Before BMW Had SUVs Everywhere, Someone Built This Lifted 3 Series Wagon

25 Years In the past, BMW Solely Had One Crossover

BMW makes crossovers of each measurement, form, and even propulsion as of late, however that wasn’t the case about 25 years in the past. On the time, the parents from Munich made only one crossover mannequin. Extra particularly, it is the parents from Spartanburg, South Carolina who made it — the first-generation X5.

In 2001, the X3 was nonetheless a few years away, and those that wished a high-riding BMW had no different alternative however the X5, or swallow their delight and go for a special marque. There was, nevertheless, a 3rd approach, and that was to go to the aftermarket crowd. That brings us neatly to the AC Schnitzer X-Street.

AC Schnitzer

A Bavarian Outback

The AC Schnitzer X-Street was introduced as a prototype again in late 2001, which was about the identical time because the launch of the facelifted E46 3 Series. Its components was comparatively easy and just like the Subaru Outback and Volvo XC70 (before last year’s revival). That is to take a well-liked wagon, give it a bit extra floor clearance, and a few beauty adjustments to additional differentiate it from its lower-riding counterparts.

Within the case of the X-Street, it got here with taller springs that raised the three Sequence Touring’s physique by about 1.2 inches, so there was over six inches of clearance out there. It then rode on 17-inch ACS Sort 3 wheels shod in all-terrain tires. Admittedly, although, it does not seem to put on aggressive off-road rubber within the press images.

Additionally current was a wholesome dose of physique cladding, together with a really era-correct graphics bundle. Surprisingly, it got here with underbody safety, and there have been additionally distinctive touches added to the inside. So far as we all know, the X-Street had the identical fundamental mechanics because the Euro-spec 325xi from the identical period, which means the acquainted 2.5-liter inline-six (the M54B25 for you Bimmer nerds) with 189 hp.

How Many Made?

Sure, this wagon on stilts did attain manufacturing, though in extraordinarily restricted numbers. Nonetheless, the precise figures are unknown, though it’s mentioned that solely 25 have been ever inbuilt 2003. We did see just a few examples on the market, none of which breached the €10,000 mark.

Apparently, the few house owners on social media we noticed actually put their X-Roads to work. One Reddit consumer has one with about 186,000 miles on the clock, whereas Instagram web page Coliba Motorsport treats them the best way AC Schnitzer had meant from the beginning. Given its rarity, one would assume it belongs in a museum, however we argue that vehicles are meant for use.

It is unlikely that AC Schnitzer will revisit the thought. In any case, the X3 exists, and the tuning home has fettled the favored crossover over time. On the identical time, it is also the most well-liked mannequin that BMW makes as of late, as it has been outselling the three Sequence for fairly a while already, making the idea of a lifted 3 Sequence Touring moot. Nonetheless, we would moderately have this over a first-generation X3 any day of the week.