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Change My Mind: Manhart's Tuned Diesel-Powered BMW 3 Series Looks Better Than the M3

BMW M340d 25 photos
Photo: Manhart
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In just a few years, diesel-powered cars will be dead. The gasoline-powered mills don't have much life left in them either, as the entire automotive industry has decided to go battery-electric.
We could tell you why we think this is a mistake and how hydrogen seems like the more logical approach, but it would lead to a debate completely unrelated to the Bimmer pictured above. So, we'd better proceed to tell you that you're looking at a diesel-powered BMW 3 Series in the M340d configuration, which was already feisty even before Manhart had its way with it.

The bi-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six engine produces 340 ps (335 hp/250 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque in this flavor of the G20, aka the latest-gen 3er. As a result, it takes roughly four and a half seconds to sprint to 100 kph (62 mph). But with Manhart's MHtronik Powerbox and the new stainless steel exhaust system installed, the output and thrust now stand at 380 ps (375 hp/280 kW) and 770 Nm (568 lb-ft). That's more than the Alpina D3 S, which is 25 ps (25 hp/18 kW) and 40 Nm (30 lb-ft) less powerful.

Manhart also messed around with the suspension, as courtesy of the H&R lowering springs, the sports sedan now rides roughly 30-40 mm (1.2-1.6 in) closer to the road. The new wheels measure 9x20 inches at the front and 10.5x20 inches at the rear. Finished in Silk Matte Black, with the rim color being available in different hues, the alloys were wrapped in 255/30 and 275/30 tires, respectively. The same stock brakes back them up, but the tuner has this aspect covered, too, with available beefier offerings available.

Visually, the pictured BMW M340d sports a pair of spoilers at the front and rear and an aftermarket diffuser. These parts were made of carbon fiber, and the typical decal set joins them. However, the decals don't have a gold look here, but a silver one, with a few red touches. The latter color can be seen on the brake calipers, and the overall look of the car is black. Apparently deemed too mainstream, Manhart’s logo replaced the BMW roundels at both ends, and we can see the vehicle's new given name adorning the trunk lid in the shape of a new emblem that says MH3 400d.

Don't look for anything drastic on the inside, as that's not the way this tuner rolls. The M340d in question has new backlit door sills, carbon fiber paddle shifters, and carbon seat covers. This is where they drew the line as far as this project is concerned. Pricing is unknown, though Manhart will tell you all about the Benjamins upon reaching out to them. So, is this 3er prettier than the M3 to you?
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About the author: Cristian Gnaticov
Cristian Gnaticov profile photo

After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s.
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