THE MANHART MH2 450 IS AN AWESOME AFTERMARKET EVOLUTION OF THE BMW 240I
At SXdrv, we’ve got a serious soft spot for MANHART and their OTT creations. This legendary German tuner is known for delivering top-tier upgrade packages, especially for modern machines from their homeland - because, well, that’s their playground. But MANHART doesn’t stop at today’s beasts; they’ve got a dedicated team crafting restomod masterpieces, blending modern engineering with iconic classics. When they get their hands on a car, it’s a full spectrum of possibilities, from subtle tweaks to an all-out transformation. And, as you’d expect, a full MANHART build comes with a price tag to match. After all, they deal with high-end rides, and their parts are on par with, or even surpass OEM standards. Their BMW builds? Always something special. It’s not just about looks; they’ve got the know-how to extract extra power from under the hood while keeping everything in check—reliable, powerful, and even warranted. And if you're the hands-on type, you can grab MANHART components to ship worldwide, though the more technical stuff is best left to the pros. Now, the latest BMW 2-Series hasn’t exactly won a popularity contest online, but it’s growing on people, like a slow burn. MANHART’s touch on the 2-Series? It just clicks, at least from where we’re standing. At first glance, the MH2 450 name might throw you off. You’re probably thinking, "Wait, isn’t this supposed to be based on the BMW M2? And only 450 horsepower?" But here’s where the plot twist comes in - the MH2 450 isn’t built on the M2 platform at all. Nope, this beast starts life as the M240i, the smaller sibling of the M lineup. And MANHART, in their usual fashion, has worked their magic, transforming it into something far more ferocious than stock.
Under the hood, the M240i’s mighty turbocharged B58 3.0-litre inline-6 gets a serious upgrade. Out of the factory, this twin-power turbo setup delivers 275 kW and 500 Nm of torque. But with MANHART’s signature MHtronik powerbox, the MH2 450 now pumps out a healthier 324 kW and 600 Nm of torque. And if that’s not enough to make your hair stand on end, just wait until you hear the GRAIL rear silencer with valve control and those four massive 100-millimetre tailpipes spitting out that signature BMW 6-pot exhaust note. For hardcore enthusiasts, MANHART also offers Stage 2 and Stage 3 tuning options for even more grunt, while brake upgrades are available on request to handle the extra power. Of course, it’s not just about what’s under the hood. MANHART ensures the MH2 450 handles as sharp as it looks. You’ve got two suspension options: MANHART lowering springs by H&R for a more aggressive stance or the full-on MANHART Variant 4 coilover kit by KW for those who want the ultimate in track-worthy handling. Either way, the car sits lower, meaner, and ready to carve highway sweeps. Visually, the MH2 450 is just as striking as it is fast. The lower ride height perfectly frames the MANHART Concave One wheels that were given a gloss-white finish - though, of course, customers can choose the colour of their liking. These 20-inch monsters are 9 inches wide at the front and 10.5 inches at the rear, wrapped in grippy rubber that measures 245/30ZR20 up front and 285/25ZR20 at the back. There are carbon fibre touches are everywhere, from the front spoiler and side sills to the rear diffuser and spoiler. Step inside, and the upgrades continue. The steering wheel gets a makeover with a leather and Alcantara wrap, black lacquered spokes, and carbon fibre shift paddles that make you feel like you’re piloting a race car. We like. But as we’ve mentioned before, with roots in Kempton Park, that makes a bit of sense.
Take a look at the YouTube video from a couple of years back when Mat Watson and Carwow tested the BMW 240i, just to show you what these cars can do in stock form, which will give you an idea of the performance increase that comes from the MANHART chaps will do to the car: BMW M240i review with 0-60mph, 1/4 mile, drift and brake test! | carwow
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