Manhart Breaths New Life Into BMW E31 With High-Performance M5 Engine

Manhart gives this vintage BMW E31 a second chance by restoring and fine-tuning five of them, all of which have a BMW M engine swap. Installing the S62 5.0-liter V8 engine from the E39 M5 is the crowning touch of Manhart's E31 project.

After some fine-tuning, Manhart claims that the engine now produces 414 horsepower, sent to the back wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. The newer V8 has 118 more horsepower than the old V12, despite having four fewer cylinders, which is more than even the top-of-the-line 850 CSi.

A stainless steel sports exhaust highlights the low-frequency rumble of the new powertrain, further enhancing the audio experience. Manhart strengthened the E31's chassis with stronger brakes, Bilstein B6 shocks, and H&R lowering springs to accommodate the engine change. New 20-inch alloy wheels lined up with the car's boxy fenders and filled the wheel wells.

With the exception of the much bigger wheels, the only external changes were the M-style mirrors, a rear spoiler lip, and the front and back skirts borrowed from the 850 CSi. As part of its three-year restoration process, the vehicle was also painted and the 2+2 inside reupholstered in leather and Alcantara.

Manhart also reconditioned and blasted the axles and replaced the rubbers and bearings. This first iteration you see here is available for €149,000 ($162,000). It is important to note that the modified E31 may get H license plates in Germany since it is considered a classic.

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