The new AC Schnitzer BMW F25 X3 Tuning Program

By Ryan Konko

Posted on July 7, 2011

Giving the X3 that special touch.

BMW’s X3 Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV), Crossover, SUV, or whatever else you’d like to call it is an all-wheel drive five-door that offers added utility along with BMW driving dynamics. While it can be considered an eye-catcher in its own right, German BMW specialists, AC Schnitzer, have developed a complete tuning program for the latest BMW F25 X3 that gives the car that exclusive touch.

The exterior of the AC Schnitzer BMW X3 isn’t over the top or too aggressive as some programs tend to be. Instead, the German tuner designed a rather subtle aerodynamic package that helps to improve downforce and high-speed stability. At the front sits a new spoiler that protrudes from the bumper. The rear is fitted with a roof spoiler that generates additional downforce and a protective foil for the skirt.

AC Schnitzer also makes the new X3 stand out with a range of one- and multi-piece cast and forged wheels. Overall, seven types of wheels can be ordered and fitted to the X3 ranging from 8.5 x 19 to 10 x 20 sizes. AC Schnitzer offers two types of forged wheels: the Type VIII Racing Forged Wheels BiColor in a 9.5 x 22 size with 275/25 R22 tires or Type V Lightweight Forged Wheels BiColor in a 9 x 20 size with 245/40 R20 tires. The fitment is completed with new suspension spring kit that lowers the X3 and offers better handling dynamics.

AC Schnitzer is still working under the hood with new X3 tuning programs for the gasoline engines but they have developed a new upgrade for the 2.0-liter 184 horsepower turbodiesel four-cylinder. The performance upgrade boosts output to 218 horsepower and can be complemented by an engine optics package. For the 2.8i and 3.0i gasoline engines, the tuner is currently developing a full stainless steel exhaust system that improves power and throttle response. AC Schnitzer offers a chrome tailpipe options for all engine variants. A performance upgrade for the 3.0d is also currently in development.

The interior of the BMW X3 has also been given a touch of luxury and sport by AC Schnitzer. Facing the driver is a sports airbag steering wheel that offers greater control and comfort than the stock unit. The gear knobs can be replaced with new anodized silver/chrome, “Black Line”/chrome, or with a digital display unit. The i-Drive controller can be covered with a “Black Line” aluminum piece while the gear knob can be trimmed in leather. The floor is finished with new velour mats and an aluminum pedal set.

The AC Schnitzer BMW F25 X3 is currently available as a complete car. Customers can also choose to order individual accessories separately. Pricing has not been released.

AC Schnitzer BMW F25 X3 Tuning Specifications

Engine:
Displacement: 2.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: Inline-4
Aspiration: Turbodiesel
Maximum Horsepower: 218
-AC Schnitzer Performance Upgrade
-Optional stainless steel exhaust system with chrome tips

Wheels, Tires, and Suspension:
Type VIII Racing Forged Wheels BiColor
front 9.5 x 22″ with 275/25 R 22
rear: 9.5 x 22″ with 275/25 R 22

Type VIII Wheels BiColor
front: 8.5 x 19″ with 245/45 R 19
rear: 8.5 x 19″ with 245/45 R 19
front: 8.5 x 19″ with 245/45 R 19
rear: 9.5 x 19″ with 275/40 R 19

Type VII Racing Wheels silver and BiColor
front: 9.5 x 22″ with 275/25 R 22
rear: 9.5 x 22″ with 275/25 R 22

Type VI Racing Wheels BiColor
front: 9.0 x 20″ with 245/40 R 20
rear: 9.0 x 20″ with 245/40 R 20

Type VI Wheels BiColor
front: 8.5 x 18″ with 245/50 R 18
rear: 8.5 x 18″ with 245/50 R 18

Type V Lightweight Forged Wheels BiColor
front: 9.0 x 20″ with 245/40 R 20
rear: 9.0 x 20″ with 245/40 R 20
front: 9.5 x 22″ with 275/25 R 22
rear: 9.5 x 22″ with 275/25 R 22

Type IV Wheels silver and BiColor
front: 8.5 x 18″ with 245/50 R 18
rear: 8.5 x 18″ with 245/50 R 18
front: 8.5 x 19″ with 245/45 R 19
rear: 8.5 x 19″ with 245/45 R 19
front: 8.5 x 19″ with 245/45 R 19
rear: 9.5 x 19″ with 275/40 R 19
front: 9.0 x 20″ with 245/40 R 20 (only BiColor)
rear: 9.0 x 20″ with 245/40 R 20 (only BiColor)
front: 9.0 x 20″ with 245/40 R 20 (only BiColor)
rear: 10.0 x 20″ with 275/35 R 20 (only BiColor)

Suspension: Spring set

Exterior:
-Front spoiler
-Rear roof spoiler
-Rear skirt protective foil

Interior:
-Sports airbag steering wheel
-AC Schnitzer aluminum gear knobs
-AC Schnitzer aluminum cover, “Black Line” for BMW’s “i-Drive system controller“
-AC Schnitzer aluminum pedal set
-AC Schnitzer foot rest
-AC Schnitzer floor mats