BMW’s first post-war automobile was the 501, built from 1952 onwards. A large saloon capable of seating up to six people, it was powered by an enhanced version of the six-cylinder engine used in the pre-war BMW 326. As a luxury car, the BMW 501 was not a commercial success, but it nevertheless restored BMW’s status as a manufacturer of high-quality, technically exciting cars.
The BMW 501 was launched on the market with a 6-cylinder engine in 1952 as the first post-war model (also known as the “Baroque Angel”) followed by the even more luxurious BMW 502 version. The world’s first all-alloy V8 engine for volume production was installed in this car with an output of 100 hp.
BMW 501
The 501 is a six-seater sedan and with the further developed six-cylinder engine of the BMW pre-war type 326, now 65 hp. The conservative styled body rested on a solid frame of new design and offered plenty of space for passengers and their luggage. With the 501, BMW again positioned as a manufacturer of high-quality vehicles.
General data
Construction………………………….1952 – 1954
Number produce …………………….2.297
Price……………………………………DM 15,150
Specifications
Motorart……………………………….6-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………1971
Rated power…………………………..65 PS bei 4400 U / min
Maximum speed in km / h……………138
Dimensions (L/H/B) in mm…………..4730x1780x1530
Weight in kg…………………………..1285
BMW 501 A
Once BMW had returned with the 65 hp model 501 in 1952 as an automobile manufacturer, were criticized in regard to poor engine performance and the high price. In the spring of 1954, BMW presented then two revised models, the BMW 501 A and 501 B. They offered by the stronger 72 HP engine significantly improved driving performance.
General data
Construction………………………….1954 – 1955
Number produce …………………….1.858
Price……………………………………DM 14,180
Specifications
Motorart……………………………….6-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………1971
Rated power…………………………..72 PS bei 4400 U / min
Maximum speed in km / h……………145
Dimensions (L/H/B) in mm…………..4730x1780x1530
Weight in kg…………………………..1285
BMW 501 B
Unlike the BMW 501 A was the BMW 501 B is a simple equipped and cheaper alternative.
General data
Construction………………………….1954 – 1955
Number produce …………………….1.370
Price……………………………………DM 12,680
Specifications
Motorart……………………………….6-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………1971
Rated power………………………….72 PS bei 4400 U / min
Maximum speed in km / h……………145
Dimensions (L/H/B) in mm…………..4730x1780x1530
Weight in kg…………………………..1285
BMW 501 6-Zyl.
General data
Construction………………………….1955 – 1958
Number produce …………………….3.458
Price……………………………………DM 12,500
Specifications
Motorart……………………………….6-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………………2077
Rated power…………………………..72 PS bei 4500 U / min
Maximum speed in km / h……………145
Dimensions (L/H/B) in mm…………..4730x1780x1530
Weight in kg…………………………..1295
BMW 501 8-Zyl.
Parallel to 1954 presented new top model 502 with a V8 engine and more luxurious interior BMW offered in the spring of 1955 a simple version equipped with 95 hp, type 501 eight-cylinder. The customer saved in this variant around DM 2,500. The new alloy V8 now helped the heavy sedan to adequate driving performance.
General data
Construction………………………….1955 – 1958
Number produce …………………….5.136 (incl. area BMW 2,6)
Price……………………………………DM 13,950
Specifications
Motorart……………………………….8-Zylinder-V-Engine
capacity in ccm………………………2580
Rated power………………………….95 PS bei 4800 U / min
Maximum speed in km / h……………160
Dimensions (L/H/B) in mm…………..4730x1780x1530
Weight in kg…………………………..1365
BMW 2.6
The new alloy V8 now helped the heavy sedan to adequate driving performance. From the summer of 1958 the name of this model in BMW 2.6 has been changed.
General data
Construction………………………….1958 – 1961
Number produce …………………….5.136 (incl. area BMW 501 Achtzylinder)
Price……………………………………DM 13,450
Specifications
Motorart……………………………….8-Zylinder-V-Engine
capacity in ccm………………………2580
Rated power…………………………..95 PS bei 4800 U / min
Maximum speed in km / h……………160
Dimensions (L/H/B) in mm…………..4730x1780x1530
Weight in kg…………………………..1430
BMW 2600
The last version of the BMW 501 eight-cylinder was from August 1961 to December 1963 the name BMW 2600 and had the 100 hp engine and standard disc brakes.
General data
Construction………………………….1961 – 1963
Number produce …………………….432
Price……………………………………DM 15,450
Specifications
Motorart……………………………….8-Zylinder-V-Engine
capacity in ccm………………………2580
Rated power………………………….100 PS bei 4800 U / min
Maximum speed in km / h……………162
Dimensions (L/H/B) in mm…………..4730x1780x1530
Weight in kg………………………….1425