BMW M Cars

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The Manhart MH3 600

It has been 35 years ago that BMW unveiled their M3, based on the E30 series at that time, the first M3 ever is still considered one of the best cars in the world, even today, and prices for this classic from Munich have gone through the roof … today we’re at the 7th M3 series, called the G80, and while the styling, especially at the front, hasn’t been received unanimously positive, the idea behind the car is still strong.

The BMW G80 M3 has become a high-power saloon, today the M3 isn’t a two-door anymore like on the E30, but it comes with four doors (if you want a similar car in a two-door configuration you’ll have to opt for the M4 strangely enough), and just in case a factory standard G80 M3 isn’t enough for you, BMW offers her in ‘Competition’ trim, the 3.0-Liter Biturbo in-line six-cylinder comes with 510 hp and 650 Nm of torque, which isn’t too bad I guess.

But we wouldn’t be taking a look at Manhart’s latest offering if we would take a factory original power output for granted … so by adding the MHtronik powerbox to the M3 Competition engine, the Manhart engine wizards increase the power to a massive 635 hp and no less than 780 Nm of torque … the Manhart MH3 600 will reach it’s electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h in less than 17 seconds, which is four seconds quicker than the factory original M3 Competition.

But with great power must come a great soundtrack, so Manhart fits their in-house stainless steel rear silencer, which retains the valve control system … the thundering sound comes through four 100mm exhaust tips, which depending on the choice of the client, are either ceramic coated or finished in carbon fiber … if you like living in the grey area of the law, you can fit Manhart Race downpipes that delete the catalytic converters or install the Manhart OPF-Delete pipes that have their own 200-cell HJS catalytic converters … but neither are street-legal strictly speaking.

To get that lower to the track look, Manhart has two options for their MH3 600, either a set of H&R lowering springs that bring the car down by 30 mm at the front, and 10 mm at the rear, or you go all-out for a KW Suspensions adjustable coil-over setup that has been specifically tuned for Manhart only by KW, and to complete the ‘lowered’ look you just need to add these amazing looking 21-inch wheels, called the Manhart Concave One, in either gold look or satin black with a gold outer rim, 9×21 inch for the front axle, 10.5×21 inch for the rear axle with 255/30ZR21 and 295/25ZR21 tires respectively.

As an option, you can have a very impressive carbon fiber aero package on the BMW M3 Competition straight from the factory, but Manhart adds a different rear diffuser, also made from clear carbon fiber, and it works perfectly with the larger, 100 mm diameter exhaust tips from the Manhart sport muffler, more Manhart Carbon fiber can be found on the interior where you’ll notice a carbon fiber shell against the back of the seat and the headrest … just to include the motorsport feeling on the inside too.

June 2, 2021 / Comments Off

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Dähler BMW X5 M50i

The BMW X5 is a large SUV in European standards, it might not be considered large in the United States market, but you have to admit the M50i version that comes with a 4.4-Liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 530hp and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque isn’t underpowered, but there is also an X5 M available with even more power … 600hp and a 0 to 60mph time of only 3.8 seconds, for a large SUV that weighs 5,425 lbs, that’s a train coming down the street at that speed.

But what if you want something a little different than a factory original X5 M, and preferably with more power? In comes Dähler Competition Line AG, located in Switzerland, they offer a ‘Power boost level 1’ option for the cheaper X50i model (MSRP $82,800 against $105,100 for the X5 M) that boosts the power from 530hp to 630hp and adds 90Nm on top too, 840Nm in total now, which betters the X5 M from BMW.

And the best part is that, even with the increased, limited top speed of 270 km/h, the X5 M50i DCL Dähler Competition Line has been WLTP-E6d-temp tested and approved for sale in the EU and Switzerland, with a corresponding supplementary warranty in addition to factory warranty … but wait, there is more … Dähler is already working on a ‘Power boost level 2’ package that promises even more power … 700hp here we come.

The X5 M50i “babbles” and “blubbers” with the unmistakable, unadulterated V8 sound that so many fans love, and Dähler created a 4-pipe stainless steel exhaust system for their car, with four ceramic-coated tailpipes that show some impressive size … 101mm in diameter, not only does it look amazing, it also works in perfect harmony with the factory-installed gasoline particulate filters (GPF).

Unfortunately, the CAN bus-controlled valves in the exhaust, allowing the driver to control the sound level at any rpm or speed, isn’t EU/CH approved, so you can’t use it on the open road … but it will wake up the neighbors if you start your Dähler BMW X50i in the morning with the valves open.

The BMW X5 M50i comes with an EDC electronic damping system, so the lowering springs from Dähler had to be custom made for this car, they not only lower the car to the tarmac, but they also increase driving stability, decrease rolling movements … and they just make the car look better, at the moment Dähler is even working on a complete coilover suspension that will come with adjustable height and hardness.

Standard fitment on the BMW X5 M50i are 20-inch wheels, the X5 M comes with 21-inch from the factory … naturally, Dähler had to top those, so they came up with massive 23-inch forged wheels, called CDC1 FORGED these 11-inch wide wheels receive massive 305/30 R23 tires, and they are still up to 35% lighter than conventional light-alloy wheels.

March 21, 2021 / Comments Off

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Chris Harris Gives His Take on BMW’s New M3

Top Gear UK’s, Chris Harris recently reviewed the 2021 BMW M3 Competition. His thoughts came from his experience with the M3 on a closed track.

The new 2021 BMW M3 comes with a fresh redesign that been talked about for the past few months prior to its release. BMW has been getting teased about the massive grille on the front of the car – these comments are coming from everyone including BMW enthusiasts.

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Chris Harris was not only puzzled about the animated and obnoxious grille affixed to the new M3 but also the lack of fitment and stance of the car. He compared the new G80 M3 to the previous generation (F80) and his comments were spot on. He pointed out that the previous generation looked perfect in almost every way especially how the body appeared to have been “wrapped” around the wheels. This was not the case for BMW’s new M3 – it lacks wheel fitment, fancy-looking mirrors, and an attractive front end.

The G80 M3 comes with a twin-turbo inline-six capable of 510 horsepower and 480lb-ft of torque. It also comes sporting a ZF automatic transmission instead of the previous generations’ DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission). Harris felt there was a bit of transmission lag during his time on the track but surprisingly mentioned there was virtually no turbo lag.

Looks aside, Chris Harris thought the new M3 was fantastic. The chassis was nice and tight, the handling and steering inputs were precise, and the carbon fiber seats were absolutely perfect. The news M3’s steering wheel looks to be packed with buttons resembling a calculator but now we’re getting picky.

The BMW R&D team appears to be fans of arcade games as they have incorporated an “M drift analyzer” into the car giving the driver statistics on distance, time, and speed of drift. This sounds like fun until you get busted for attempting to beat your “high score” on your way home from the race track.

Chris was impressed overall with BMW’s new M car but felt it was less “raw and angry” than that of previous generations. But BMW did not miss the mark, they just changed its destination with the new G80 M3.

March 10, 2021 / Comments Off

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