Gilbert Gottfried stated he and Eddie Murphy improvised their dialogue after Axel brings up Sidney Bernstein's parking violations.
This is the first film Eddie Murphy wrote or co-wrote.
Chris Rock makes an appearance as the valet at the Playboy Mansion who complains about Axel bringing in a cement truck. This is his first role on the big screen; Rock was featured in an HBO comedy special (which featured aspiring comedians e.g. Robert Townsend, Marsha Warfield) which was produced by Eddie Murphy and his childhood friend Clint Smith.
According to the DVD documentary, "Paramount" originally wanted to produce a TV series of "Beverly Hills Cop" after the success of the first film. However, Eddie Murphy did not want to go back to television, so a sequel was made instead.
Axel introduces himself at the gun club as "Richard James". This is a nod to Rick James, Eddie Murphy's musician friend who produced his 1986 album.