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A NEW PARCELCAR
The BMW Three-wheeler, which has a Single-cylin dered 198 c.c. Four stroke-cycle Engine and a Tubular Chassis
Ainteresting new three-wheeler with a 6 b.h.p. four-stroke-cycle engine of 198 c.c piston displacement has been introduced in Germany by the Bayerische Motoren Werke, of Munich. This size of carrier is particularly popular in Germany on account of vehicles with engines not exceeding 200 c.c. being free not only from taxes, but also from the need for their drivers acquiring costly licences.
The BMW three-wheeler has a sturdy, seamless-tube frame, and the front and steering axle is of the automobile type, suspended on two semielliptic springs. The driven rear wheel is mounted on a cast-steel arm pivoted at two points to the tear of the trapezoidal frame, and is supported by an underslung cantilever spring.
High-performance Engine.
The upright 63-mm. by 64-mm. singlecylindered engine is a high-performance unit, as employed in the small BMW motorcycle. The detachable aluminium cylinder head carries the valves, which trre operated by enclosed push-rods. The camshaft is driven by means of an adjustable roller chain inside the crankcase. Battery ignition is used, and the spark timing is automatic.
The crankshaft runs in one roller and one plain bearing, whilst the big-end of the connecting rod has needle bearings. A Bohualite light-alloy piston with Invar strut is employed. Pressure lubrication is provided and the carbure`ter is equipped with an air cleaner. The cylinder of the engine is cooled by air from an enclosed fan on the crankshaft. The three-speed gearbox incorporates a reverse set, and is suspended at three points on rubber. A car-type singleplate clutch is employed, and the drive is transmitted from the gearbox through a jointed sb,aft inside the rear-wheel support arm. Final drive at the rear wheel is by means of a spiral-bevel crown wheel embodying a transmission shock absorber. The small pinion is supported in ball bearings fore and aft of the crown wheel, thus making for great strength and freedom from noise.
A dashboard is fitted in front of the engine, which is covered by a bonnet carrying a gate for the gear lever, and, on the left, forward of it, a slot for the hand-brake lever. The combined ignition lock and switch is secured on the dashboard, and to the right of it is the petrol tank. Left of the switches is fitted the accumulator.
The driver's seat is to the left of, and behind, the engine, with additional seating accommodation on his right. Movement of the steering wheel is transmitted by a covered roller chain to a horizontal shaft lying between the longitudinal frame members. The front end of this shaft has a drop lever separately connected with the steering knuckles. All three wheels are provided with internal-expanding brakes.
Convertible Bodywork.
The goods are carried in a box at the front and a feature is the convertibility of the bodywork. It can be used as an open lorry, or a box with lockable covers. It may be equipped with a tarpaulin top or a platform can be superimposed on the lorry body, so as to obtain a larger loading surface, but retaining a box below. Moreover, a windscreen, roof and enclosed cabin with doors can be furnished, so that a number of combinations is possible.
The machine is provided with complete lighting equipment, consisting of two headlamps, parking lights and a tail lamp, the current being supplied by a 30-watt 6-volt dynamo driven by the engine. Starting is by means of a kick-starter.
With open body, the machine weighs 6 cwt. 2 qrs. 22 lb., and will carry a load slightly heavier than half a ton.