Wheelset development at AC Schnitzer
A few definitions in advance
Wheel/complete wheel = rim incl. tyre
Wheel set = 4 wheels
xi/xd wheel sets = special wheel sets for all-wheel drive vehicles (xDrive)
Mixed-sized tyres = tyres wider on the rear axle than on the front axle
All-round tyres = same tyre size on the front and the rear axle
The wheels have a really important role: they are the postcard-sized connection between the vehicle and the road. They play a key role in the driving and propulsion as well as the deceleration - i.e. braking - of your vehicle. This gives the wheels a key role. Anyone who develops and sells wheels therefore has a great responsibility. We are aware of this responsibility; we have internalized it and implement it with every new development.
AC Schnitzer only uses high-quality brand tyres, which are developed in close cooperation with premium tyre manufacturers. On the one hand, the tyres have to transfer the power of the engine perfectly to the road, on the other hand, properties such as braking behaviour, lateral control, water drainage in rain and the properties in straight running are important decision criteria for or against a tyre.
A wheel set with wide base tyres is always also an investment in increasing driving safety and dynamics. In order to maintain driving comfort when using larger wheel dimensions, we at AC Schnitzer have actively opted against run-flat tyres and for sporty, conventional tyres. Conventional tires build up less rolling resistance and offer noticeably more comfort.
AC Schnitzer specialises in mixed-sized tyres, i.e. wheel sets in which the wheels of the rear axle are wider than those of the front axle. This makes sense in terms of driving dynamics, as it allows strong drive forces to be transmitted while at the same time enabling high steering precision. Although the wider a tyre is, the more power you can put on the road, the rolling resistance caused by the tyre must not become too high. As the rolling resistance increases the wider a tyre is, AC Schnitzer works out the wheel dimensions that are balanced.
AC Schnitzer develops special wheel/tyre combinations for all-wheel drive vehicles and orientates itself on the specifications of the vehicle manufacturer. These AC Schnitzer wheel sets are marked "xi/xd". Only those wheel dimensions are developed and approved for all-wheel drive vehicles that are as gentle on transfer cases as standard wheel sets.
All AC Schnitzer wheel sets are tuned in multi-stage driving tests in traffic and on race tracks. Only after successful test runs the wheels are released for sale. All AC Schnitzer wheel sets are delivered fully assembled and balanced. They are subject to a two-year manufacturer's warranty. The scope of delivery includes mounting materials such as adapters and wheel bolts as well as the homologation certificate (with the exception of marked wheelsets for export).
Philosophy/Design
Refined yet Sporting Appearance: AC Schnitzer Type VIII Alloy Wheels
The AC Schnitzer Type VIII alloy rim in BiColor finish in two different Silver shades supplements the Type VIII wheel range, which also includes the Type VIII Forged Racing Rim as well as the Type VIII Lightweight Forged Wheel.
The new one-piece wheel has a beautiful but "easy care" look, with unrestricted suitability for everyday use. The Type VIII alloys are made in the low pressure process and subjected to heat treatment after casting. Thanks to the high quality casting process, the characteristic AC Schnitzer design with its 5 double spokes can be made even more delicate for optimum weight.
The perfect BiColor Finish gives the Type VIII Alloy Wheel a sophisticated sporting look for many BMW models.
- AC Schnitzer Alloy Wheel with innovative design
- weight-optimsed, cast alloy wheel
- incl. machined “AC Schnitzer” logo
- open 5-spoke design in BiColor , giving a clear view to the brakes
- high quality clear lacquer protects the wheel against corrosion, therefore
- long-lasting
Material
Only high-quality aluminium alloys with the AlSi7 or AlSi11 specification are used.
Both types of material are additionally heat-treated in the production process, which results in higher strength and simultaneous weight reduction.
Material samples during the production process guarantee the constant and high quality of the material.
Production
Steps on the way to perfection
A high-quality cast blank is the prerequisite for a perfect and durable wheel. AC Schnitzer uses the low-pressure casting process for its manufacture. The aluminium alloy is pressed into a multi-part casting mould at a pressure of up to 1.2 bar. After cooling to approx. 400 degrees Celsius, the mould is opened and the cast blank is ready for further processing.
This takes place during machining and a complex painting process.
X-ray inspections, leak tests and the use of various measuring methods throughout the entire manufacturing process guarantee the consistent and high quality of the wheel.
Surface BiColor Silver
In this process, the wheel is first primed and then completely painted. Now the surfaces, which are later to shine metallically bright, are turned off. Finally, a two-layer clear coat is applied, consisting of a polyester primer and the acrylic clear coat.
Test Procedures / Safety
After their design, the first sample rims are manufactured under real production conditions. These must undergo a multitude of tests. Among other things, the strength is tested. The "rim life" is simulated in the bending circumferential test. Every AC Schnitzer rim must withstand this intact in order to be allowed to be produced and sold at all.
This is followed by vehicle-specific tests, including test installations with check of unobstructed movement and driving tests on public roads and on race tracks. Only after these procedures our rims receive their homologation, i.e. the approval to be used in road traffic.
Wheels are safety-relevant components. Therefore, they are checked and tested with the greatest care. This starts with the first chemical material tests and ends with hard testing machine endurance runs:
- § 30 StVZO wheel guideline
- ECE R124
- Bending-rotation tests
- 90° impact test
- unwinding tests
Scope of delivery
- 4 complete wheels:
- Rims Type VIIIcasted, monoblock wheel in BiColor Silver
- mounted and balanced
- pentagonal hub cover with AC Schnitzer logo
- Quality tag
- Optional vehicle- and rim-specific mounting and fastening material
- Certificate of Authenticity
- care instructions
- homologation certificate
Uniqueness of the wheel set with the Type VIII Light Alloy Wheels
- Engineered in Germany
- Developed exclusively for BMW and MINI vehicles
- Weight-optimized
- Heat treated
- With exclusive AC Schnitzer lettering
- Compatible with standard RDC system
- Rim also available separately
- Warranty 2 years
- Production monitored according to ISO standard
- open design in BiColor Silver giving a clear view to the brakes
- KDS mount for wheel alignment according to BMW specification is available