Achieved a similar result by 3.2-liter engine with a compression ratio 7,8:1, maximum 150 hp at 5000 rpm and 237 Nm at 4000 rpm. At all Wheels were drum brakes, servo, and the average fuel consumption per 100 km was 17 liters. But because of the ensuing drag big limos and related losses the company is on the verge of collapse. This the only case in the history of bmw, when the wrong was calculated the economic situation and thrown on the market for cars did not have the demand. Model refers to the 5-Series, bmw did not improve the situation in the 50's.
On the contrary, began to rapidly rising debt, decreased sales. To remedy this situation, the bank assisted the bmw and one of the largest shareholders of Daimler-Benz, has offered to establish factories in Munich production of a small and not very expensive car "Mercedes-Benz. Thereby to endanger the existence of the bmw as an independent company that produces original car with his name and trademark. Against the proposal made by an active minority shareholders and bmw dealerships throughout Germany. Joint efforts was collected amount of money it took to design and early release new model of "BMW" middle class, which was to significantly improve the company's position in the 60's. To restructure the capital, bmw can continue their activities. The third time the company is starting to again. Car of the middle class, as was supposed to be a family car for the "average" (not only) the Germans.