1992 BMW AC Schnitzer S5 3.0ix – Sub Zero Cool

If Clarkson and Hammond were still maintaining The Cool Wall from Top Gear, this 5 Series would unquestionably be designated about as cool as it gets. And thanks to renown BMW tuning house AC Schnitzer, this very unique tourer has the performance to match its classic lines and everyday driveability.

On a global scale. The S5 3.0ix is a rare car and this particular example may well be the only AC Schnitzer S5 3.0ix in the country. The factory RHD car was built by BMW Germany and then after some 17,000 miles, the first owner sent the car directly to AC Schnitzer whereby it underwent its conversion from an understated tourer to a highly capable and very practical vehicle.

At the AC Schnitzer workshop, the original M50 engine was removed and in its place, a 3.0 litre S5 engine with special crankshaft, conrods and pistons. Schnitzer cams are installed and are mated to the standard variable camshaft control system whilst the cylinder head and 24 valves are treated to some judicious gas-flowing work. The result? A healthy 240bhp and a commendably flat torque curve that delivers impressive performance and driveability in every gear.

Another key improvement that was made by Schnitzer was the car’s four-wheel drive system which instils huge amounts of driver confidence in both wet and dry conditions. Coupled with stiffer coils, Bilstein shock absorbers and the factory self-levelling rear suspension, you have a car that delivers an exceptionally rewarding drive. And thanks to the larger BMW Racing brakes, the car is just as good at stopping as it is at accelerating.

This particular car was acquired from AC Schnitzer Great Britain on the 8th of November 1995. The current owner brought the car into Australia as a personal import and has been in his possession up until this point in time. In its factory Sterling Silver hue, the car presents in very good condition and importantly, has not been modified in any way. From an exterior styling perspective, the BMW looks the part with its understated front and rear Schnitzer spoilers, side skirts and decals. The deep-dish OZ wheels suit the car perfectly and inside, the 12-piece walnut wooden trim kit and smaller diameter steering wheel hint that the car is not a standard BMW.

When it was released in the UK, motoring journalists were quick to compare the S5 to the Audi RS2 that was co-developed with Porsche. However, once those same industry experts had had a chance to get behind the wheel, it was the Schnitzer that received its well-deserved accolades for being a much more well-rounded and rewarding proposition.

Specification:

• Engine: 2962cc inline 6-cylinder S5 engine
• Transmission: 5 speed manual gearbox
• Drive type: all-wheel drive
• Power: 240bhp at 5,700 RPM
• Top speed: 240km/h
• Odometer: 155,370 miles

This superb tourer is now being reluctantly offered for sale, so if you are looking for an extremely rare piece of engineering from the experts at BMW and AC Schnitzer then you will need to place a bid in order to become the next owner of this very special car.