MANHART MH8 5.0 V8 (E31)

When BMW unveiled the first 8 Series generation at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt am Main in September 1989, the luxury coupé with its unusually flat and sleek silhouette for BMW models at the time caused quite a stir, and not just visually. The E31 was also an absolute technology pioneer: in addition to the 5.0-litre aluminium V12, it also featured a co-steering rear axle with five spatial control arms, an electronic chassis, an electronic accelerator pedal and stability and traction control systems. When the large doors were opened, the coupé, which had no B-pillar, lowered its side windows slightly and the passengers sat in sports seats with integrated seat belts.

However, despite its dynamic appearance and its high-tech arsenal, the original 8 Series was always more of a splendid Gran Turismo than a “real” sports car throughout its life: an M8 based on the E31 was in development at the time and was already rumored by the media, but ultimately never came onto the market. The spearhead of the E31 series therefore remained the 850 CSi powered by a 380 HP 5.6-litre V12. Our technicians from the Classic Cars division, who have dedicated themselves to the masterful restoration, customization and optimization of sports car legends and sporty classics, have now put an E31 coupé on big wheels in an almost three-year restoration project with a partner company, which would have adequately filled the role of an “M8” at the time.

Since the early days of the company, it has been our credo to equip and upgrade BMW models with more modern and more powerful engines from the Bavarian manufacturer’s portfolio than were conceivable for the base vehicle from the factory. This results in unique sports cars that combine a powerful drive, adequate cornering dynamics and a contemporary-classic appearance – and whose historic character is even emphasized by the historic license plate.

This is what happened here too: We replaced the silky 5.0-litre V12 of the former 850i from the 1990 model year with the equally large-volume S62B50 engine from the BMW E39 M5, albeit with four fewer cylinders. Following performance optimization, the M engine now sends 420 HP to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox. Even more than the power upgrade of around 120 HP compared to the V12, the considerably more aggressive design of the S62 engine has an influence on the masculine characteristics of the vehicle, which is now known as the MANHART MH8 5.0 V8 Limited 01/05. The change of attitude from luxurious Gran Turismo to powerful thoroughbred sports car is emphasized acoustically by the low-frequency rumble and rumble of the stainless steel MANHART sports exhaust system.

The wheel arches are generously filled with MANHART Concave One alloy wheels measuring 9×20 and 10.5×20 inches, which are shod with Continental Sport Contact 7 tyres in 255/30R20 and 295/25R20. The MANHART brake upgrade with powerful 4-piston fixed callipers and perforated 340 millimeter brake discs on the front axle is clearly visible through the filigree double-spoke wheels. H&R lowering springs in combination with Bilstein B6 shock absorbers give the 8 Series an even more crouched appearance, while the wheel/tyre combinations are also aligned horizontally with the wings using the company’s own spacers. Naturally, all axle parts were blasted and refurbished as part of the restoration, and all rubbers and bearings were renewed.

We also emphasized the dynamic appearance of the MH8 5.0 V8, which was of course completely freshly painted, by installing the beefier front skirt and rear skirt of the 850 CSi, wind-sliding M exterior mirrors and an aerodynamic spoiler lip on the boot lid.

The interior and cockpit are also stylishly sporty: the seats, rear bench seat, door and side panels as well as the dashboard and center console of the 2+2-seater have received new leather and now feature coloured applications and stitching. The same applies to the new covers of the BMW sports steering wheel, the gear lever and the handbrake, which have been finished in soft Alcantara. The same material also enhances the headlining including the pillar paneling, the back shells of the integral sports seats and the rear shelf.