German tuning firm creates 1980s BMW M3 restomod with nearly 400bhp

Few cars have gained the cult status that’s been earned by the BMW M3. The original E30 generation’s combination of low weight, rear-wheel-drive handling and a high-revving four-cylinder engine meant it saw off all comers on the racetrack, and it won the World Touring Car Championship in 1987, the European title in 1987 and 1988, as well as 17 national titles during its racing career.

But for some, BMW and its M cars are more associated with straight-six powerplants, originally found in cars such as the M1 and M5. Now German tuning firm Manhart has combined the two, by taking an E30 M3 and stuffing it with a six-cylinder unit to create the MH3 3.5 Turbo restomod — where a classic machine is updated with more modern running gear.

Engine from the world’s fastest production saloon

However, Manhart hasn’t just stuck any old BMW straight-six under the M3’s bonnet, because the MH3 features the 3.5-litre turbocharged unit from the Alpina B7 S Turbo. That car was based on the E28-era BMW 5 Series (still following), and could lay claim to being the world’s fastest production saloon when new back in the early eighties, with a top speed of 162mph.

For the Manhart MH3 3.5 Turbo, the tuning firm has taken this unit, producing around 325bhp and 243lb ft as standard, and boosted it with a new turbocharger and intercooler for maximums of 399bhp and 479lb ft.

It also comes with a bespoke Manhart exhaust system, while power is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed gearbox and a Drexler limited-slip differential with oil cooler.

To help drivers deal with traction in slippery conditions, Manhart has also fitted a manual boost controller in the form of a rotary knob located just ahead of the gear lever.

Full chassis makeover

As well as updating the engine, Manhart’s restomod has mechanical revisions that include a coilover suspension kit made by H&R to the tuning house’s own specifications, while red Brembo brake callipers grip drilled discs front and rear, with the rears featuring floating callipers. The wheels are Manhart’s own design, measuring 19in in diameter, with widths of 8.5in up front and 9.5in at the rear.

The dark matt green wrap covers largely original bodywork, save for the bumpers and rear wing. There’s a carbon-fibre front splitter and a rear wing in the same material that emulates that of the M3 Sport Evolution.

Dark tinted rear lights add a subtle look at the back, but this is offset by the bright red pinstripes for the front and rear bumpers, as well as the lip of the front splitter and rear spoiler.

Inside, the cabin has been kept largely original and is finished in red leather for the seats and door cards. There’s a wooden Manhart-branded gear knob and the small blue controller for the turbo boost, while the driver’s side central air vent has been replaced by a period-style digital display that shows boost pressure and temperatures.

Prices for the Manhart MH3 3.5 Turbo treatment haven’t been listed but E30 owners can make enquiries via the tuner’s website, but original E30s sell for upwards of £50,000 so Manhart’s work will be a significant chunk on top of that.

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