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BMW 3/15 DA-3 Wartburg Roadster: The Historic Beginning of BMW

Today, BMW is recognized as one of the world’s most renowned luxury car manufacturers. However, the brand’s roots trace back to the production of bicycles, motorcycles, and aircraft engines. One of the first vehicles to mark BMW’s transition into automobile production was the BMW 3/15 DA-3 Wartburg Roadster. Produced in the 1930s, this small sports car symbolizes BMW’s early steps into car manufacturing.

Development of the BMW 3/15 DA-3 Wartburg
BMW entered the automobile industry by acquiring the German automaker Dixi in 1928. Dixi was producing the Austin 7 under license from the British company Austin. BMW rebranded this model as the 3/15 series. The name “3/15” represented the tax category (“3”) and the horsepower (“15”) of the car. The DA-3 Wartburg, a sporty variant of this series, combined the innovative design and engineering solutions of its era.

Technical Specifications
The DA-3 Wartburg Roadster stood out with its lightweight and aerodynamic design. Its technical specifications included:

• Engine: 747 cc, 4-cylinder, inline engine
• Power: 15 horsepower
• Transmission: 3-speed manual
• Top Speed: Approximately 75 km/h (46 mph)
• Weight: Around 400 kg
• These features made the DA-3 Wartburg a highly competitive choice among small sports cars of the time. Its lightweight chassis and simple yet effective engine made the car dynamic and agile.

Design and Body
The BMW 3/15 DA-3 Wartburg was designed as a two-seater roadster. Its open-top design aimed to offer sports car enthusiasts the luxury and sense of freedom characteristic of the era. The body panels were made of aluminum to reduce weight. This design philosophy later became a cornerstone of BMW’s success in sports car manufacturing.

The Origin of the Wartburg Name
The DA-3 model was named “Wartburg” as a nod to Wartburg Castle, located in Eisenach, Germany. This region was also home to Dixi’s production facilities. By choosing this name, BMW paid homage to the car’s heritage and origins.

History and Legacy
The DA-3 Wartburg marked BMW’s initial interest in the sports car segment. The car was produced in limited numbers between 1930 and 1931. Subsequently, BMW expanded its automobile portfolio and developed more powerful and sophisticated vehicles. During this process, the DA-3 Wartburg showcased BMW’s engineering capabilities and paved the way for the brand’s future successes.

The Significance of the BMW 3/15 DA-3 Wartburg
Today, the DA-3 Wartburg is considered highly valuable among BMW collectors. It is not only appreciated for its technical features but also for its representation of BMW’s roots and early innovations. As the first step in BMW’s venture into the sports car market, the DA-3 Wartburg holds historical importance and reflects the DNA of the brand.

Conclusion
The BMW 3/15 DA-3 Wartburg Roadster is not just a car but also a symbol of an era. This small roadster demonstrates the vast heritage BMW has in the automotive world. The DA-3 Wartburg, with its simplicity and elegance, remains a classic vehicle that has etched its name into the history of automobiles.