AC Schnitzer modded BMW 3-Series
BMW specialist AC Schnitzer has produced a modified new-shape 3-Series, the ACS3.
The first challenge was to develop a performance upgrade for the 2.0d, said Schnitzer. It consists of a re-programmed control unit that takes the power of the standard engine from 163bhp to around 200bhp.
For all engine variants - with or without performance upgrade - Schnitzer is developing a stainless steel rear silencer made that it said will improve the gas flow and features a chromed tailpipe.
Interior - AC Schnitzer/BMW 3-Series
Suspension also gets a tweak. The first step is a spring kit to lower the vehicle by around 25-30mm. The second stage includes a sports suspension and anti-roll bar kit with racing strut brace for the front. The modification improves the driving behaviour and substantially increases the safety reserve on sudden load changes, said Schnitzer, but with no significant loss of comfort.
As far as wheels are concerned, Schnitzer is offering its Type II and Type III alloys and racing rims in wheel/tyre combinations in various sizes from 17-inch to a maximum 19-inch, with 225/35/19 on the front and 255/30/19 on the rear or optionally 235/35/19 all round. Schnitzer's Type IV alloy with optional chrome elements is also available in 18-inch and 19-inch variants.
Schnitzer offers a choice between a sports style and its Chromeline Design (for the side skirts) variants. In the sports variant, the side skirts are painted completely in body colour while in the Chromeline variant, additional chromed elements are used.
A new front spoiler makes the 3-series look even lower and improves downforce on the front axle. Aerodynamic balance is provided by the rear roof spoiler, the one-piece rear spoiler and the rear skirt with its under-floor wing profile. Sports mirrors complete the picture.
For the interior, a carbon trim in silver is available with matching sports airbag steering wheels. The company also offers a range of aluminium accessories such as gearknobs, a handbrake handle, pedals, footrests and a cover for the BMW iDrive system. Velour mats complete the range.
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 4 3"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1 1"%3E%3C/svg%3E)