Aside from Alpina (which is now owned by BMW), AC Schnitzer is one of the best-known tuners of Bavaria's finest luxury cars. The independent company has reached quite a big milestone, with 2022 representing 35 years in the business. To celebrate this, the tuner has introduced a special Upgrade Package for several models, lending them a more athletic look.
The forbidden fruit that is the 3 Series Touring has benefitted from this sporting touch and looks particularly tasty with its new enhancements. The wagon gains a stylish gloss black front splitter, a racy-looking set of side skirts, and unique "35 years" emblems on the bodywork.
As seen below, the Aachen-based tuner has previewed the 3er with two different wheel styles - to us, the black finish works better with the aesthetic enhancements.
The world's consummate executive express hasn't been left out of the celebrations, either. The talented 5 Series gets the same treatment, with an aggressive black-painted front lip and side skirts giving this 545e plenty of presence. As part of the Upgrade Package, the mid-sized BMW also receives a unique front spoiler.
The controversially-styled 4 Series is also available with the special upgrade and receives the same enhancements as the 3 Series Touring; a new front splitter, revised side skirts and, of course, the "35 years" emblem package can be added to the coupe/convertible for an additional cost.
All in all, it's quite a subtle upgrade but that doesn't mean it comes with a palatable price tag. Add up all the enhancements for the 5 Series and you're looking at €2,829 (approx. $3,000) which is a lot of money when you consider that's placed on top of the actual AC Schnitzer kit.
It's only available for BMWs currently fitted with an AC Schnitzer front splitter and side skirts, with the Upgrade Package acting as an additional refinement. For fans of the brand who want their BMW to stand out even further, it's certainly worth it. While the company has elected to display the new look on just three models, it has said the package will be made available for a "wide range of models."
If you're looking for more power for your 5 Series, the tuner recently unveiled its enhanced 5er with even more power than before. With a bit of fettling, AC Schnitzer has been able to increase the M550i's output from 530 to 620 horsepower. It comes as no surprise that this unrelenting commitment to performance has paid off. The company notes it has been voted the best BMW tuner for 16 consecutive years by Auto Motor und Sport readers.