Aside from being mentioned in Will Smith’s famous song “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It,” the E31 BMW 850 was one of the most-wanted coupes of its time. In the 1990s, it was impressive, even though its 5.0-liter V-12 engine only made 296 horsepower, which isn’t much these days. The E31 8-Series reached its best version in the 850CSi by gradually adding more power over time. The original 8 Series car was not made anymore because of the economic downturn in the late 1990s. A lot of people, including us, still like the original E31 body, even though it has been fixed up.
Manhart, a renowned German tuner, has unveiled the MH8, a meticulously customized E31 8 Series build. This masterpiece from their ‘Classic Cars division’ is a testament to their passion and expertise and a treat for automotive enthusiasts.
First, the tuner switched out the 850i’s 5.0-liter V-12 engine for the BMW E39 M5’s S62B50 V-8 engine. The MH8 now has 420 horsepower thanks to the V-8, which has 120 more horsepower and the same displacement as the V-12 that is going but loses four cylinders. Manhart paired the V-8 engine with a six-speed manual gearbox. It needed to be clarified if the transmission was from a standard car or the E39 M5.
Forged 20-inch wheels with 255/30R20 front tires and 295/25R20 rear tires are what the MH8 is made of. To improve the suspension, Bilstein B6 shock absorbers are used, and the original axles, bushings, and bearings are replaced with new or rebuilt ones.
Following that, the MH8 gets a unique rear diffuser, front spoiler, and rear deck spoiler. However, the aero pieces are so small that the outside could be confused for stock. The inside now has Alcantara seats with old-school BMW M stitching.
If you’re one of the few who appreciate the unique style of the MH8, you’ll understand its value. With a limited production of just five units, each MH8 is a rare gem, priced at $162,000. The E31, despite its high cost, remains a coveted car, a testament to its rarity and desirability.
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