After manufacturing ended, the E36-generation BMW M3 kind of lived within the shadow of its siblings. Launched in 1992 because the successor to the motorsport-bred E30 M3, it refined the system quite than reinventing it — pairing a well-known 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 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 mentioned: nothing sells higher than exclusivity, and the E36 is actually no exception. So it’s maybe unsurprising that when a automobile 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 most likely 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 parts. The squared-off fender design gave the automobile a purposeful, widebody stance distinct from any manufacturing unit E36. A stripped out inside additional contributed to whole weight reduction round 160 kg (352 kilos) in comparison with a manufacturing unit automobile. Visually, practically each recognizable AC Schnitzer a part of the period is current. A rear spoiler, DTM-style mirrors, and multi-piece wheels full an exterior supposed as a rolling manifesto of what the corporate may obtain when unrestrained by value 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 unit, it was good for round 282 horsepower. Right here, AC Schnitzer threw the elements e-book on the automobile, too. A brand new exhaust, tuning, and different enhancements convey 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 considered one of 75 examples, even cursory analysis suggests precise manufacturing was far decrease. Estimates from these aware of the vehicles 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 automobile is considered one of simply two. The quantity rises to 14 in the event you rely CLS and CLSII vehicles, the latter of which is constructed on the later 3.2-liter automobile. Once more — primarily based on what a former proprietor claims.
That stage of shortage transforms the automobile from a modified E36 into an artifact worthy of collectible standing. With extraordinarily low mileage, period-correct modifications, and a manufacturing rely 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 fanatics of Nineties tuning tradition — a second in time when firms like AC Schnitzer constructed vehicles that blurred the road between street automobile, race automobile, and rolling assertion piece. Given these credentials, its six-figure valuation feels much less shocking. You’ll be able to take a look at the public sale (and arguably extra importantly, photos) on the hyperlink under.
1995 BMW M3 AC Schnitzer ACS3 CLS itemizing on Deliver a Trailer
