Developed as a successor to the 1 Series->ke313 Coupe, already a classic among BMW->ke178 enthusiasts, the 2 Series is not just good-looking, but powerful as well. The 228i delivers 240 horses and strong performance while returning 36 mpg on the highway, and the M235i will make your heart pump faster with the 320 ponies residing under the hood. Add the fuel-efficient, yet still potent diesel->ke1917 engine available in Europe and you got a complete vehicle on your hands. But does this mean the 2 Series can't be improved upon? Hell, no!

At least not if you ask the folks over at AC Schnitzer, who have been meddling with Bimmers since the late 1960s. There's no such thing as a new BMW without an AC Schnitzer package, and the 2 Series is the perfect proof that the Aachen-based specialist means business. It didn't take too long for AC Schnitzer->ke513 to come up with a series of updates for the 2 Series, which can now benefit from increased output rating across the entire lineup. Well, almost, as the U.S.-spec 228i is not included yet. But AC Schnitzer's new offering is not just about added horsepower. These compact Bimmers are also enhanced by aerodynamic parts and various interior upgrades. Check them all out past the jump.

Click past the jump to read more about AC Schnitzer's program for the BMW 2 Series

2015 BMW 2 Series by AC Schintzer

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 BMW 2 Series by AC Schintzer
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 245
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

BMW 2 Series In Detail

Much like most packages created by AC Schnitzer, the BMW 2 Series upgrade is compelling, yet not overly rigged out. More importantly, the German tuner is willing to updated just about any version of the current 2 Series, including the M235i. The M2 is the only version left out of the equation, but that's because the high-performance coupe has yet to be launched. Once it arrives in showrooms, be sure AC Schnitzer will roll out an upgrade for it as well.

Meanwhile, the 2 Series range is getting a brand-new aerodynamic kit. Additions include carbon-fiber front flippers, carbon-fiber mirror covers, a roof spoiler and a rear skirt protection foil. Customers opting for the M235i will also get a carbon-fiber rear diffuser. The exterior is further enhance by means of a lowered suspension. First up is a spring lowering kit that decreases ride height by about 1.18 to 1.37 inches up front and 1.37 to 1.57 inches out back. A sports suspension pack is also available for rear-wheel-drive cars. This one lowers the car's stance by 1 inch up front and 1.18 to 1.37 inches out back. Next up is an adjustable, race-spec suspension that will lower the vehicle by 1.37 to 1.57 inches. In the case of M-Technik-equipped Bimmers, overall lowering will be reduced by 0.2 to 0.6 inches. As far as wheels go, the Germans offer a wide range of lightweight rims measuring 18 to 20 inches.

Moving inside, AC Schnitzer has even more goodies in store. For instance, the standard handbrake handle, gear knob, pedals, and foot rest are replaced by aluminum items. Those looking for something a bit fancier can opt for the company's illuminated, leather-wrapped gear knob. The complete package also includes AC Schnitzer-branded key holders, floor mats and velours.

Naturally, the 2 Series upgrade is also about increased output. The Germans have developed for each diesel version of the compact, but they haven't forgotten about the M235i or the 220i, which is exported overseas (but not to the U.S.). The latter has its horsepower rating bumped from 184 to 245 ponies, while the 326-horsepower M235i will benefit from 380 horses once AC Schnitzer is done meddling with its engine. As for diesels, the 218d's rating increases from 143 to 171 horsepower, the 220d gets an extra 34 ponies for a total of 218, while the 225d cranks out 258 horses instead of "just" 218.

Drivetrain upgrades can be rounded off by one of the company's many exhaust systems, including the sports silencer with chromed pipes or the "Racing Evo" package. The latter is available for both the standard version and the M235i, which features a dual-tip configuration. Unfortunately for U.S. customers, AC Schnitzer has yet to prepare such a package for the 228i version of the coupe, the only one we can buy here alongside the M235i.

BMW 2 Series