Due to be properly unveiled at the fast approaching Essen Motor Show. The German event is, if you will, a more mature version of SEMA.

It’s not as big, as fast or as flash and we’re all thankful for it. AC Schnitzer will have quite a display there but we like to think this is one of the highlights.

The F20 BMW M135i they used for this package had the M Performance package installed before they began so it was already a rare vehicle.

Its engine 3.0 liter twin turbocharged engine used to develop 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, before it received a few tweaks and was bumped up to 360 horses.

40 extra horsepower is something one always welcomes but AC Schnitzer have kept their sensible trousers on and have managed the upgrade without affecting the CO2 emissions.

The new engine is teamed to an equally improved suspension which includes a a custom suspension spring kit. The alloy wheels are also different which can range up to 20 inches.

The latter doesn’t sound so sensible. Thankfully, the interior is modified discretely enough that it won’t be annoying.

Due to some aluminium inserts, custom velour floor mats, leather patches here and there you get that AC Schnitzer feel inside the car as well as under the bonnet.

Color choice for the display model isn’t the best option ever. In fact it does seem to be a bit of a SEMA sort of choice.

The post F20 BMW M135i gets revised by AC Schnitzer appeared first on BMW Car Tuning BLOG - BMW Car Modifications and Customization.

Hamann Tuning is one of those tuners that can be trusted but they’re also lunatics. This is because they took a typical BMW 3 Series Coupe and turned into something crazy.

The M3 has often been described as civilized in E92 form but the Thunder can’t really be described like that in any review, road test or essay.

Having started with a mid-range 325i Coupe, Hamann whipped the engine out and in its place they’ve fitted another BMW engine from a more capable model.

The only thing is, they didn’t pick an engine from a more powerful 3 Series or even the M3. Instead, they used the 5.0 liter V10 engine from the E60 BMW M5.

Now, 507 horsepower would be astonishing in a 3 Series but Hamann decided there’s room for a re-tune and it now develops 560 horsepower and 423 lb-ft of torque.

Naturally, the gearbox had to be replaced as well so the 7 speed SMG unit went in and now the Hamann Thunder can go from 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds.

The top speed is limited to 208 mph due to the gear ratios rather than anything else. You do get the feeling that the car could do more, but would you really want to?

After they sorted all the mechanics, Hamann Tuning decided to overhaul the exterior of the 3 Series two door and made it look like a more aggressive M3.

Not a bad recipe, right?

The post Hamann Thunder – not a usual BMW 3 Series appeared first on BMW Car Tuning BLOG - BMW Car Modifications and Customization.

There’s plenty with more performance and there’s plenty with more aggressive body kits but the AC Schnitzer ACS 99d is miles more impressive.

This is because it gets a new (and unexpected) engine and it also loses a whopping 507 pounds off what is already a decently lightweight vehicle.

The first part is taken care of as AC Schnitzer have dropped the engine originally fitted by the factory and opted for the one you get in the 320d EfficientDynamics Edition.

Well known as an incredibly efficient powerplant, AC Schnitzer have taken it one point further and while they were at it they made it a little more powerful as it now develops 190 horsepower.

Team that up with a new body kit that’s made completely out of carbon fiber, the reduction of unsprung weight and the fitting of 19″ lightweight alloy wheels with titanium bolts and you get a lot of benefits.

Lighter weight, better distribution of what’s left and even better fuel economy levels. It is also part of helping the handling.

That’s where the revised AC Schnitzer suspension, new brakes and Continental Sport Contact high performance tires help finish the thing off.

The end result is that the AC Schnitzer ACS 99d is a sports car which goes from 0 to 62 in 6.9 seconds yet only consumes 3.8 l of fuel per 100 km and emits less than 99 g of CO2 per km.

This is the sort of efficiency that is impressive even in horrid little eco-boxes let alone great handling and fun sport cars.

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