After manufacturing ended, the E36-generation BMW M3 type of lived within the shadow of its siblings. Launched in 1992 because the successor to the motorsport-bred E30 M3, it refined the system reasonably than reinventing it — pairing a well-recognized 3 Collection physique with sharper suspension tuning and a extra highly effective engine. But regardless of being the spine of BMW efficiency all through the Nineteen Nineties, the usual E36 M3 by no means loved the common reverence later bestowed upon the E30 earlier than it or the E46 that adopted. That stated: nothing sells higher than exclusivity, and the E36 is definitely no exception. So it’s maybe unsurprising that when a automotive as uncommon because the AC Schnitzer ACS3 CLS surfaces on an public sale web site, costs get loopy quick. This one’s already previous $150,000.
The ACS3 CLS at a Look
By no means heard of the AC Schnitzer ACS3 CLS? You in all probability aren’t alone. The ACS3 CLS started life as a 1995 BMW M3 earlier than being extensively reworked by AC Schnitzer. AC Schnitzer changed key physique panels —together with the hood, bumpers, and fenders — with light-weight carbon Kevlar elements. The squared-off fender design gave the automotive a purposeful, widebody stance distinct from any manufacturing facility E36. A stripped out inside additional contributed to whole weight reduction round 160 kg (352 kilos) in comparison with a manufacturing facility automotive. Visually, almost each recognizable AC Schnitzer a part of the period is current. A rear spoiler, DTM-style mirrors, and multi-piece wheels full an exterior meant as a rolling manifesto of what the corporate may obtain when unrestrained by price or regulation.
Energy got here by means of a European-spec S50 engine. The three.0-liter mill is already considerably stronger than most Stateside E36 M3s, because of particular person throttle our bodies, extra aggressive camshafts, and better compression. From manufacturing facility, it was good for round 282 horsepower. Right here, AC Schnitzer threw the components ebook on the automotive, too. A brand new exhaust, tuning, and different enhancements carry energy as much as an AC Schnitzer-claimed 320 horsepower.
ACS3 CLS Manufacturing: Far Decrease Than Anticipated
Whereas the Deliver a Trailer itemizing describes the ACS3 CLS as one in every of 75 examples, even cursory analysis suggests precise manufacturing was far decrease. Estimates from these accustomed to the automobiles place whole output nearer to the mid-teens, doubtlessly even fewer. A former CLS proprietor — who’s profile continues to be viewable on bimmerforums — claims the automotive is one in every of simply two. The quantity rises to 14 if you happen to depend CLS and CLSII automobiles, the latter of which is constructed on the later 3.2-liter automotive. Once more — based mostly on what a former proprietor claims.
That degree of shortage transforms the automotive from a modified E36 into an artifact worthy of collectible standing. With extraordinarily low mileage, period-correct modifications, and a manufacturing depend that borders on legendary, the ACS3 CLS occupies a uncommon house within the BMW world. It appeals not solely to M3 collectors, but additionally to lovers of Nineteen Nineties tuning tradition — a second in time when corporations like AC Schnitzer constructed automobiles that blurred the road between highway automotive, race automotive, and rolling assertion piece. Given these credentials, its six-figure valuation feels much less shocking. You’ll be able to try the public sale (and arguably extra importantly, photos) on the hyperlink beneath.
1995 BMW M3 AC Schnitzer ACS3 CLS itemizing on Deliver a Trailer
