1991 AC-Schnitzer BMW 525i

This 1991 BMW 525i is a one-owner sport sedan that has resided in California its entire life and features extensive M-Sport and AC Schnitzer body upgrades, a dual exhaust system, a custom steering wheel, and more. Powered by an M50 2.5-liter inline-six paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, this E34 received a replacement OEM transmission in May 2021 as well as replacing spark plugs and a new valve cover gasket within the last 10k miles. This 5-Series rides on a performance Lemforder suspension and features five-spoke 18” AC Schnitzer wheels with Falken tires. Finished in Icelandic Green Metallic over a Parchment leather interior, this E34 525i is now offered with a car cover, service records, a clean CARFAX report, and a clear California title in the seller’s name.

The E34 5-Series chassis first debuted in 1988 and became available in a variety of engine and body style configurations, undergoing design enhancements each subsequent model year. This example from 1991 boasts an exterior cosmetic redesign, courtesy of period-correct upgrades applied by AC Schnitzer of Germany as well as BMW M-Sport. The body is painted Icelandic Green Metallic and upgraded with a 1995-era AC Schnitzer Germany aero kit, including a vented hood and a custom rear decklid with an integrated spoiler and LED brake lamp. Additional treatment includes clear lamp bezels, mesh kidney grille inserts, vented front fenders, a rear diffuser, and a dual exhaust system. The seller states that there are some stone chips on the front end consistent with age and mileage.

Aluminum AC Schnitzer Ronal 18” wheels are installed in a staggered setup with 9” wide wheels up front and 10” in the rear, wrapped in Falken FK452 tires all the way around. A Lemforder custom suspension was installed and aligned in June 2021, and the braking system has been upgraded with red-finished Brembo brake calipers and cross-drilled rotors. 

The interior is fitted with Parchment leather upholstery for the front buckets and rear bench, with matching door panels, dash, and carpeting. There are black Schnitzer-branded floor mats, and woodgrain trim is applied throughout the interior including the perimeter of a three-spoke M-Sport branded steering wheel. Conveniences include power windows, power door locks, cruise control, tinted windows, and aluminum pedal covers. The seller states that the radio is not currently functional.  

Instrumentation includes a 160-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and accompanying gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature. The six-digit mechanical odometer reads 153k miles, which is an actual reading per the seller.

The twin-camshaft M50 inline-six underwent a rebuild in June 2021 and is modified with an Injen air intake. The transmission was replaced with a remanufactured BMW OEM unit May 2021. According to the CARFAX, work performed in 2011 included service to the cooling system, steering, and suspension. Additionally, a 2010 service at 146k miles addressed the valve cover gasket, air filter, and spark plugs. The fuel injectors and head gasket have also been reported to have been replaced. Power is directed to the rear wheels via a ZF 4-speed automatic transmission and a console-mounted shift lever. The seller notes fluids including the engine oil, differential fluid, and brake fluid have been replaced.

The CARFAX report shows no accidents or damage on record, with the first record appearing in April 1993. The car passed a California emissions inspection in December 2020. The sale includes service records and a car cover.