BMW M3 Touring gets 610-bhp tune, aero body kit from AC Schnitzer

The BMW M3 is still an icon among enthusiasts and tuners alike. After years of clamouring by fans, the automaker finally made an estate variant for the first time, and aftermarket specialists were quick to tune it. AC Schnitzer is the latest, giving both the M3 Touring and saloon a makeover.

The aftermarket specialist offers the M3’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine with two tunes. The first increases the output to 590 bhp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The second one increases horsepower to 610 bhp with the same amount of torque. However, AC Schnitzer tweaked more than just the powertrain.

20 Photos

AC’s spring kit lowers the M3’s front end by 15 to 20 millimetres. However, customers can also get the RS coilover setup. The tuner offers the M3 Touring and saloon with either the AC3 lightweight forged wheels or the AC1 20-inch light-alloy ones finished in silver/anthracite or anthracite. The AC3s are available in either silver/anthracite or anthracite/silver.

The body kit does more than agitate its styling, adding functional aerodynamic bits. At the nose, the tuner’s black front splitter increases front-axle downforce by 40 kilograms at 124 miles per hour. A rear roof spoiler increases downforce on the back axle by 20 kg at the same speed. A new diffuser helps manage airflow at the back while corralling the carbon tailpipes. The body kit also adds bonnet accents and wings to the front bumper.

Recent BMWs by AC Schnitzer:

BMW i4 police car by AC Schnitzer is Germany promoting safe tuning

AC Schnitzer tunes BMW i4 with new wheels, body accents

Inside, the M3 is available with AC Schnitzer’s sports steering wheel. The tuner wraps it in black perforated Nappa leather and black Alcantara stitched together with light-grey thread. Larger aluminium paddle shifters replace the stock ones, and the tuner also swaps out the pedals and the footrest for shiny ones, along with some other interior trim pieces.

The M3 estate and saloon roll off the factory floor with plenty of power under the bonnet for most people. However, AC’s upgrade packages show that the M3’s powertrain has more performance potential than stock.