The BMW M3 is still an icon among enthusiasts and tuners alike. After years of clamor from fans, automakers have finally made their first wagon variant, and aftermarket specialists have been quick to tune it. AC Schnitzer is the latest, giving the M3 Touring and sedan a makeover.
Aftermarket specialists offer the M3 twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with two pitches. The former boosts output to 590 horsepower (434 kilowatts) and 553 pound-feet (750 Newton-meters) of torque. The second increases horsepower to 610 (454 kW) with the same amount of torque. However, the AC Schnitzer changed more than just the powertrain.
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An AC spring kit lowered the M3’s front end by 0.59 to 0.79 inches (15 to 20 millimeters). However, customers can also get an RS coilover setup. The tuner is offering the M3 Touring and sedan with AC3 light forged or AC1 20-inch light alloy wheels finished in silver/anthracite or anthracite. AC3 is available in silver/anthracite or anthracite/silver.
The body kit does more than just agitate the styling, adding bits of functional aerodynamics. On the nose, a tuner black front splitter increases front axle downforce by 88 pounds (40 kilograms) at 124 miles per hour (200 kilometers per hour). The rear roof spoiler increases the downforce on the rear axle by 44 lbs (20 kg) at the same speed. The new diffuser helps regulate airflow at the rear while improving the carbon exhaust. The body kit also adds hood and wing accents to the front bumper.
Inside, the M3 is available with an AC Schnitzer sport steering wheel. Tuners wrapped it in black perforated Nappa leather and black Alcantara sewn together with light gray thread. Larger aluminum paddle shifters replace the standard ones, and the tuner also replaced the pedals and footrests with shiny ones, along with a few other interior trim pieces.
The M3 wagon and sedan rolled off the factory floor with plenty of power under the hood for most people. However, the AC upgrade package indicates that the M3’s powertrain has higher performance potential than stock.
