This Manhart-Tuned E30 M3 Packs Over 400hp

The tuner calls it the MH3 3.5 Turbo.

The latest project undertaken by Manhart Classic Cars revolves around a touring car legend – the BMW E30 M3. Or, for those who don’t gell well with model generation codes, the very first BMW M3. Going by its success in touring car racing, it is one of the all-time greats. In the 1980s, it won a world championship, two European championships, over sixty state championships and well north of 1,000 overall victories in national and international competitions. In short, a hugely impressive CV.

The specimen finished by Manhart is called the MH3 3.5 Turbo. The German tuner has taken a different route for naming this vehicle. Usually, a figure denotes the horsepower available in the mix. Here, however, the ‘3.5’ represents the engine size. To be precise, it’s the turbocharged 3.5-litre, six-cylinder mill from the Alpina B7 S Turbo, based on the BMW E12 5 Series. The engine produced 330hp/500Nm, making the car the fastest series-produced sedan in the world.

For the Manhart MH3 3.5 Turbo, the powerplant’s turbocharger and intercooler were modified. As a result, the output increased to 405hp/650Nm. The upgrades include a Manhart exhaust system, a manual boost controller, a Drexler differential with a 25 per cent lock, and an additional cooler. The oomph is routed to the wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission. Although Manhart hasn’t confirmed it, the MH3 3.5 Turbo will do more than 260kmph flat out. That, by the way, was the top speed for the Alpina mentioned above.

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To maintain that motorsport aura, Manhart Classic Cars has garnished the MH3 3.5 Turbo with a carbon front spoiler blade and a rear spoiler with carbon wings. The bodywork hides behind a matt green foil, accompanied by black taillights, indicators, and red accents. The exterior look has been further enhanced using the black 19-inch Manhart Concave One rims, red brake callipers, and 330x32mm discs with 4-piston Brembo fixed callipers at the front. Hiding behind the wheels is the monotube coilover suspension by H&R, which should pay dividends in the handling department.

The interior of the Manhart MH3 3.5 Turbo is original leather in cardinal red. Besides that, Manhart logos are found on the three-spoke Momo steering wheel and the wooden gear knob. And a digital display on the left of the middle air vent shows vital data about the turbocharged engine.

Doing up a classic car is always risky. Any over-the-topness can cause backfires from enthusiasts around the world. But Manhart hasn’t done that. I think the MH3 3.5 Turbo is fantastic.