Wheelset development at AC Schnitzer A few definitions in advance Wheel/complete wheel = rim incl. tyre Wheel set = 4 wheels 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. 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 Innovative, high-quality design down to the smallest detail Especially for SUV vehicles: The new AC Schnitzer AC2 Light Alloy Wheels The new AC Schnitzer AC2 light-alloy wheels with ten-armed, stylized Y-spokes, which are reminiscent of the tentacles of an octopus, are unique in appearance. Manufactured using the low pressure casting process with subsequent heat treatment, the shaped rim star of the monoblock rim offers a clear view of the axle and brake. The centre of the head-footer forms the hub cap of the AC2 alloy rims in classic, pentagonal form with the AC Schnitzer logo. As with the Octopus, the "brain" of the light alloy rims is not only in the head, but is also branched into the outermost components. Designed especially for SUV vehicles and protected against corrosion with high-quality clear varnish, the AC Schnitzer AC2 light alloy rims offer innovative, high-quality design down to the smallest detail and a guaranteed, long service life coupled with unlimited everyday usability. - weight-optimised cast alloy rims - produced in the low-pressure casting process with subsequent heat treatment - in glossy black - open design in which gives a clear view to the brakes - the stylised Y-spokes ensure clear lines and an individual design - hubcap in classic, pentagonal shape - especially developed for SUV cars - embossed original AC Schnitzer logo - the wheel is corrosion-protected with a high quality clear lacquer, - guaranteeing a long life 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 glossy black 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 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 Uniqueness of the Type AC2 Light Alloy Wheels - Engineered in Germany - Weight-optimized - heat treated - Developed exclusively for BMW vehicles - With exclusive AC Schnitzer lettering - Compatible with standard RDC system - also available as a stand alone rim - Warranty 2 years - Production monitored according to ISO standard - Spacers/mounting package for the best possible position in the wheel arch - Vehicle specific assembly package