At the IAA 1999, AC Schnitzer showed what professional tuning could make of the two-door E46 3 Series. The ACS3 A.R.T. concept car was trimmed for maximum sportiness. A.R.T. stood for Advanced Racing Technology, a reference to the direct transfer of technology between the Schnitzer racing team and the tuning company AC Schnitzer.
At its heart was AC Schnitzer's own engine concept, based on the BMW S50 B 32 six-cylinder four-valve unit. A specially developed airbox and numerous parts with motorsport origins raised output to 370 hp at 7900 rpm, with 380 Nm at 4500 rpm. A five-speed gearbox with Short Shift drove a special rear differential with 45 percent locking. The car reached 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of around 290 km/h.
The chassis was set up for handling, with the firm, height adjustable AC Schnitzer RS coilover suspension, special anti-roll bars and strut braces front and rear, tuned on the Nürburgring Nordschleife and on public roads. The brakes used 334 mm ventilated compound discs at the front and 328 mm discs at the rear. Polished multi-piece Type III racing wheels in 9.0J x 19 and 9.5J x 19 carried 245/35 and 275/30 tyres.
The body was trimmed for downforce and low weight. A front apron with large intakes fed the radiators and front brakes, chromed gills in the wings let brake air escape, and a roof spoiler, integrated rear diffuser and adjustable rear wing generated downforce at the rear. The telemetry data of an FIA Class II touring car was painted across the entire body, giving the name A.R.T. a perfect double meaning.
The lightweight two-seat cockpit continued the racing theme, with carbon fibre racing seats in two-tone leather, four-point harnesses, a three-spoke sports airbag steering wheel and aluminium pedals and footrest. Aluminium details also appeared in the leather-covered dashboard, and the rear bench was replaced by a cover in high quality velour carpet.
Key facts
- Shown at the IAA 1999
- 370 hp engine based on the S50 B 32
- 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds
- Top speed around 290 km/h
- Rear differential with 45 percent locking
- Body painted with touring car telemetry data
