Segment: Lower Premium
Production years: 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966
BMW introduced the 4-door 1500 sedan at the 1961 Frankfurt Motor Show. This brand new model featured a quite innovative design and, added with its excellent suspension and powerplant ratings, became the German manufacturer's best-sold model at the time (also saving the company from bankruptcy). The 1500 brought BMW worldwide recognition and was sold with 9500 marks, around 4.800 EUR, but definitely had a greater value in the ‘60s.
The German producer felt the need to design a medium sized car, however, money was not enough at that time, until the 1959 when they started to design the 1500 model.The BMW 1500 later served as a base model for the more powerful 1800ti and 1600ti models, together with their derivative versions. Its C-pillar featured an innovative 'Hofmeister kink' design, meaning a low-forward bend separating the rear window from the rear glass. Its 4-cylinder 1.5-liter unit was able to deliver around 80 hp and was later redeveloped for the 1800 and 1600 models.
The BMW 1500 could go up to 150 km/h and delivered excellent performances compared to its competitors. The car rocketed to 100 km/h in 12.6 seconds. The interior was designed in such a way to provide both functionality and a clean, sophisticated look.
The BMW 1500 was appraised for its all-round visibility, sportiness and luggage space, although the first models were developing some issues like the separation of the semi-trailing arm mounts from the body and rear axle failures. All in all, the car offered both comfort and reliability.
In 1972, the 1500 was discontinued and BMW unveiled the 5 series.
ENGINE SPECS - 1.5L 4MT (80 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1499 cm3 |
Power: | 59 KW @ 5700 RPM 80 HP @ 5700 RPM 79 BHP @ 5700 RPM |
Torque: | 87 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM 118 Nm @ 3000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Carburetor |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 93 mph (150 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 13.5 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 6.00 - 14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 177.2 in (4501 mm) |
Width: | 67.3 in (1709 mm) |
Height: | 57.1 in (1450 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 52/53.8 in (1,321/1,367 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 100.4 in (2550 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 21.2 cuFT (600 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.42 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2315 lbs (1050 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3097 lbs (1405 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 23.8 mpg US (9.9 L/100Km) |