BMW R3: history, specs, pictures
1936 BMW R3
BMW R3
The Depression years of the early 1930s brought with them the need for a simpler - and cheaper - model to compete with the lightweight two-strokes mopping up the lucrative up-to-200cc market. BMW responded with its second single-cylinder design – the 198cc BMW R2 – which appeared early in 1931 and sold well despite the difficult trading conditions, as did the 398cc R4, a favourite with the German Army. R3 (305cc) and R35 (347cc) singles appeared later in the 1930s, all enjoying the benefits of shaft drive like their larger siblings. Of these, the R3 is by far the rarest, being produced for the 1936 season only, during which time only 740 were made. Factory records show that this R3 was delivered to Moto-Lusa in Lisbon, Portugal in May 1936. Unrestored, the machine was first registered in the Netherlands in 1986 and was purchased for the Neutkens Collection in 1992. Noteworthy features include a Veigel-D-R-P 'Waltzentacho', quick-release fuel filler cap and a Bosch headlamp with Hella rim. Offered with Netherlands registration papers.
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| Manufacturer | BMW |
|---|---|
| Production | 1936 |
| Engine | single cylinder, four-stroke |
| Bore / Stroke | 68.0mm x 84.0mm |
| Top speed | 62 mph (100 km/h) |
| Horse Power | 10.73 HP (8.0 KW) @ 4200RPM |
| Fuel system | carburettor. 18mm |
| Ignition type | battery |
| Battery | 6.1:1 |
| Transmission | Final Drive: shaft drive (cardan) Clutch: dry-single plate-cable operated |
| Suspension | Front: cartridge Rear: rigid |
| Brakes | Front: expanding brake (drum brake) Rear: expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Front Tire | 3.50-26.00 |
| Rear Tire | 3.50-26.00 |
| Wheelbase | 51.97 inches (1320 mm) |
| Dimensions | L 77.95 inches (1980 mm) W 33.46 inches (850 mm) H 37.4 inches (950 mm) |
| Weight | (dry), 149.0 kg (wet) |
| Fuel capacity | 3.17 Gallon (12.00 Liters) |
| Fuel consumption | 3.00 litres/100 km (33.3 km/l or 78.41 mpg) |
| Manuals | Service Manual |
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The BMW R3 was a single cylinder, four-stroke standard produced by BMW in 1936. It could reach a top speed of 62 mph (100 km/h). Claimed horsepower was 10.73 HP (8.0 KW) @ 4200 RPM.
Engine
The engine was a air cooled single cylinder, four-stroke. A 68.0mm bore x 84.0mm stroke result in a displacement of just 305.0 cubic centimeters. Fuel was supplied via a overhead valves (ohv).
Drive
Power was moderated via the dry-single plate-cable operated.
Chassis
It came with a 3.50-26.00 front tire and a 3.50-26.00 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via expanding brake (drum brake) in the front and a expanding brake (drum brake) in the rear. The front suspension was a cartridge while the rear was equipped with a rigid. The R3 was fitted with a 3.17 Gallon (12.00 Liters) fuel tank. The wheelbase was 51.97 inches (1320 mm) long.