Sweet Schnitzer Music

Words – Jeff Heywood – Photos – AC Schnitzer

Power and elegance need not be mutually exclusive, the G82 M4 Coupé and the G83 M4 Convertible modified by AC Schnitzer prove this in an impressive and irresistible way. Ever since the Aachen-based AC Schnitzer started tuning BMWs 35 years ago, petrolheads have grown to appreciate that there is further potential to be extracted beyond the standard BMW Series models, and nobody does it better than Schnitzer...

The AC Schnitzer performance upgrades for the new G80/2/3 M cars are a perfect case in point; with the standard 510hp/650Nm M3/M4 Competition you can go down Schnitzer’s Stage I route that will see your M3/M4 producing 590hp and a hefty 750Nm. If the owner chooses the Stage II tune, a sports exhaust back box (with 110mm carbon sport tailpipes) is included to reduce back pressure while helping to raise power to 610hp. Both tuning steps include a warranty for up to five years or 80,000kms (depends on home country) while a homologation certificate is also provided.

Matching the performance upgrade, both M4 models from AC Schnitzer have the option of a sweet sounding exhaust system constructed from stainless steel, complete with quad carbon sport tailpipes, each sized at 110mm diameter. If you decide to just go with a purely visual conversion, preferring to leave the engine stock yet still desiring a sporty exhaust note, the full Schnitzer sports exhaust is available to order separately, as are the AC Schnitzer carbon sport tailpipes.

Flexible, infinitely variable settings are possible with the AC Schnitzer RS coilover suspension for both rebound and compression, guaranteeing agile and sporty handling; the kit also lowers the car front and rear by approximately 30 to 40mm. Alternatively, AC Schnitzer also produces a spring kit, which lowers the M4 by approximately 15 to 20mm compared to the standard car, whilst also improving driving dynamics due to the lower centre of gravity.

Two different sets of Schnitzer wheels, AC1 and AC3, are available for the M4 Convertible and Coupé in three

AC Schnitzer also offers a full kit of aero accessories and trim parts, including a front splitter and the front winglets and blades, design elements for the bonnet, while custom blades attach where the BMW side gills are on the car’s front wings…

The AC Schnitzer sports steering wheel offers the driver optimum control and comfort of his M3 or M4, thanks to a luxuriously trimmed rim in perforated Nappa leather and Alcantara with exquisite light grey stitching. An AC Schnitzer badge at TDC provides you with the info you need when pressing on as to where the wheels are pointing and the Schnitzer carbon paddles are deeply desirable

colourways. AC1 light alloy wheels are available in bi-colour Silver and Anthracite, Anthracite or optional gloss black finish, with the front wheels sized at 10.0J x 20” (with 285/30 R 20 tyres). The rears are also sized at 10.0J x 20” (with slightly wider 295/30 R 20 tyres). The 20” AC3 lightweight forged wheels have partlypolished and partly-painted surfaces and come in silver with anthracite details, anthracite with silver details or an optional gloss black finish.

When it comes to aerodynamic components, AC Schnitzer always seems to come up with the goods, working both dynamically and aesthetically. AC Schnitzer has a front splitter (additional downforce of 40kg) for both the M4 Coupé and Convertible. The AC Schnitzer Design Package with deflector set for the front wings (four pieces) and design elements for the bonnet (two pieces) as well as the side skirt protection show that AC Schnitzer helps provide the show to match the go…

For the Coupé, AC Schnitzer also offers a carbon racing rear wing which adds additional downforce of an extra 50kg to the rear, while a gurney flap for this same wing is available. That raises downforce to 70kg. Also available exclusively for the Coupé is the AC Schnitzer carbon boot spoiler which provides 20 kg additional downforce. The Schnitzer rear roof spoiler completes the range.

The M4 Convertible by AC Schnitzer also benefits from some aero additions: a carbon rear diffuser, rear skirt protection foil, AC Schnitzer emblems (left and right) are also available for open air fans. All aero products can be seen in the various photos.

The interior design of the M4 models is stylish and functional. One of the main

AC Schnitzer provide three options when it comes to providing downforce at the rear in the shape of three wing and boot spoilers. The first is a raised GT style wing that provides 50kg of downforce (not shown), while the same spoiler with a gurney flap raises the downforce to 70kg – see photo. They also offer a more discreet lip-type boot spoiler, which provides 20kgs of downforce

AC Schnitzer supply these engine covers for BMW’s S58B30T0 engine found in the G80/2/3, providing the engine bay with a real optical lift AC Schnitzer have an RS coilover suspension kit (as shown in the photo) for the G82 and G83 M4 that lowers the car by 30 to 40mm. They also offer a set of sports springs that lower the car by 15 to 20mm

– AC Schnitzer offer the AC1 alloy wheels and AC3 forged wheels both sized at 20” and both offered in three colour choices

controlling elements when driving is the steering wheel, so AC Schnitzer offers a sports steering wheel that is a delight to use as well as being visually stunning. The steering wheel rim is made from perforated black Nappa leather and black Alcantara. A light grey cross stitch seam provides that touch of class to go with the sporty feel of the wheel. With recessed grips on the right and left for the driver’s thumbs and the light grey motorsport indicator with AC Schnitzer logo centred for perfect orientation when on the move finishes off this wheel a treat.

AC Schnitzer also provide exclusivelydesigned high-quality accessories for both the M4 Coupé and Convertible. An aluminium gearshift paddles, aluminium pedals, aluminium footrest, an aluminium Black Line cover for the i-Drive controller and an aluminium keyholder round off the goodies from Schnitzer.