The BMW 3-series coupe was only launched recently and already AC Schnitzer offers a Sports program for the latest member of the 3-series family.

The range comprises aerodynamic components in sports elegant design, performance upgrades and silencers, alloy wheels in various designs and sizes, specially developed suspension solutions and numerous interesting accessories for the interior.

As for all current BMW models with 3.0d engine (M47 D30 O2), AC Schnitzer will shortly be offering a diesel performance upgrade for the 3-series coupe. An additional control module provides 265 bhp and a maximum torque of 406 lb-ft, so acceleration from 0 - 62 mph takes just 6.1 instead of 6.6 seconds. The top speed limit of 250 km/h however is retained in the ACS3 3.0d performance upgrade.

In order to provide AC Schnitzer performance upgrades for the 335d and 335i with the new Twin Turbo technology, totally new developments are required. These are currently still in the first stages of an extensive test phase.

Despite the perceptible increase in power, the excellent driving behavior, moderate fuel consumption and superb stability remain unchanged with both performance upgrades. Even without engine tuning, they recommend fitting the AC Schnitzer sports rear silencer which - depending on base model - is available as a single system or in right-left combination.

The AC Schnitzer bodystyling components for the 3-series coupe stand out not only because of their sporting new design line, but also because of the perfect fit and ease of painting that are the result of the use of high quality PU-Rim. The new 3-series coupe has a strikingly contoured front spoiler that not only enhances the appearance with its sporting elegant design - at the same time it increases downforce on the front axle. For the rear axle, the aerodynamic highlights of a rear roof spoiler, a one-piece rear wing and a rear skirt with stylized diffuser profile are now in development. Naturally the latter optimally integrates the various exhaust styles.

Another development for the coupe is the side skirts which give the side lines a more striking and elongated appearance. Optionally the side skirts can be highlighted with a Chromeline Set.

The wheelarches of the 3-series coupe provide space for the AC Schnitzer Type II, Type III and Type IV alloy and racing rims from 18 to 20" diameter.

As maximum size, the coupe can be fitted with AC Schnitzer racing rims Type IV in 9.0J x 20" ET 35 or ET 26 on the rear with tires 245/30 R20 all round.

The suspension components have been specially set up for the use of the wheel and tire combinations. Depending on personal preference, the owner of a 3-series coupe of model range E92 can choose between pure suspension springs and a complete, performance-comfort set sports suspension which lowers the BMW by around an inch.

The suspension concept developed in extensive tests on the North Loop of the Nurburgring also includes the AC Schnitzer sports antiroll bars for the rear axle and aluminum strut braces for front and rear.

For the interior of the coupe, an extensive 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. There is also a carbon steering wheel trim in silver Exclusive.

Another highlight in the interior is the AC Schnitzer combi instrument with speedometer display up to 180 mph.

Footrests and pedals of aluminum create a more exclusive atmosphere in the cockpit together with the AC Schnitzer carbon interior trim in silver Exclusive. The aluminum gear knob, handbrake handle and cover for the BMW "i-Drive System" are available in silver or black anodized finish. Velour foot mats complete the range.

When beads of perspiration form on the brow of experienced sports car drivers, it's not necessarily down to a faulty air conditioning system. With the 420 bhp V8 of the BMW M3, the ACS3 Sport catapults even its keenest challengers into the rear view mirror. The sporting coupe is ideal for anyone seeking to gain advantage on twisting tracks. A normal M3 would be a tough competitor here, because in comparison with the "civilized" 3-series Coupe it has a totally different axle construction. With racing suspension developed on the legendary Nürburgring, AC Schnitzer has succeeded in refining the handling potential of the chassis even further. And fitted with the Short Shift from Aachen, the ACS3 Sport becomes the automotive hero of the day: No-one is changing gears faster!

Best of all: The vehicle loses nothing of its qualities as a daily driver. Instead, AC Schnitzer inserts even more M-otion into everyday life, for example when the Aachen exhaust system plays its bewitching baritone in a road tunnel. The left/right system with two tailpipes per side, linked into a horizontal figure of eight, is however a visual work of art. In a play on the mathematical symbol for "infinity", at the same time it symbolizes the powerful reserves of the vehicle which reaches 60 mph from a standing start in an effortless 4.6 seconds. No less carefully arranged are the aerodynamic attachments, which for AC Schnitzer are always more than mere visual decoration. At the rear, a diffuser of visible carbon presses the car down onto the tarmac as if there were magnets below the road surface. The front spoiler is also made from this high quality material, and is supported against the front skirt with alloy struts as in motorsport. Further downforce is provided by a subtle rear roof spoiler and rear wing which also give the body exciting new contours. Side skirt extensions, in particular when combined with the white paint of the photo model, give the profile an aura of stature and dynamism. Finally the AC Schnitzer racing rims Type VI embody pure culture, on the ACS3 Sport in sizes 9.0J x 20" on the front and 10.5J x 20" on the rear. The combination of Y-spokes and contrasting five fork spokes superimposed in two planes, produces a design that is as exciting as it is elegant.

Further highlights of course include the forged wheel Type V in 20". With its strikingly curved, interrupted spokes, it not only looks superb but thanks to the lightweight construction method, keeps the unsprung weight to a minimum. A no less attractive alternative is the Type IV racing wheel in silver - and with trendy black finish as "Magic Black”.

And naturally AC Schnitzer continues the theme of sports performance in the driver's workplace, offering attractive and ergonomically perfect aluminum controls for the gear knob, handbrake handle, pedals and i-Drive controller. A carbon interior trim and sports airbag steering wheel are also available on request.