With 75 units produced and produced based on the BMW M3 (E36), the ACS 3 CLS is an example of the “beginnings” of the transformations made by AC Schnitzer based on BMW models and probably a variant of the M3 (E36) you didn't know about.
The copy we are talking to you about today is on sale in Hong Kong, on the Contempo Concept website, for one million two hundred thousand Hong Kong dollars (about 135,000 euros) and has only 30,000 miles traveled (about 48,000 kilometers) since it was produced in 1995.
Under the bonnet remains the 3.0 l inline six-cylinder of the BMW M3 (E36). However, the original 286hp and 320Nm of torque has been increased to around 324hp and 340Nm of torque, all thanks to the adoption of a sporty camshaft, a new exhaust and a new electronic engine mapping. This allowed the ACS3 CLS to reach 100 km/h in 5.5s and a top speed of 276 km/h.
Losing weight was also a goal.
In addition to increasing power, AC Schnitzer also reduced the weight of the M3 (E36). And if it's true that the M3 (E36) could no longer be considered a heavy car (weighed around 1460 kg), the ACS3 CLS managed to be even lighter (weighed around 160 kg less) thanks to the use of carbon panels. kevlar and other…ingenious solutions.
Subscribe to our newsletter here
To save the weight of the ACS3 CLS, AC Schnitzer replaced the rear seat with…a solitary bacquet. Still inside, the new steering wheel stands out, for the details in carbon fiber, but mainly for the instrument panel. In place of the typical BMW dials, there is an instrument panel taken from a touring car.
In addition to the new steering wheel, the ACS 3 CLS has carbon fiber applications.
Among the changes there is still to highlight the adoption by the ACS3 CLS of an adjustable suspension and high performance brakes. On the outside, the changes are discreet, with little more than the new wheels, the tailpipe, the bumpers, the aileron and the side skirts.