BMW E31 Transformed into an M8: Manhart Swaps an M5 V8 into an 850i

[[/:\] GP9000]

Manhart retrospectively completes the lineage of the BMW 8 Series with an M8 that never existed.

We present the spectacular tuning, including the conversion to the naturally aspirated V8 engine from the BMW M5 (E39)!

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Manhart lowers the restomod 8 Series slightly and widens the track a bit. Photo: Manhart
Manhart builds the BMW M8 that never existed before.

It's like a beautiful dream. Suddenly and unexpectedly, an executor of an estate calls and reminds you of that distant uncle in America you'd completely forgotten about. He recently passed away and left behind a fortune.

That's probably how the BMW M8 Competition feels, if it has a soul in its onboard computer in addition to bits and bytes. Suddenly and unexpectedly, the Munich-based power coupé discovers a wealthy uncle in its family tree, carefully prepared by the tuning company Manhart.

Brutal power meets visual restraint

The Manhart MH8 5.0 V8 remains visually very understated. The 20-inch rims could have come straight from the official BMW M catalog. The front and rear aprons are taken directly from the then-top model, the 850 CSi. Only the streamlined M exterior mirrors, a spoiler lip, and the somewhat more virile stainless steel exhaust system reveal to those in the know that this is a restomod 8 Series that never existed in this form.

Indeed, in 1990, a single M8 made it to the prototype stage. This coupé, intended as the pinnacle of the BMW model range, boasted a 600 hp (441 kW) 6.0-liter V12 under its sloping hood. A potential Ferrari-eater, it never made it to production due to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and the resulting rise in oil prices. While the prototype's engine later found its way into the legendary McLaren F1, the bright red development vehicle now gathers dust in a museum.

The V12 has to make way for a more manageable naturally aspirated V8 from the M5.

As its name suggests, the Manhart MH8 5.0 V8 undergoes a unique form of downsizing. The Wuppertal-based performance tuner removes the V12 from the base vehicle and replaces it with a genuine M engine, previously salvaged from an E39-generation M5.

This nimble V8, no slouch with its original 400 hp (294 kW), receives a performance upgrade, unleashing a hefty 420 hp (309 kW) to the six-speed manual transmission.

That's 120 hp (88 kW) more than the comparatively tame and significantly heavier standard V12, and still 40 hp (29 kW) more than the 850 CSi, which ultimately became BMW's alpha male. A true test for the traction control system, which came standard on the 8 Series back then, and presumably for the driver as well. Despite these challenges, the Manhart MH8 5.0 V8 clearly aims to offer an unparalleled driving experience.

This pleasure, limited to just five examples worldwide, comes at a price: Manhart is asking €149,000, including the base vehicle. A tip on the side: If your own bank balance doesn't allow for that, it might be worth checking your family tree to see if the names Gates, Bezos or Rockefeller appear there.

AUTOZEITUNG (source)

[NickyC]

I've always adored the look of this car. Thanks for posting.