AC Schnitzer S7
The AC Schnitzer E38 is like the wild cousin of the ALPINA B12—a 7 Series with the luxury dialed down a notch but the sporty edge cranked all the way up. While ALPINA's E38s like the B12 are all about silky V12s, refined luxury, and Autobahn-storming power, AC Schnitzer took a different approach: this E38 isn't just about going fast in a straight line; it's about turning this luxury cruiser into a real driver's machine.
Engine
AC Schnitzer offered upgrades across the E38 engine lineup, so whether you had a 728i, 730d, 735i, 740i, or even the beastly 750i V12, Schnitzer had a tune to match.
For the inline-six 728i and the 740i v8, they squeezed out a bit more horsepower with custom ECU tuning and intake mods, making these engines feel way more eager than their stock counterparts.
AC Schnitzer S7 3.2 (E38) '1995–98
BMW M52B28 engine + AC Schnitzer Bosch Motronic (3,152 cc/ 260 hp/330 Nm)
AC Schnitzer S7 4.0 (E38) '1995–98 - BMW M60B40 + AC Schnitzer Bosch Motronic (315 hp/411 Nm)
If you're lucky enough to find a Schnitzer-tuned 740i, you're in for a treat. The 4.4-liter M62 V8 in the 740i gets an impressive power bump that makes it pull harder across the rev range.
The 5.4-liter V12 in the 750i gets an exhaust note that lets everyone know this isn't your average 7 Series. Though it doesn't hit the ALPINA B12's 6.0-liter V12 numbers, the AC Schnitzer-tuned V12 is a different beast—one that feels lighter and more responsive, especially with that stainless steel exhaust system barking out a deep, throaty rumble.
AC Schnitzer did also modify the L7 E38, perheaps one of the rarest E38's you could get your hands on.
But wait. There's also a diesel.
The M57 730d ACS7 competes with the L7 ACS7 for the rarest AC Schnitzer E38 version.
According to the official AC Schnitzer brochure, the ACS7 730d got a power increase of 19hp (now 212hp) and 30 Nm (now 460 Nm), with an improved 0-100 by 0.3 sec. (now 8.3).
We could not find specific info, but according to AC Scnitzer, the ACS7 730d did recieve the usual upgrades (suspension, wheels, front lip, exhaust, ACS stripe etc.)
Wheels
Unlike ALPINA, AC Schnitzer was offering multiple wheel 'types' for its tuned E38's.
The most saught-after should definately be the TYPE 3's (R20 9.5J/10.5J)
TYPE 2's were also available (R18 8.5J/10J)
Exterior Design and Exhaust
AC Schnitzer chose to go aggressive but still refined, with a front lip spoiler, side skirts, and a rear spoiler that add just enough flair without going over the top.
Compared to ALPINA's understated luxury cues, the AC Schnitzer styling is more in-your-face. It's got that "don't mess with me" vibe that lets everyone know this 7 Series isn't just for chauffeuring executives—it's built for the driver's seat.
Another visible difference is the dual exhaust system.
To fully assure a more dynamic look, ACS also installed a roof spoiler.
Also, the tuner redesigned the side mirrors in a way that screams performance.
Very similar to ALPINA, AC Schnitzer designed its own stripes, making sure that their tuned E38 is stylish.
Interior
A redesigned steering wheel was one of the most visible changes, further assuring that driver-oriented feel.
2 options were available for buyers to choose from - full leather / leather + wood insertion.
Pedals were also replaced for steel ones.
Buyers could have also opted to replace the classic wood trim for a carbon fiber trim.
