AC Schnitzer Unveils The BMW 1 Series Police Should Be Driving

The result is the AC Schnitzer ACS1 2.3d, a diesel-powered patrol car that looks ready for Autobahn duty. AC Schnitzer has increased output from the 123d’s twin-turbocharged diesel engine to 241 horsepower, or 177 kW, with an impressive 480 Nm of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the modified BMW can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds.

That should be enough to make most speeding motorists reconsider their getaway plans. The performance upgrades are joined by AC Schnitzer’s sports suspension, which lowers the BMW approximately 30 mm, as well as a front strut brace intended to sharpen handling.

A set of AC Schnitzer Type IV BiColor wheels wrapped in Hankook Ventus S1 evo tires completes the chassis package. While the mechanical upgrades are substantial, it is the exterior treatment that makes the car difficult to miss.

Exterior of the AC Schnitzer 1 Series

AC Schnitzer fitted the 1 Series Coupe with its two-piece front spoiler, rear skirt insert, rear wing, roof spoiler, and New Generation sport mirrors. Hella supplied the LEDayFlex daytime running lights and RTK 7 emergency lighting system, while Foliatec, INTAX, and folioCar provided the police graphics and exterior detailing. The finished car manages to look remarkably close to a legitimate German police vehicle, although officials have no plans to put it into active service.

Inside, the changes continue with AC Schnitzer-branded Recaro sport seats featuring side airbags, along with silver carbon-fiber trim covering portions of the dashboard, center console, door handles, and steering wheel.

An AC Schnitzer EVO sport steering wheel is joined by aluminum pedals, an aluminum footrest, Black Line handbrake handle, carbon automatic gear selector, and velour floor mats. Perhaps the most entertaining addition is a prototype G-Force display capable of measuring and displaying the forces being generated inside the car. It may not help write a speeding ticket, but it should make the trip considerably more interesting.

The TUNE IT! SAFE! program has produced a modified police-themed concept vehicle each year for the last several years, using the attention surrounding high-performance tuning to promote properly engineered and legally approved modifications.

The message is particularly relevant in Germany, where aftermarket components generally must meet TÜV approval standards before being legally used on public roads. “Only serious, safe tuning will bring the hoped-for driving pleasure,” is the guiding principle behind the campaign. AC Schnitzer Managing Director Rainer Vogel echoed that philosophy, explaining that safe tuning is not simply part of the company’s business model, but part of its broader mission.

Nearly every AC Schnitzer component featured on the police BMW is currently available through the company’s sales program for the BMW 1 Series and is TÜV approved. The lone exception is the prototype G-Force display. Unfortunately for German police officers hoping to trade their regular patrol car for something a little more exciting, the complete police-spec ACS1 will remain a show vehicle.

The public will get its first look at the TUNE IT! SAFE! BMW 123d Coupe during the 2009 Essen Motor Show, where it will be displayed on the VDAT stand in Hall 10 from November 28 through December 6. For enthusiasts, the message behind the car is fairly straightforward: modifying a car does not require sacrificing engineering, legality, or safety.

And apparently, responsible tuning can still include 241 horsepower, carbon fiber, racing seats, and flashing blue lights.

AC Schnitzer ACS1 2.3d Specifications

• Base Vehicle: BMW 123d Coupe (E82)
• Engine: AC Schnitzer performance upgrade
• Output: 241 HP / 177 kW
• Torque: 480 Nm
• Transmission: Six-speed automatic
• 0-100 km/h: 6.7 seconds
• Exhaust: AC Schnitzer Racing chrome tail trim
• Suspension: AC Schnitzer sports suspension, approximately 30 mm lower
• Chassis: AC Schnitzer strut brace
• Wheels: AC Schnitzer Type IV BiColor
• Tires: Hankook Ventus S1 evo
• Aerodynamics: AC Schnitzer front spoiler, rear skirt insert, rear wing, roof spoiler, and New Generation sport mirrors
• Steering Wheel: AC Schnitzer EVO sport steering wheel with silver carbon insert
• Seats: AC Schnitzer/Recaro sport seats with side airbags
• Interior: Silver carbon trim, aluminum pedals, aluminum footrest, Black Line handbrake handle, carbon automatic gear selector, and velour floor mats
• Special Equipment: Prototype AC Schnitzer G-Force display
• Police Graphics: Foliatec, INTAX, and folioCar
• Emergency Lighting: Hella RTK 7
• Daytime Running Lights: Hella LEDayFlex
• Public Debut: 2009 Essen Motor Show, November 28-December 6, VDAT Stand 406, Hall 10