BMW Tuner AC Schnitzer Gets A Second Chance After Nearly Shutting Down

The longtime BMW tuner will continue under new ownership after facing closure over Germany’s strict vehicle approval rules.

AC Schnitzer V8 TOPSTER (2003)

Photo by: AC Schnitzer

Jeff Perez

By: Jeff Perez

Sep 29, at 2:59pm ET

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In March, details surfaced suggesting that famed BMW tuner AC Schnitzer was shutting down, largely due to Germany’s increasingly strict vehicle approval processes. But rumors of AC Schnitzer’s death may have been greatly exaggerated.

New details, as reported by BMWBlog, say the company is on the verge of a comeback. Rotterdam-based AM Group has agreed to acquire AC Schnitzer from Germany’s KOHL Group, with the deal expected to close in November.

The acquisition will preserve the AC Schnitzer name, along with its technical documentation, TÜV approvals, dealer network, and existing product knowledge. The brand will live on under new ownership.

AC Schnitzer Gets A Fresh Start

You may not have heard of AM Group, but the company is no stranger to the automotive aftermarket. The group’s portfolio already includes several aftermarket brands, most notably British tuning company Urban Automotive, which specializes in heavily modified SUVs and carbon-fiber bodywork.

The new ownership will also bring a familiar name from the BMW aftermarket world into AC Schnitzer’s leadership. Imran Arshad, co-founder of Evolve Automotive and Eventuri, will become the company’s managing director.

Arshad says AC Schnitzer’s focus on engineering, design, and attention to detail is what attracted him to the brand.

BMW M5 G99 by AC Schnitzer (2025)

BMW M5 G99 by AC Schnitzer

Photo by: AC Schnitzer

What’s Next For AC Schnitzer?

AC Schnitzer has reportedly already started working with BMW’s latest products, including the new iX3. The acquisition is expected to close in November, giving the longtime BMW tuner a chance to chart a new course under AM Group.

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There’s also a transition plan in place for existing customers. KOHL says its remaining inventory will continue to be sold through the end of 2026, while warranties and after-sales support will remain in place during the transition.

For BMW enthusiasts who grew up seeing AC Schnitzer wheels, exhausts, spoilers, and engine upgrades on everything from 3 Series sedans to full-blown M cars, this is good news. The brand that looked like it might disappear at the end of 2026 now has a new owner—and another shot at reinventing itself.

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Source: via BMWBlog

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