BMW Isetta 1955–1957 car dimensions: 2285 mm long, 1380 mm wide and 1340 mm high. Unladen weight is 359 kg. Boot space with the seats up is 80 litres.
Two adults sit side by side on a continuous bench seat that slides lengthwise, with space for a small child. The single front door swings open with the steering column for easy entry. A basic dash holds a speedometer, fuel gauge and simple controls. Early cars have fixed side glass plus opening triangle vents and a folding sunroof. heater is not standard. Visibility is strong through large windows. No electronic driver aids appear in the equipment lists.
A small luggage area sits behind the bench seat beside the engine and spare wheel. Capacity is listed at 80 litres.
Payload is 230 kg. No braked or unbraked towing figures are published for this model. It suits light personal use rather than heavy work.
Two adults sit side by side on a simple bench seat with reasonable comfort for short trips. The dashboard is basic, holding a speedometer, fuel gauge and switches for the optional heater and wipers. Large windows and a folding canvas top give an open, airy feel with good all-round visibility. The engine note from behind is present but not intrusive.
Petrol engine, claimed 3.3 l/100 km at 57 km/h, test around 5.8 l/100 km, 13-litre tank
Engine oil change every 1000 miles after initial service
Hydraulic drum brakes on all wheels, no servo
Laminated windscreen, toughened safety glass side and rear windows
No seat belts or crash-test ratings published
Folding top doubles as escape hatch
The single-cylinder petrol engine uses a Bing carburettor and holds 13 litres including reserve. Factory figures list 3.3 litres per 100 km at steady 57 km/h. real-world tests show higher use near 5.8 litres per 100 km depending on conditions and condition of the rings.
Oil changes are required every 1000 miles after the first service, with sump capacity around 1.25 litres. Gearbox and chain drive need periodic oil top-ups with SAE 90. Grease points on king pins and suspension are checked at regular intervals. The simple layout suits owner maintenance at BMW dealers of the period.
Safety equipment is limited to hydraulic drum brakes acting on all four wheels and a cable handbrake on the rear. Glass is laminated at the front and toughened elsewhere. The front door forms the main structure in a head-on impact and the folding top serves as an emergency exit. No seat belts or formal crash ratings appear in period records. Road holding is described as excellent for the low speeds.
Keep the floor pan, chassis tubes and battery area free of rust, as corrosion is the main long-term risk. Regular chain adjustment and valve checks extend engine life. Parts remain available through specialist networks. Store dry and use the correct monograde oils for the season.
Length 2285 mm, Width 1380 mm, Height 1340 mm, Wheelbase 1500 mm (Isetta 1955–1957)
Sources: manufacturer data, BMW Group press kit, April 2005, Dati tecnici BMW Isetta 250 Standard, The same kit describes the cabriolet hood as an option, BMW called the car a two-and-a-half-seat Motocoupé.