AC SCHNITZER Models?

[mc_blue]

Hi all,

I was just wondering if AC Schnitzer cars are considered models in their own right in the same way as Alpinas are? For example if you look through the classifieds there's cars such as the ACS3 3.2 for sale.

Cheer

[DennisCooper]

Hiya

No, AC Schnitzer are not a 'Manufacturer' the same way Alpina is. The model references are to their 'versions' of BMW cars that have been modified and tuned. On the car's V5 document, it will say 'BMW'

Cheers, Dennis!

[mc_blue]

They seem like very expensive modifications too. I know the exhaust and front splitter were popular modifications on E46 M3s but cost a bomb as well.

[Gunk]

About 6 years ago I nearly bought a ACS supercharged touring, sadly we couldn't agree a price, but it was a stonking car, a bit like an M3 touring.

Edited by Gunk on Friday 11th February 14:21

[DennisCooper]

Hiya

Yes, they are exepensive, however AC Schnitzer are also amongst the very top end of premium quality Tuners. They make products that are oem levels of fit and finish and beyond oem levels of performance. They also have full R&D facilities and work alongside BMW to produce products.

Here's a few pictures I took of the very newly announced F10 AC Schnitzer at SEMA 2010





Like other high end tuners, the closeness with which they work with BMW means they can develop and produce aftermarket products and tuning options almost as soon as the new models are actually announced by BMW themselves!

Cheers, Dennis!

[mc_blue]

I believe their alloys are made by Fuchs and are forged lightweight vs standard BMW items?

[DennisCooper]

Hiya

I think theres potentially a number of German manufacturers who actually 'make' the wheels. The name that springs to my mind is Ronal which was stamped in my 18 inch Type 3's I had from 1999-2005 on my E34. Maybe Fuchs do as well, although that name instantly makes me think of Porsche wheels.

Depending on the wheel, they can be either high pressure cast and then strengthening process applied post manufacture, or genuine Forged items. Forged items will invariably be the really 'pricey' ones! I don't know exactly which ones (if any) are actually forged, so you may have to ask around. As a very rough indicator, any wheels you see from the top end Tuner's like ACS, Hartge, Alpina, Hamann etc that are perhaps around the £500-600 per wheel range will be high pressure cast and then strengthened wheels. Anything that's perhaps £750-1000+ per wheel is likely to be a forged manufactured wheel

Cheers, Dennis!