Veteran BMW tuner attributes shutdown to bureaucracy, logistical issues, and a lack of inspiration for the younger generation.

      AC Schnitzer

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      Regrettably, BMW racing team-turned-tuner AC Schnitzer will be closing its doors at the end of 2026, as announced by its parent company, the Kohl Group, which has been owned by the same family that founded ACS in 1987. Currently, the brand manufactures components for BMWs and motorcycles, but it plans to liquidate all of its inventory by year-end, with Kohl actively seeking a buyer for the brand name.

      In other words, AC Schnitzer in its current form will cease to exist. The company's statement outlines several reasons that led to this decision—some are undeniable, while others seem more subjective. Issues such as "tariffs in the key U.S. market, rising prices for raw materials globally, fluctuating exchange rates internationally, and the failure of some suppliers" are all mentioned as valid concerns. Additionally, the "prolonged approval process" for automotive parts in Germany has been detrimental as well.

      Kohl’s statement also touches on cultural changes, noting that “consumers of vehicle enhancements through aftermarket parts are frequently depicted in the media as eccentric or fraudulent,” and that, similar to other tuners, it struggled to “capture the interest of younger customers” as their predecessors did. We’ll never mock aftermarket customers—unless they're seeking the services of Mansory, which is our one exception.

      Regardless of the reasons, this is disappointing news. AC Schnitzer began 39 years ago with the merger of the Kohl Group and Team Schnitzer, which gained recognition for competing with BMWs across various motorsport categories. It was a notable presence during the iconic DTM years when E30 M3s competed against Mercedes 190Es and Alfa 155s. Moreover, when the tuning trend emerged in the late '90s and early 2000s, AC Schnitzer established a distinctive identity.

      We have observed many of ACS’s competitors shut down over the years, but that doesn’t make this news any easier to accept. Here’s hoping that if the brand continues in any capacity, it does so in a manner that pays tribute to its legacy.

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