BMW - BMW 502
BMW had decided to produce a new all alloy V8 engine to try and compete in the marketplace with the likes of Mercedes. One reason for a new engine was the knowledge that their existing 2 litre side valve engine was going to be inadequate for the car they were building post war. The V8 had been built by the time Fritz Fiedler was put in charge of developing it in 1952. The new M502/1 BMW 2.6 litre went into the BMW 502 "Baroque" which was introduced in 1954 making it the fastest production saloon German car, as well as Germanys first V8 production car. This V8 engine also had a 3.2 litre version built which was an option in the BMW 502 from 1956 onward, both engine sizes having the single carburettor manifold for a 34NDIX Solex.
Production ended in 1958, alongside the similar looking 6 cylinder engined 501/3, but in reality the models actually carried on but under different names, first 2.6. and 2.6 Luxus and from 1961 as the 2600 and 2600L, whereas the larger engined 3.2 litre cars were called the 3.2 and 3.2 Super (the 140bhp version) renamed 3200L and 3200S from 1961.
Tyre fitment for the BMW 502 (as the 501) was 6.40x15 , the radial option being the Blockley 185VR15 that we produce. Details below.
