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BMW 700 LS Luxus 0.7 (30 Hp)
Overall Rating
BMW 700:
The BMW 700 is a small rear-engined car produced by German manufacturer BMW in various models from August 1959 to November 1965. It was the first BMW automobile with a monocoque structure. The 700 was a sales success with more than 188,000 units sold, at a time when BMW was close to financial ruin. The 700 was also successful in its class in motorsport, both in its stock form and as the basis of a racing special called the 700RS. Upon discontinuing the 700, BMW left the economy car market.
Wolfgang Denzel, the distributor of BMW cars in Austria, commissioned Giovanni Michelotti to prepare concept sketches based on a lengthened BMW 600 chassis. In January 1958, Denzel was awarded a development contract for the 700. Denzel presented a prototype to BMW's management in July 1958. The concept, a two-door coupé with a slanted roof, was generally well received, but objections were raised about the limited passenger space. BMW decided to produce two versions, the coupe, and a two-door sedan with a taller, longer roof....(Read more on Wikipedia)
LS Overview:
BMW 700 (LS). With 50 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 680 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. The top speed reaches 120 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
As a vehicle from 1962, the BMW 700 LS predates modern safety standards and testing protocols like Euro NCAP. It lacks contemporary active and passive safety features, offering only basic structural protection.
Luxus 0.7 (30 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 30 Hp 0.7L boxer engine provides modest performance, suitable for city driving and leisurely cruises. Acceleration is slow, reflecting its economical design rather than sporting intent.
Fuel Economy
With a combined fuel consumption of 5.9 l/100 km, this engine offers excellent fuel economy for its time, making it a very economical choice for daily use.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent fuel economy for its era (5.9 l/100 km)
- • Compact and agile for city driving
- • Distinctive rear-engine boxer sound
- • Historical significance as a BMW model that helped save the company
- • Simple, robust mechanicals
Cons:
- • Very limited performance (30 Hp)
- • Lacks modern safety features entirely
- • Basic interior comfort and amenities
- • Drum brakes all around limit stopping power
- • Rear-engine layout can be tricky in extreme handling
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 700 |
| Generation: | LS |
| Modification (Engine): | Luxus 0.7 (30 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1962 |
| End of production: | 1965 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 30 Hp @ 5000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 43 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 50 Nm @ 3400 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 697 |
| Number of cylinders: | 2 |
| Engine configuration: | Boxer |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 2 l |
| Engine layout: | Rear, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 78 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 73 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 7.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 5.9 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 120 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 22.7 kg/Hp, 44.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 13.6 kg/Nm, 73.5 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 680 |
| Max. weight: | 1050 |
| Max load: | 370 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 28 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3860 mm mm |
| Width: | 1480 mm mm |
| Height: | 1360 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2280 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1270 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1200 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 9.8 m |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Drum |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Front suspension | Trailing arm |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
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