Photos by Randall Cordero
Driver's Notebook: AC Schnitzer BMW M3
February 2, 2004
BMW advertising has insisted for a few decades that its cars are ultimate driving
machines. The superlative might be a touch euphemistic when applied to some of
its models, but is not far off the mark when discussing the Bavarian marque’s
hot M cars. And even though the M3 easily ranks as one of the most dynamically
perfect automobiles in the world, some owners still see room for improvement.
“We know that BMW makes a great car,” says Roy Lopez, AC Schnitzer’s brand
manager at the Los Angeles–based tuner CEC. “We capitalize where BMW finishes
off. The M market demands more than the standard 3, and we take over for the
small percentage of the market that wants something more than the M.” He
emphasizes that each AC Schnitzer part is approved by BMW and meets or exceeds
factory standards.
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An AC Schnitzer sport suspension sharpens the M3’s accomplished
handling characteristics without producing an objectionably harsh ride
quality. (Click image to enlarge)It is the rare car sent to a tuner for performance enhancements that returns to its owner sans cosmetic alterations, but CEC philosophy clearly ranks performance above appearance. “Do what is best for the car first,” says Lopez. “Cosmetics come second.” This M3, made over for a customer who actually uses his car on the racetrack, exemplifies the credo. CEC left its 333 hp engine untouched, for instance, because the car did not need any more power. “Most customers have to learn how to take advantage of the existing horsepower,” explains Lopez. Mechanical changes include a rear differential modified for quicker shifting points and a sport exhaust system that increases torque. A sport suspension and Brembo brake kits, front and rear, round out alterations to the undercarriage.
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The 19-inch wheels look terrific, as does the car’s AC Schnitzer body kit.
Some of the more outrageous design elements—impossibly low front spoiler, flashy
decals, and rear wing—get a pass because this BMW is used for racing. If driven
exclusively on the road, the spoiler becomes nothing more than a hindrance. Less
temperamental than a similar spoiler on, say, a 911—the BMW has a shorter
overhang—it nevertheless forces split-second mental decisions on the angle of
driveway lips and the proximity of curbs. The decals and wing do not inhibit the
around-town driving experience, and the choice to include them on a nonracing
vehicle goes to personal taste. I am not a fan—ever—of trunk-mounted wings on
everyday cars, but will concede that the beautiful details on this one prompted
reconsideration of that prejudice. The decals failed to win me over, but did fit
the car’s overall character. Considering that the shape of the 3 Series has
hardly changed in over a decade, the positive reaction to this car around Los
Angeles speaks to the success of its customization—it stands out without being
too obnoxious about it. (Click image to enlarge)
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