The front compartmentof of Panzer III contained the sets of transmission and finale command as well as the seats of the pilot and the radio-machine gunner. The walls of the lower hull and of the superstructure (upper hull) were entirely located between the 2 sets of tracks which got a interior width perfectly uniform, thus limiting interior space.

Internal view of the Panzer III Ausf.F.

src: Connaissance de l'Histoire (Hachette), n°17

The gear box with preselector, "Variorex" was very effective on its the first seven speeds. Beyond that, the tractive effort fell abruptly. If the eighth speed were still appropriate for the transits on road, the ninth and the tenth speeds have were seldom used, regarded as obsolete. The gear box Aphon synchromesh had a reputation favorable, although the power of traction the sixth speed low, was reserved for the road. When the pilot met a less favorable relief or was to change direction, it was recommended to him to go down from two speeds below that engaged. The final command and the whole of steering brake were extremely (too much) complicated. A significant care was taken to provide a system of ventilation for the brake drums. Nevertheless, there was no automatic equalization of the couple on the two axes of output, and the mechanism did not provide positive direction when the two steering brakes were released.

Panzers III used two types of ball mount for their MG34 of hull: on the left: Kugelblende 30 (armor of 30mm) for MG34 assembled on the E-H models on the right: Kugelblende 50(armor of 50mm) for MG34 assembled on the J-N models

src: Connaissance de l'Histoire (Hachette), n°17

Cartridge pouches in fabric (150 rounds) for the machine-guns were laid out along the walls of the front and central compartments. This system of bag was less effective than the metal box used by the British because a hand was monopolized to support the passage of the belt in the weapon. For consequence, when that the radio-machine gunner handled his weapon by means of stick, elevation and the traverse was largely limited by it. To solve problem, moulded rubber hat, coupled with the machine-gun by a bar, was installed. It was enough to the gunner to raise or lower his head to obtain either the depression, or altitude.

The driver had a window of control with armoured glass protected by an armoured shutter which was locked in the action. A pair of periscopic binoculars, whose two holes were obvious above the window, made it possible to ensure the vision of the pilot in situation of combat. Two ports of vision were also assembled on the sides of the superstructure for the pilot and the radio-machine gunner.