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AC Schnitzer S3 Touring Review

November 2005
Filed under: ACSCHNITZER Car News | ACSCHNITZER Headlines
The BMW 3 series Touring is here, and already AC Schnitzer offers a sports range for the new estate model E91. The product range includes aerodynamic components in elegant sports design, performance upgrades and rear silencers, alloy wheels in various styles and sizes, specially set up suspension solutions and countless interesting accessories for the interior.

As for all current BMW models with 2.0d engine (M47 D20 TU) we also offer our diesel performance upgrade for the 3-series Touring. An extra control module provides a total of 147 kW / 200 HP and 400 Nm maximum torque (standard figures are 120 kW / 163 HP and 340 Nm) and at the same time the top speed climbs from 218 km/h to 228 km/h, and the sprint from 0 - 100 km/h takes just 8.4 seconds instead of 8.8.

Despite the perceptible power increase, naturally the excellent driving culture, moderate fuel consumption and superb stability are retained. Even without engine tuning, it is worth fitting the AC Schnitzer sports rear silencer made of special steel and available for all engine variants. A chromed racing tailpipe trim fitted to the standard silencer is also part of the extensive range.

AC Schnitzer bodystyling components are outstanding not merely because of the sporting design : Made of high quality PU-Rim , the aerodynamic components ensure excellent fit and problem-free painting . For the new 3-series touring with M-Technik there is a front spoiler and for cars with M-Technik there are front spoiler elements available. Both not only stand out due to their classic elegant designs, but they also improve downforce on the front axle , improving driving stability and straight-ahead behaviour. The aerodynamic finishing touch for the rear will be provided by the rear roof spoiler currently in development.

The Touring will also be fitted with aerodynamic sports mirrors which, in conjunction with the side skirts (only for cars without M Technik), which give the side lines a more striking and elongated look. Optionally the side skirts can be accentuated with a Chromeline Set .

To complete the sporting appearance, the AC Schnitzer designers have developed a customized rear skirt for cars without M-Technik as well as a rear apron insert for cars with M-Technik , which both have a corresponding cut-out for the sports rear silencer or tailpipe trim.

The wheelarches of the 3-series Touring have space for the AC Schnitzer Type II, Type III and Type IV alloys and racing rims from 17 to 20" diameter.

As the maximum wheel size, the Touring can be fitted with the AC Schnitzer racing rims Type IV in 9.0J x 20" offset 35 and offset 22 on the rear with tyres 245/30 R 20 all round . For tyres, we recommend high performance tyres from Continental and Michelin.

Specially set up suspension spring sets and sports suspensions are of course included in the performance tuning range. Depending on personal preference, the owner of a 3-series Touring model E91 can choose between pure lowering and complete, sports-comfortable suspension which lowers the BMW by around 25 millimetres.

The suspension concepts set up tested extensive tests on the North Loop of the Nürburgring also include the AC Schnitzer sports antiroll bar for the rear axle and a new aluminium strut brace for the front.

For the interior of the 3-series Touring a comprehensive range of high quality accessories is available. For example, the cockpit can be enhanced with an ergonomically designed 3-spoke sports airbag steering wheel, for vehicles with or without multifunction . A carbon steering wheel spoke trim is also available in silver Exclusive .

Footrests and pedals of aluminium also contribute to the exclusive ambience in the cockpit, together with the AC Schnitzer carbon interior trim in silver Exclusive . Gear knob, handbrake handle and cover for the BMW "i-Drive System" are available in silver or black anodized aluminium . Velours foot mats complete the range.

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