The BMW New Class 1800, producing 90 horsepower, represents a pivotal moment in the Bavarian automaker’s history. Introduced in September 1963 and continuing production through August 1968, this model served as the foundation for BMW’s resurgence in the automotive market following the post-war period. Positioned as the entry-level model within the New Class range (internally designated the 1100, 1600, and 1800 series), the 1800 offered a balance of practicality, performance, and emerging BMW styling cues. It was built on the 1HX0/A3 platform, a design that would heavily influence future BMW models for decades to come.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BMW |
| Model | New Class |
| Generation | New Class |
| Type (Engine) | 1800 (90 Hp) |
| Start of production | September, 1963 |
| End of production | August, 1968 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 21.4 |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 25.7 |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 9.1 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h (99.42 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 5250 rpm |
| Power per litre | 50.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 143 Nm @ 3000 rpm (105.47 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M118 |
| Engine displacement | 1773 cm3 (108.2 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80 mm (3.15 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1070 kg (2358.95 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1470 kg (3240.8 lbs.) |
| Max load | 400 kg (881.85 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 600 l (21.19 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 53 l (14 US gal | 11.66 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1200 kg (2645.55 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Length | 4500 mm (177.17 in.) |
| Width | 1710 mm (67.32 in.) |
| Height | 1450 mm (57.09 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2550 mm (100.39 in.) |
| Front track | 1320 mm (51.97 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1366 mm (53.78 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 150 mm (5.91 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 9.6 m (31.5 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring, Trailing arm |
| Front brakes | Disc, 268 mm |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 250 mm |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 1800 was the BMW M118 engine, a 1.8-liter (1773 cc) inline-four cylinder unit. This engine featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain operating two valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery was managed by a Solex carburetor, a common setup for the era. The M118 produced 90 horsepower at 5250 rpm and 143 Nm (105.47 lb-ft) of torque at 3000 rpm. The engine was mounted longitudinally in the front of the vehicle, driving the rear wheels. The 1800 was typically equipped with a four-speed manual transmission, although an automatic transmission was available as an option, albeit less common. The automatic gearbox, a three-speed unit, altered the driving experience significantly, prioritizing comfort over outright performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 1800 with the 90 hp engine and manual transmission offered a reasonably engaging driving experience for its time. Acceleration to 60 mph took around 12.5 seconds, and it could reach a top speed of approximately 99 mph. The manual gearbox allowed for precise control, while the automatic version, while smoother, noticeably dulled acceleration. The gear ratios were geared towards providing adequate torque for everyday driving rather than outright speed. Compared to the later 1600 and 1800 models with twin carburetors or fuel injection, the base 1800 felt less powerful, but it was also more fuel-efficient and generally less demanding to maintain. The handling was typical of BMWs of the period – balanced and predictable, with a focus on driver feedback.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1800 was generally equipped with a fairly basic level of trim, reflecting its position as the entry-level model. Standard features included cloth upholstery, a simple dashboard layout, and basic instrumentation. Optional extras included a sunroof, upgraded upholstery (vinyl or leatherette), a radio, and whitewall tires. The interior was functional and well-built, but lacked the luxury appointments found in higher-spec New Class models. The exterior typically featured minimal chrome trim, emphasizing the car’s clean and modern lines.
Chassis & Braking
The New Class 1800 utilized an independent suspension system at all four wheels. The front suspension employed coil springs and wishbones, while the rear suspension featured a trailing arm setup with coil springs. This configuration provided a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. Braking was accomplished via disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. The braking system was adequate for the car’s performance, but lacked the stopping power of later, more advanced systems. Steering was handled by a worm-reduction unit, which provided a relatively direct feel but required some effort at low speeds.
Market Reception & Comparison
The BMW New Class 1800 was well-received by critics and buyers alike. It was praised for its modern styling, solid build quality, and engaging driving dynamics. Compared to its competitors, such as the Mercedes-Benz “Fintail” models and various British saloons, the 1800 offered a more sporting driving experience. The 1800’s fuel economy was reasonable for the time, averaging around 21.4 US mpg. However, the higher-output 1600 and 1800 models were often preferred by enthusiasts seeking more performance, while the diesel-powered 1500 and 1502 offered even greater fuel efficiency. The automatic transmission version of the 1800 was seen as a compromise, offering convenience at the expense of performance.
Legacy
The BMW New Class 1800 played a crucial role in revitalizing the BMW brand. It established the company as a maker of sporty, well-engineered sedans and laid the groundwork for future successes. The M118 engine, while not the most powerful of its time, proved to be a reliable and durable unit. Today, the New Class 1800 is a sought-after classic car, appreciated for its historical significance and timeless design. Well-maintained examples command respectable prices in the used car market. The simplicity of the M118 engine and the availability of parts make it a relatively easy classic to maintain, contributing to its enduring appeal.
