AC Schnitzer turned ten in 1997, after a decade full of milestones in BMW tuning. The company celebrated with a special model: the ACS3 3.2 compact "10 Years Limited Edition", an exclusive series of just ten cars built carefully by hand. The starting point was the BMW 318ti compact, which left the factory with a 1.9 litre four-cylinder engine producing 140 hp.
In its place came a 3.2 litre six-cylinder four-valve engine with 3152 cc, 260 hp and peak torque of 333 Nm at 4400 rpm. The conversion used only proven series production parts to ensure the highest quality. A five-speed gearbox from the Z3 M Roadster, fitted with AC Schnitzer Short Shift, handled the extra power, together with a stronger, longer ratio rear axle with a 25 percent limited slip differential.
The performance matched that of true sports cars. With 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 258 km/h, it was one of the fastest "small cars" in the world. Special gas pressure dampers, shorter progressive springs lowering the car by 35 mm, special anti-roll bars and larger ventilated front brake discs kept it in check. The setup was tuned on the Nürburgring Nordschleife and on public roads.
Aerodynamics improved stability at high speed, with a dedicated front apron with large brake ducts, a three-piece rear spoiler, a roof spoiler, side skirts and AC Schnitzer sport mirrors. Red design stripes on body and wheels and the "10 Years Limited Edition" logo marked out the anniversary car. It rolled on black one-piece AC Schnitzer Type II wheels in 8.5J x 18, with 225/40 R 18 tyres at the front and 255/35 R 18 at the rear.
Inside, contoured sports seats, an airbag sports steering wheel and carbon cockpit trim met leather upholstery in the AC Schnitzer pinstripe design with red stitching. The gear knob, pedals, footrest and handbrake lever were made of aluminium, and an aluminium plate on the centre console carried each car's serial number.
Key facts
- Limited to 10 hand-built cars
- Based on the BMW 318ti compact
- 260 hp 3.2 litre six-cylinder
- 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds
- Top speed 258 km/h
- Lowered by 35 mm
