The AC Schnitzer BMW 1 Series M ACS1 Sport Coupe Exposed

By Ryan Konko

Posted on October 5, 2011

This is how it should be.

The BMW 1 Series M Coupe was a car that many, including BMW, believed was the reincarnation of the special e30 M3. A limited production of just 2,700 units was originally planned, but because of the large interest the car generated, BMW lifted the restriction and will produce it until 2012. However, the smallest M-model didn’t impress everyone. So, AC Schnitzer has released their own version of what they believe the BMW 1 Series M Coupe should be – the ACS1 Sport Coupe.

The ACS1 Sport Coupe essentially upgrades all of the important aspects of the 1 Series M Coupe without sacrificing everyday drivability. With the new upgrades, the ACS1 isn’t a hardcore track car, but instead strikes a greater balance between performance, style, and quality without going over the top.

The twin-turbocharged inline-six that powers the 1 Series M Coupe gets a fresh addition of power and styling from AC Schnitzer. The 3.0-liter that boasts 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft. stock is upgraded with an AC Schnitzer performance kit and engine styling package that increases output to 400 horsepower at 6,100 RPM and 413 lb-ft. of torque at 4,700 RPM. This enables the ACS1 Sport Coupe to accelerate to 62 mph in only 4.7 seconds and reach a 186 mph top speed, making it significantly quicker than the stock model. In addition to the performance upgrade, AC Schnitzer also offers a dual sport rear muffler setup with chrome “Racing” exhaust tips for a meaner exhaust note.

AC Schnitzer has also taken steps to upgrade the chassis in order to accommodate for the additional power output. Three different types of wheels ranging from the Type VIII forged BiColor in 8.5 J x 19 and 9.5 J x 19 sizes to Type IV BiColor wheels in a 9J x 20 and 10.0J x 20 front and rear fitment. Each set of wheels comes with performance tires for greater grip. Behind the wheels hide new six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers clenching down on slotted and internally ventilated 380mm and 355 mm discs. The entire AC Schnitzer BMW can be lowered with the new racing suspension system and adjusted in terms of bound and rebound to suit a specific race track.

A set of new aerodynamic components gives the ACS1 Sport Coupe a bolder look while still achieving greater amounts of downforce than the stock model. The front features a carbon fiber spoiler to reduce front axle lift while the rear is stabilized thanks to a carbon fiber diffuser and roof spoiler. AC Schnitzer installed a new chrome front grille and design elements on the front fenders to differentiate the ACS1 from the standard 1 Series M Coupe. To ensure that the engine is properly cooled, new hood vents can be installed.

The interior of the ACS1 Sport Coupe offers more in terms of sport and style than the model it is based on. The entire center console and interior trim is replaced with a Velencia Orange set, while the i-Drive controller, handbrake, and gear knob are all in contrasting black aluminum. For greater grip and control, the stock steering wheel can be replaced with an AC Schnitzer sport airbag unit with a Valencia Orange insert to match the rest of the interior. To finish things up, customers can order a set of velour floor mats and aluminum pedal set.

The AC Schnitzer ACS1 Sport Coupe can be ordered as a package for the BMW 1 Series M Coupe. Customers can also optionally order individual components for their M Coupe for an extra bit of performance or style. Pricing has not been released.

AC Schnitzer ACS1 Sport Coupe BMW 1 Series M Specifications

Engine:
Displacement: 3.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: Inline-six
Aspiration: Turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 400 (294 kW) at 6,100 RPM
Maximum Torque: 413 lb-ft. (560 Nm) at 4,700 RPM
-AC Schnitzer Power Upgrade
-Twin rear muffler with chrome sport exhaust tips

Transmission:
Type: Six-speed manual
Drive: Rear-wheel

Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 4.7 seconds
Top Speed: 186 mph (300 km/h)

Wheels, Suspension, and Brakes:
Wheels: AC Schnitzer Type VII, V, or IV in BiColor and/or forged; 19-20 inches
Suspension: AC Schnitzer Racing with adjustable height, rebound, and bound
Front Brakes: Six-piston with 380 mm internally ventilated and slotted discs
Rear Brakes: Four-piston with 355 mm internally ventilated and slotted discs

Exterior:
-Carbon fiber front spoiler
-Hood vents
-Chrome front grille
-Front fender designs
-Rear carbon fiber diffuser
-Rear roof spoiler

Interior:
-Valencia Orange trim and center console
-Black aluminum i-Drive, gear knob, and handbrake
-Sport airbag steering wheel with Valencia Orange insert
-Aluminum foot rest and pedal set
-Velour floor mats