Market Position:
Targeted at owners and mechanics of vintage BMW vehicles, specifically the 1949 S500, requiring specialized parts and maintenance.
Competitive Analysis:
Essential for maintaining rare and historically significant vehicles where original parts are critical. Competes with generic parts suppliers by offering authentic BMW part identification.
Key Features:
Comprehensive parts catalog for accurate part identification, facilitating correct repairs and restorations.
Engine Components:
Cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, valves, timing components, oil pump, water pump, fuel delivery system (carburetor), ignition system (distributor, spark plugs), exhaust manifold.
Transmission Components:
Gearbox housing, gears, shafts, synchronizers, clutch assembly (though clutch might be separate listing), shift mechanism.
Chassis Components:
Frame, front suspension (e.g., wishbones, kingpins, springs), rear suspension (e.g., leaf springs, live axle), steering system components (steering box, tie rods, steering wheel), braking system (drums, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, lines), wheels and tires.
Bodywork Components:
Body panels (fenders, doors, hood, trunk lid), trim pieces, bumpers, grille, lighting (headlights, taillights), glass (windshield, side windows), interior fittings (seats, dashboard components, door panels).
Electrical Components:
Wiring harnesses, battery, generator, starter motor, lighting circuits, instrumentation (speedometer, fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge).
Part Identification:
Detailed exploded diagrams with part numbers for accurate identification and ordering.
Assembly Disassembly:
Implied through exploded views and part listing for component replacement.
Technical Depth:
Highly detailed for parts procurement and identification, enabling precise replacement. Does not typically include repair procedures or specifications, but essential for sourcing correct parts.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder
Engine Code:
Likely a variant of the BMW M78 family, but specific code for S500 needs confirmation from deeper historical BMW data.
Displacement:
Approximately 1.5 liters (1490 cc)
Horsepower:
Approx. 45-50 PS (33-37 kW) at around 4000 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 95-105 Nm (70-77 lb-ft) at around 2500 rpm
Fuel System:
Carburetor (likely Solex or similar single-barrel)
Fuel Type:
Gasoline (Octane rating typical for the era, around 70-75 AKI)
Ignition System:
Distributor-based, coil ignition
Body Styles:
Sedan (Limousine), Cabriolet (Convertible), sometimes Coupe variations existed.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2350 mm (92.5 inches)
Length:
Approx. 3870 mm (152.4 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1550 mm (61 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1500 mm (59 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 900-1000 kg (1984-2205 lbs)
Safety Ratings:
No formal crash test ratings available for this era; safety features were rudimentary by modern standards.
Active Features:
Mechanical drum brakes on all four wheels, basic hydraulic system. Mechanical parking brake.
Passive Features:
Steel body construction, safety glass (laminated windshield usually). Minimal passive safety features by today's standards.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 km (1,800-3,000 miles) or annually, depending on usage. Requires modern equivalent mineral oil due to potential zinc additive issues with flat tappet engines.
Grease Points:
Regular lubrication of suspension and steering kingpins, U-joints (if applicable), and chassis points is crucial.
Engine Oil:
Originally SAE 20W-30 or 30. Modern equivalent: High-quality mineral oil, e.g., 15W-40 or 20W-50. Consider a ZDDP additive if using oil without it for flat tappet protection.
Coolant:
Water-based coolant with anti-corrosion additives. Glycol-based mixtures are acceptable if compatible with older seals.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid. Regular flushing is recommended due to hygroscopic nature.
Transmission Fluid:
Gear oil, likely SAE 80W or 90W GL-4 specification.
Rear Axle Fluid:
Hypoid gear oil, likely SAE 90W GL-5 specification. Check for limited-slip differentials if applicable, though unlikely for this model.
Known Issues:
Rust and corrosion, especially in sills, wheel arches, and floor pans. Wear in suspension kingpins and steering components leading to play. Carburetor tuning and fuel delivery issues. Potential for worn valve guides and piston rings due to age.
Electrical Issues:
Deterioration of wiring insulation, generator output issues, starter motor wear.
Brand Heritage:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) was founded in 1916, initially producing aircraft engines. Post-WWI, it diversified into motorcycles and then automobiles. BMW's automotive history is rooted in producing well-engineered, often sporting vehicles.
Model Evolution:
The BMW S500 was part of BMW's post-WWII recovery and expansion. It was based on pre-war designs and technologies, representing BMW's return to car manufacturing. It evolved from earlier models like the BMW 328 in terms of engineering principles but was a distinct, more affordable offering.
Production Period:
Produced from approximately 1948/1949 to 1950/1951.
Manufacturing Location:
Munich, Germany
Production Volume:
Relatively low, characteristic of post-war niche production.
