1930s BMW 326 Sedan - 327 Coupé Comparison

BMW's model 326 (production years 1936-1941, 15,936 built) was a four-door sedan with convertible variants.  It served as the basis for a two-passenger sporty variant, the BMW 327 (production years 1937-1941, 1,965 built in that time frame).  BMW 327s at first were cabriolets (convertible coupes / drophead coupes), and actual fixed-top coupés were added during 1938.  Data above are for pre- World War 2 production.  Production for both models was resumed postwar in Eisenach, Soviet occupation zone / East Germany.

The 326s and early 327s used the same 1971 cc motors.  A more powerful engine variation used on BMW 328 sports and racing cars was added to the 327 line, those cars named the BMW 327/28.

As for dimensions -- Wheelbases: BMW 326 = 113 inches (2870 mm), BMW 327 = 108 inches (2750 mm);  Lengths: BMW 326 = 180 inches (4600 mm), BMW 327 = 177 inches (4500 mm);  Height: BMW 326 = 61 inches (1540 mm), BMW 327 = 56 inches (1430 mm);  Width for both: 63 inches (1600 mm).  In words, 327s were definitely less tall than 326s, but nearly as long and just as wide.

Regarding styling, credit for the BMW 326 is given to Peter Schimanowski.  I haven't been able to find much information about him, aside from that he continued to style Munich-based BMWs postwar.  I also haven't found credit for the BMW 327's styling, but I think it highly likely that Schimanowski was  greatly involved.

Below are comparative design images.  I haven't discovered the source of the 1936 326 sedan photos, but those of the 1938 327 coupé are via Artcurial, a French auction firm.

Gallery

BMW 326.  The passenger compartment greenhouse is proportionally tall.  Large windows give it an airy appearance that's degraded somewhat by the heavy, rounded roof.

BMW 327 Coupé.  Its frontal components are more integrated than on the 326.  No front catwalk, for instance, replaced by the blended headlight assemblies.  Both cars have V'd, sloped-back windshields.

Greenhouse is lower, windows less high.  The hood cutline is similar, though the side venting shape differs.  Otherwise, both cars appear to share the same hood.  The zone between the A-pillar and hood cutline is greater here.  The forward door cutlines seem the same, and door handle positions ditto.  Fenders on the 327 are longer with more pleasing curvatures.  But note that both cars' fenders feature sculpting along their sides.

That fender sculpting is seen in these images as well.  Spare tires are trunk-mounted on both cars, though the 327's treatment is cleaner, more integrated.  Backlight windows are two-pane on both cars, though not the same shape.  The 326 had dual bumper bars front and rear, but for the 327, only one at each end.