This BMW Grocery Getter Is a Rare Schnitzer Performance Edition
Performance
Sports Cars
Classics
European
Station wagons aren't very popular in the US these days. But the European hot-rod grocery hauler recently offered on eBay could change how American auto enthusiasts see hatchback wagons. The BMW, located in Bosque Farms, N.M., is a rare and classy car.
The Only e30 S3 in the US
England's Rossiters Ltd. is the official UK distributor for AC Schnitzer tuning parts. That's where this right-hand-drive 1989 BMW 325i Touring wagon was converted to S3 specs.
The work to turn the standard 325i into an S3 was performed in 1991. It started by putting a hand-built 2.7-liter inline-six under the hood. And it added these S3 goodies:
- A special exhaust system
- Lowered ACS suspension
- Limited-slip differential
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These Schnitzers produced 237 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 232 pound-feet of torque. Zero to 62 mph took 6.3 seconds.
According to the seller, there were four S3 conversions done in England. But this is the only one still on the road. Globally, a total of 100 S3s were built in Germany, Japan, and the UK. There may have only been four Touring wagons in the bunch.
The seller said:
believe this to be the only example of an E30 S3 in the US. Finished in red over black leather, it is equipped with a five-speed manual transmission, a sunroof, an Alpine stereo, Brembo brakes, and mor
The car comes with all its build receipts, original badging, certificates of authenticity, and service records going back to its creation.
Euro-Style Power Wagon
The right-hand-drive shouldn't show down a determined owner.
AC Schnitzer - opens in new window or tab. was founded in Aachen, Germany by Willi Kohl and Herbert Schnitzer. The firm is still in business.
In addition to BMWs, the tuning company works on Jaguars, Land Rovers, Minis, Toyotas, and motorcycles. It has 600 employees. Schnitzer Motorsports is a separate company. American BMW enthusiasts are more familiar with Alpina - opens in new window or tab. and Dinan - opens in new window or tab. tuning brands.
The owner of the AC Schnitzer 320i on eBay said:
I have driven it rarely, starting it every few months and driving it around the block before putting it back in a climate-controlled shop, covered and protected. All service is up to date with a new timing belt three years ago and a full service with less than 100 miles since it was completed. It starts, runs, and handles fantasticall
These cars produced 237 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 232 pound-feet of torque. Zero to 62 mph could be obtained in 6.3 seconds, said Sport Auto. Later Schnitzer 3-Series cars upped the ante considerably. The 2001 AC Schnitzer S3 Sport with a six-speed manual had 343 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of peak torque.
A Fold-Down Rear Seat
But this one is the rare wagon, with a fold-down rear seat and even a cargo deck cover. The interior is in fantastic condition, with a wood-rimmed steering wheel and three pedals. The black leather buckets look unworn despite 136,300 miles on the odometer.
The owner notes a "mileage discrepancy" in the VIN check. When it arrived in New Mexico, as per local custom, the DMV labeled it as having "unknown mileage."
The wagon is possibly one of four with Schnitzer S3 2.7-liter trim.
Keep in mind that this is a 1989 BMW with state-of-the-art 1991 tuning. Of course, performance metrics have improved over the decades. So this classic Bimmer power wagon might lose in a stoplight derby to a Honda Civic Type R or a Tesla Model 3. But that doesn't diminish its rare S3 wagon distinction—or how much fun and style it could bring to family errands.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.