Segment: Premium Coupe
Production years: 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975
In 1966, after two years of the introduction of the “New Class Sedan” in the BMW lineup, a more affordable version was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show: the 1600-2 coupe.
While it was known mostly as 1600, the -2 characters meant that the car featured two doors. Even if the general design concept was similar to the bigger brother 1600, it featured a different style. The lead designer was Wilhelm Hofmeister, the man responsible for that particular shape of the C-pillars in all the BMW vehicles since the mid-'60s. A Baur cabriolet version was offered to the market and in 1971 a so-called Touring version in the form of a three-door hatchback was on the sales list. The Touring was produced only a year due to its very low sales.
With a low height, a balanced design, and a tall greenhouse, the 1600 coupe was light, nimble and affordable. Its two round headlights were standard but some versions were offered with four round headlights. The interior was cramped for four occupants but offered enough room for two in the front.
The engine was taken from the 1600 model with four doors, but with a different carburetor. It was mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox. It offered only 96 hp. A year later, a new version was introduced: the 1600 TI that offered 110 hp. It was a revelation for the light, 960 kg (2,116 lbs) car. A 3-speed automatic was offered as an option. For some markets, the little 1600 received a 2.0-liter engine since 1971
ENGINE SPECS - 1.6L 4MT (84 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1573 cm3 |
Power: | 62 KW @ 5500 RPM 84.3 HP @ 5500 RPM 83 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 83 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM 113 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 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: | 6.00x13 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 166.5 in (4229 mm) |
Width: | 62.5 in (1588 mm) |
Height: | 55.5 in (1410 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 52.5/52.5 in (1,334/1,334 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 98.4 in (2499 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 6.3 in (160 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 21.2 cuFT (600 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.44 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2315 lbs (1050 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3197 lbs (1450 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 23.5 mpg US (10 L/100Km) |