At the 1997 IAA, AC Schnitzer became the first company to show that a V8 engine really does fit in the BMW Z3. Based on a Z3 2.8i, the V8 Roadster was celebrated in many tests by the international motoring press. It served as a technology carrier for the AC Schnitzer test department and showed what its engineers could do with completely new concepts.
The power came from an uprated version of the 4,398 cc eight-cylinder, four-valve engine from the BMW 540i, fitted into the roadster by hand. It received a finely balanced crankshaft, special camshafts, reworked cylinder heads, a stainless steel exhaust and a retuned Motronic program. Output rose from 286 hp (210 kW) to 310 hp (228 kW), with 440 Nm at 4,300 rpm.
The six-speed manual gearbox from the 540i came along, fitted with the AC Schnitzer Short Shift. A short-ratio rear differential with oil cooling and 25 percent locking helped the two-seater reach 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 265 km/h. Front brakes with vented, slotted 334 x 32 mm discs and two-piston calipers kept things in check, with the standard ABS fully retained.
Dampers matched to the new axle loads, progressive springs and adjustable anti-roll bars were tuned on the Nordschleife and on public roads. Multi-piece Type II racing wheels in 9.5J x 18 front and 10.5J x 18 rear wore 255/35 and 285/30 R 18 tyres. Four air outlets on each side symbolised the V8, and a speedster cover with integrated roll bars paid homage to classic racing roadsters. Inside, blue nubuck leather covered dashboard, centre console and door panels.
Key facts
- Base: BMW Z3 2.8i
- Engine: 4,398 cc V8 from the BMW 540i, 228 kW (310 hp), 440 Nm
- 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 s, top speed 265 km/h
- Six-speed manual from the 540i with Short Shift
- Presented at the IAA in 1997
- Nordschleife lap: 8:23 min, Hockenheimring: 1:14.8 min
