Mix and match
We mainly know the German tuner Manhart from tuning contemporary BMWs, but the company sometimes makes trips to older models. Now it has grabbed a BMW M3 of the E30 generation by the scraps to replace the original BMW Motorsport block with a power source from … Alpina!
Was it recently the turn of a Lancia Delta Integrale, now Manhart comes up with a heavily overhauled BMW M3. The company, which is located just across the Dutch-German border near Düsseldorf in Wuppertal, has a six-in-line in the nose of the only M3 model ever that originally had a four-cylinder. Moreover, it is not just any six-in-line, but a 3.5-liter copy from the shelves of Alpina – not even a Motorsport block. Originally it is the BMW engine that is included in the first generation BMW M535i, but then one that was upgraded by Alpina with a turbo, among other things, and then accommodated in a B7 S Turbo.
In it, the power source produced 330 hp and 550 Nm, but according to Manhart that is not enough. Both the intercooler and the turbo have been improved, for a result of 405 hp and 650 Nm of torque. The tuner does not say how fast the M3 is with that, but did review all kinds of things to keep the car controllable. Bigger wheels with wider tyres, new brakes, suspension parts and a different exhaust route: it’s all on, in or under.
The M3 was also not spared visually. In addition to the larger wheels mentioned, Manhart installs a spoiler package that has an effect on both the front and rear of the car. It also tints the 3 Series’ signature rectangular taillights to match the matt paint finish. A few red accents complete the party.
And the name? Manhart MH3 3.5 Turbo. It seems to be a finger exercise for Manhart for now, but if you have a BMW E30 M3 and would like yours to look the same – or get the same power unit – the Germans can probably arrange something for you.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl