[2] The car was shorter and lower than its sedan counterpart, but shared the famous BMW grill and a streamlined form representative of the more progressive designs of the 1930s.

[3] Among some enthusiasts, the 327 has subsequently been overshadowed by its more uncompromising sibling, the 80 bhp (60 kW) BMW 328 which appeared in April 1936.

BMW's automobile factory in Eisenach was not fully destroyed, and assembly of the 327 resumed by a new company called Awtowelo, initially from partially completed cars from 1941 and later using stockpiled parts.

This caused a protracted dispute concerning title to the BMW brand and other assets, but in 1952 it was determined that Eisenach-produced models such as the 327s should be badged as EMW (Eisenacher Motorenwerk, Eisenach Motors' Works) rather than as BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke, Bavarian Motors' Works).

[5] Some time not long after 327 production had resumed, the body was changed slightly: all EMW 327s and some post-war BMW 327s have a different bonnet line; on the original design, the sides of the bonnet came down to nearly meet the fenderline, whereas later cars have fixed sides incorporating the hood vents.