculated CO₂ ^?
VED band (UK)
CO₂ Effizienz (DE)
chassis
Engine position	front
Engine layout	longitudinal
Drive wheels	rear wheel drive
Torque split	N/A
Steering
turns lock-to-lock	3.500
Turning circle	11.00 m
Front suspension	I.TB.
Rear suspension	LA.TB.
Wheel size front	4½E x 16
Wheel size rear	4½E x 16
Tyres front	6.00-16
Tyres rear	6.00-16
Brakes F/R	Dr/Dr
Front brake diameter	284 mm
Rear brake diameter	284 mm
Braked area
Gearbox	4 speed manual
Top gear ratio	1
Final drive ratio	3.89
general
Carfolio.com ID	56474
Production total	273
Model code
RAC rating	33.4
Insurance classification	No information available
Tax band	No information available
1956 BMW 503 added before December 1995. Last modified 2013-02-28.