AC Schnitzer begins offering parts for new BMW 3-series
Wheels, aero and springs are currently on the menu, with more to follow
If BMW’s in-house M Performance accessories for the new 1-series don’t appeal, AC Schnitzer’s (ACS) burgeoning performance parts range for the more traditional 3-series model might be further up your strasse.
The 3-series has only fairly recently gone on sale, but already ACS can offer components to improve the exhaust system, suspension, wheels and tyres, aerodynamics and interior, with further parts on the way shortly, including more in-depth tuning.
> New 2019 BMW 1-series unveiled, including a hot Golf R-rivalling M135i
The current parts list hinges mainly around a series of wheel and tyre upgrades and body styling. In the former category ACS offers 19- and 20-inch alloy wheel designs in both four-square and staggered tyre set-ups – 8.5x19-inch wheels can wear either 225/40 R19 tyres all-round or wear 255/35 R19s at the back, while the 8.5x20-inch option uses 225/35 R20s at each corner or 255/30 R20s on the back.
These designs complement new front splitter and side skirts designed to work with M Sport models, and a new ACS spring kit that chops 20mm from the standard ride height. Exterior enhancements come to a close with the option of either sport carbon, sport chrome or sport black tailpipe trims.
Inside there’s a choice of aluminium components, including a set of gearshift paddles, pedals, a footrest, and a key holder.
If some of those changes sound a little superficial, rest assured that ACS has more on the way. A new front spoiler, rear roof spoiler and bootlid spoiler are all in development, as is a further splitter to work with the new bumper element.
A full sports suspension kit is also being readied, which will drop the car a total of 30mm and should offer tighter handling, while a full rear exhaust silencer set-up for the 320i and 330i with quad tailpipes is another element coming to the ACS range. Further tuning is sure to follow.
