BMW 340 classic cars for sale

History of the BMW 340

The BMW 340 was introduced shortly after WWII as Germany's first new car model. Manufactured in Eisenach, it was initially marketed under the BMW badge, although legal disputes around plant ownership would see later examples sold as EMW 340. At its core, the 340 was a development of the pre-war BMW 326, utilising the same six-cylinder engine and wheelbase. Its new bodywork concealed an updated chassis with modernised features. Production continued through the early 1950s, with both four-door saloon and five-door estate versions available. The BMW 340 occupies a unique place in German automotive history, bridging the pre- and post-war periods with both technical continuity and subtle innovation.

Model history

The 340 traces its lineage directly to the BMW 326 of 1936, a vehicle well-regarded for its engineering and build quality at the time. The 340 inherited the 326's running gear and basic architecture, with new panelwork and a handful of technical updates post-war. Its direct successor at Eisenach was the EMW 340, continuing the legacy until the end of the early 1950s. In broader terms, the model marks the last major BMW development at Eisenach before BMW's main production shifted westwards, separating the East German EMW from the Munich-based BMW thereafter.

Highlights of the BMW 340

One of the standout attributes of the BMW 340 is its historical significance as the so-called first new passenger car model completed in Germany after WWII. While derived from the proven and respected 326 chassis, the 340 received new bodywork and improvements for reliability and comfort. Station wagon variants are considered particularly rare. Early models featured the BMW badge; legal disputes later prompted the use of the EMW badge from Eisenach. The 340’s reputation for durability and its place in the shifting industrial landscape of post-war Germany make it a highly discussed model among classic car historians and enthusiasts alike.

Technical data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

The BMW 340 estate car (station wagon) represents a notable rarity compared to the standard four-door saloon. Production numbers were much lower for estates, making well-preserved examples highly sought after by collectors focusing on historical variety.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

No specific weak spots documented for the BMW 340. However, as with many vehicles of this vintage, corrosion (rust), wear on original running gear, and the availability of specific trim parts require attention. Originality and matching numbers are crucial for collector value, and parts for either BMW or EMW-badged examples might differ slightly.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

Powered by the six-cylinder engine from the BMW 326, the BMW 340 offers period-typical flexibility and moderate power delivery. Driving dynamics are rooted in its robust suspension and rear-wheel-drive architecture; handling standards correspond with late 1930s/early 1940s touring saloons, prioritising comfort over outright agility. Gearboxes are typically unsynchronised, requiring a practiced hand during gear changes. Highlight: The BMW 340 Kombi (estate) stands out for its rarity and utility, appealing to those seeking both everyday usability and classic engineering. The standard saloon is favoured for preservation and restoration due to a higher survival rate.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

The 340 features new-for-1948 exterior body panels over the established 326 chassis, giving it a stately and modern, for the period, appearance. Interiors were fashioned for comfort, with quality materials typical of late 1940s German engineering. Accessories and special paint finishes varied depending on production year and whether the vehicle bore a BMW or EMW badge. Details like chrome trim, robust switchgear, and the upright grille echo stylistic trends of its era.

Other relevant features

A unique aspect of the BMW 340 is its transitional identity due to the post-war split of the Eisenach plant. Vehicles can be found badged as either BMW or EMW, affecting historical and collector interest. Furthermore, the model's presence as a police car or taxi in post-war Germany adds to its utilitarian heritage.

Summary

The BMW 340 encapsulates the technical resilience and evolving identity of early post-war German car manufacturing. As a direct descendant of the 326 and predecessor to EMW-branded models, the 340's mix of continuity and adaptation symbolises its era. Its presence in today's classic car market is singular, representing all BMW listings of this type, and is appreciated for both its engineering pedigree and historical narrative.