Wheel set with MI3 Light Alloy Wheels
- Developed exclusively for BMW and MINI vehicles
- Weight-optimized
- Vehicle-specific tuning through multi-stage driving tests on road and race track
Uniqueness of the wheel set with the MI3 Light Alloy Wheels
- Engineered in Germany
- Weight-optimized
- heat treated
- Developed exclusively for MINI vehicles
- With exclusive AC Schnitzer lettering
- Compatible with standard RDC system
- also available as a complete wheel
- Warranty 2 years
- Production monitored according to ISO standard
- BiColor Silver/Black or glossy Black
- Spacers/mounting package for the best possible position in the wheel arch (to be ordered separately)
- Assembly package vehicle specific
Scope of delivery
- 4 complete wheels:
- Rims MI3 casted, monoblock wheel in Black – 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
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
Sculptural design for MINI enthusiasts
AC Schnitzer is making a powerful statement in the world of exclusive MINI tuning with its new MI3 alloy
wheel. Its world premiere marks a milestone in design, technology and individualisation.
The MI3 wheel catches the eye at first glance: the progressive, geometrically structured Y-spoke design
looks like a modern sculpture. The interlocking architecture of angular, partly asymmetrical surfaces is
reminiscent of a tech-inspired spider's web structure – a design feature that perfectly combines
dynamism, precision and lightness.
The striking pentagonal hub cap echoes the AC Schnitzer brand design and is a deliberate nod to the
brand's iconic wheel models. As a special highlight, each wheel bears the laser-engraved AC Schnitzer
logo – discreet but unmistakable.
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 lowpressure
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.
Glossy Black surface
In this process, the wheel is first primed, then completely painted. A two-layer clear coat is then applied,
consisting of a polyester primer and the matt 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 MI3 casted, monoblock wheel in Black – 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 MI3 Light Alloy Wheels
- Engineered in Germany
- Weight-optimized
- heat treated
- Developed exclusively for MINI vehicles
- With exclusive AC Schnitzer lettering
- Compatible with standard RDC system
- also available as a complete wheel
- Warranty 2 years
- Production monitored according to ISO standard
- BiColor Silver/Black or glossy Black
- Spacers/mounting package for the best possible position in the wheel arch (to be ordered separately)
- Assembly package vehicle specific