Available since autumn 2010, the second iteration of the BMW X3 continues to draw the attention of European tuners. Seen here in AC Schnitzer guise, the F25 X3 has been upgraded with a styling package and go-fast modifications.
For starters, AC Schnitzer has upped the performance on the 2.0-liter diesel-powered xDrive20d from 184-horses to 218HP, while the company is also working on a kit for the xDrive30d as well as the 6-cylinder 2.8i and 3.5i petrol models, which will be released later this year.
Is an impressive run around the Hockenheim Circuit enough to crown a car the fastest of its kind? Well, according to BMW Group tuning specialist AC Schnitzer, the answer to the above question is yes. The German company raced its John Cooper Works MINI-based Eagle Concept car at the Hockenheim Circuit recording a lap time of 1:13,341 minutes.
AC Schnitzer says the Eagle beat several thoroughbred sports cars such as the Ferrari California (1:13,5 minutes) and the Porsche 911 Turbo (1:14,6 minutes), and was left behind only by specially tuned or hardcore models like the KTM X-Bow and the BMW M3 Kompressor.
German tuner AC Schnitzer has launched its first tuning package for the MINI Countryman . The focus is clearly on the wheels, as clients can choose between four different designs in two different sizes (18- or 19-inch) to go with the two-tone white and black exterior paint job. In fact, AC Schnitzer has just broken a personal record: in a company first, it has fitted a MINI with 19-inch rims. As for the interior, the tuning house offers an aluminum pedal set and gear knob or various knobs clad in leather with incorporated, digital gear display unit.
In support of the German Automobile Tuner Association’s “Tune it! Safe!” campaign, AC Schnitzer built the MINI E Police Look Concept, which is being showcased at the 2010 Essen Motor Show. The idea behind the campaign is to create a car that can satisfy tuning aficionados and also meet safety standards.
The BMW Group's MINI E is powered by an electric motor with 204 hp on tap and plenty of low-down torque (maximum is 220 Nm or 162 lb-ft). It completes the standard sprint from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.5 seconds and has a limited top speed of 152 km/h (95 mph).
AC Schnitzer’s comprehensive tuning package made it even better while the police livery is an interesting take on the “safety” theme.
Finished in the classic Polizei colors, the concept has the latest signaling system from Hella mounted on the roof and special wraps from Foliatec. Modified front and rear bumpers, plus lowered side skirts, improve the car's looks, while bonnet vents and a large roof spoiler complete the bodykit.
The tuner opted for new alloys, too. The 18-inch MI 2 wheels feature an 8-spoke design and are wrapped in high-performance Hankook Ventus S1 Evo tires. Stopping power is provided by an upgraded brake system, boasting 328mm 4-pot caliper (in front) ventilated disks. There is also a complete suspension kit.
Inside, the boys in blue are greeted by aluminum pedals, footrest and handbrake handle.
AC Schnitzer says that most of the tuning accessories shown on the concept model are either already available or will soon be offered for the production MINIs.
AC Schnitzer has released a comprehensive tuning program for the new F11 BMW 5-series consisting of power upgrades for all diesel engines, suspension tweaks, aerodynamic components and interior bits.
The German firm's engineers started with the 2.0-liter four-pot found on the 520d, raising output to 218 hp, and continued with the more noble 525d, which has a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. In this case peak output was boosted to 245 hp, same as the stock 530d. After AC Schnitzer's tune, the latter is now rated at 286 hp, while the range-topping 535d churns out an impressive 360 hp.
Complementing the tuned engines is a sport silencer with two choices of tailpipes. The "Racing" variant is offered for all diesels, except the 535d, while the "Sports Trim" will be available shortly for the 520d, 530d, 535d, 535i and 550i.
A modified suspension, fitted with new springs, is also on the menu with the Aachen-based tuner claiming it offers an improved balance between "sporty performance and comfort".
Visual upgrades for the estate version of the new 5er come in the form of a bodykit with new bumpers, side skirts and a roof spoiler plus chromed air intakes and bonnet vents. To complete the look, buyers can choose from a variety of alloy wheel designs in sizes from 18 to 21 inches.
For the interior, AC Schnitzer has developed a range of accessories including carbon fiber decorative trim, aluminum iDrive cover, pedals and footrest, plus a new sports steering wheel.
The tuning specialists over at AC Schnitzer in Germany have endowed the latest BMW 5-Series saloon, codenamed F10, with exterior and interior styling accessories, as well as hardware upgrades.
The company's engineers got under the bonnet and came up with a performance upgrade for the 530d's straight-six turbo diesel pushing output from the 245HP to 286HP. Optimizations for the rest of the diesel range, including the 520d, 525d and 535d models in Europe, are also under development and will become available soon, according to AC Schnitzer.
There's also a new sport exhaust system with chrome tail pipes that offers a throatier tone and is available on the 550i and 535i petrol, and 535d and 530d diesel models.
To improve handling, AC Schnitzer has come up with some minor enhancements to make the 5er more sporty on the road, including stiffer springs that lower the vehicle's road height by 25mm and an 8-piston caliper brake system for the front axle.
Buyers can choose from two different alloy wheel designs that are available in sizes 19- and 20-inches. The 20s are fitted with high performance tires size 245/35 R20 on the front and 285/30 R 20 on the rear.
For the exterior, there's a body kit package with a new front spoiler, a chromed twin kidney grille, side skirts, roof and boot lid spoilers, and a rear apron incorporating a diffuser.
Inside, the cockpit and steering wheel can be trimmed in black carbon fiber with silver accents, while the tuner also offers aluminum foot rest and pedal sets, gear knobs trimmed in leather and aluminum (with or without the digital gear display) and an aluminum cover for the i-Drive system controller.
