When we talk about modified BMWs, one name that often comes to mind is AC Schnitzer. The tuner based in Aachen, Germany has been modifying the already-capable BMW models since it was founded in 1987. Now, the mad scientists from AC Schnitzer have turned their efforts to the 2022 BMW M240i. The Bavarian pocket rocket packs plenty of performance from the factory, but this version of the BMW G42, modified by AC Schnitzer, promises to give the range-topping BMW M2 a taste of its own medicine. Have they created a better M-car than BMW's M-division?

Putting the BMW M2 to Shame

AC Schnitzer celebrates its 35th anniversary in an epic way, by spicing up the already-hot, BMW M240i. The compact, rear-wheel-drive BMW benefits from AC Schnitzer’s Individual special parts program, which adds various aesthetic as well as performance upgrades. In standard form, BMW M240i packs 374 horsepower (275 kilowatts) at 5,500 to 6,500 RPM and 369 pound-feet (500 Nm) at 1,900 to 5,000 RPM. After the tuner went to town on the M2420i, its output was increased to 420 horsepower (309 kilowatts) at 6,000 RPM and 442 pound-feet (600 Nm) at 3,000 RPM.

Being the professional tuner that it is, AC Schnitzer offers an obligatory assembly guarantee of two years or 100,000 km (62,137 miles). Among the features offered in the package is the new, stainless steel exhaust. The quad-exhaust tups are available in carbon fiber, chrome, or black.

AC Schnitzer Exterior Enhancements

Other aesthetic features are the functional front splitter, which improves the aerodynamics, 12mm wheel spacers, and weight-optimized AC4 Flow Forming 8.5Jx20-inch wheels, which can be had in a variety of color options, including a twin-color finish. The tires are 245/30 R 20 on the front axle and 255/30 R 20 on the rear axle. A smaller, 19-inch wheel option is also available. There are also, not one, but two rear spoilers, one on the trunk lid and a more subtle one above the rear windshield.

It wouldn’t be a complete performance kit without a chassis upgrade and, once again, AC Schnitzer does not disappoint. The spring and sport suspension kit provided by the Tuner lower the compact Bavarian by approximately 20 to 25 mm, giving it a significantly lower center of gravity. Combined with the aforementioned wheel spacers, which increase the track width by 12 mm on each side, the tuned M240i should become an even more capable canyon carver.

High-Performance Usability: Tuning Done Right

But it’s not just on the outside, the Aachen-based tuner has touched the BMW M240i. Inside, you will find a bespoke, AC Schnitzer Sports steering wheel, which combined with bespoke shift paddles and new aluminum pedals, makes the tuner M240i stand out even more from the standard car. There’s also an engine optics package, which gives you a more…special engine bay.

The best part about AC Schnitzer’s treatment is that it doesn’t turn the BMW M240i into a back-breaking “racecar for the road”. Instead, the kit was built with usability in mind. The tuner from Aachen promises that the refined experience of the standard M240i has not gone anywhere. There’s just more of it. It looks like AC Schnitzer has beaten BMW’s M-division to a proper M-version of the G42. We’ll have to wait until 2024 for the actual BMW M2, at which point, it would be an interesting comparison. As for the price of the kit, you’ll have to ask AC Schnitzer for that.