BMW 503: Which Version Should You Buy?
The BMW 503 catalogue data presents one generation, produced from 1956 to 1959, with a Cabrio body and two listed versions. Both entries carry the exact name 3.2 MT, and their specifications are identical: a 3168 cc Gasoline engine producing 140 hp (100 kW) at 4800 rpm, a 4-speed Manual gearbox, and RWD.
The BMW 503 catalogue data presents one generation, produced from 1956 to 1959, with a Cabrio body and two listed versions. Both entries carry the exact name 3.2 MT, and their specifications are identical: a 3168 cc Gasoline engine producing 140 hp (100 kW) at 4800 rpm, a 4-speed Manual gearbox, and RWD. Consequently, there is no performance-based reason to choose one listed 3.2 MT over the other. A buying decision must instead depend on condition, history, and price, but those factors are not measured in the supplied data.
BMW 503 generations: what changed?
There is only one BMW 503 generation in the catalogue, so there is no later generation to compare with the earlier car. The 1 generation ran from 1956 to 1959, used a Cabrio body, and contains two listed versions.
Both versions were available over the same 1956–1959 period. The data does not identify a restyling or record any mechanical change between them. It also provides no Coupe version, despite searches commonly made for a BMW 503 coupe. Within this catalogue, the only documented body type is Cabrio.
BMW 503 specs and engine comparison
Because both catalogue entries are named 3.2 MT, they are shown separately below. Power cannot distinguish them because each produces 140 hp.
| Version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 MT — 140 hp | 140 hp / 100 kW at 4800 rpm | not measured | 3168 cc | Gasoline | 8 | V-shaped | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 3.2 MT — 140 hp | 140 hp / 100 kW at 4800 rpm | not measured | 3168 cc | Gasoline | 8 | V-shaped | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
Each 3.2 MT has a front, longitudinal engine, a Carburetor fuel system, and 2 valves per cylinder. The engine produces approximately 44.2 hp per litre, calculated from 140 hp and 3168 cc. The catalogue records no difference in displacement, output, engine arrangement, fuel system, gearbox, or driven wheels between the two entries.
Torque and torque rpm are not measured. Compression ratio, bore and stroke, and the specific fuel grade are also not measured. These missing figures prevent a deeper comparison of low-speed response or internal engine specification.
BMW 503 performance and economy
| Version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City consumption | Highway consumption | Combined consumption | CO₂ | Eco class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 MT — 140 hp | 13 seconds | 185 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 3.2 MT — 140 hp | 13 seconds | 185 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
Both 3.2 MT entries accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 13 seconds and reach 185 km/h. Their recorded performance difference is therefore 0 seconds in acceleration and 0 km/h in top speed.
Fuel consumption is not measured for city, highway, or combined driving, so no reliable mpg comparison can be made. CO₂ output and eco class are not measured as well. Neither version can be described as more economical using the available figures.
BMW 503 dimensions, weight, and chassis data
| Version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Fuel tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 MT — 140 hp | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 3.2 MT — 140 hp | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
BMW 503 dimensions are not supplied in the catalogue data. Kerb weight and gross weight are not measured, which means weight per horsepower cannot be calculated. Ground clearance, fuel-tank capacity, and wheel sizes are also not measured.
Both listed cars have Independent, torsion front suspension and Drum front brakes. Rear suspension and rear brake specifications are not measured. As with the engine and performance figures, the available chassis data reveals no difference between the two 3.2 MT entries.
Which BMW 503 version should you choose?
On specifications alone, the two listed 3.2 MT versions are a tie. Each offers:
- 140 hp and 100 kW at 4800 rpm
- 3168 cc displacement
- approximately 44.2 hp per litre
- Gasoline fuel type
- 8 cylinders in a V-shaped layout
- No boost
- a 4-speed Manual gearbox
- RWD
- 0–100 km/h in 13 seconds
- a 185 km/h top speed
- a Cabrio body
- the same 1956–1959 production period
The extra money buys no documented increase in power, acceleration, top speed, transmission capability, or drivetrain specification because the catalogue contains no price data and no mechanical distinction between the entries. Claims about BMW 503 value or cars for sale cannot be supported from this dataset.
The practical recommendation is therefore simple: do not pay a premium merely because one catalogue entry appears separately from the other. Choose between the two 3.2 MT entries using evidence outside these specifications, such as the individual vehicle’s condition, history, and asking price. Those factors are not measured here, while every available numerical specification is identical.