The 1990s BMW 8 Series didn’t quite enjoy the level of popularity when new that the company had envisioned. But the large coupe seems to be having its moment in the sun. And the Manhart MH8 5.0 V8 is proof that there is life in the classic yet.

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Grand Tourer

The E31 was created as a grand tourer rather than a sportscar. The range-leader of that 8 Series line-up was the  E31 series was the 850 CSi powered by a 280 kW 5,6-litre V12 engine. The folks at Manhart have reimagined the coupe with a more modern drivetrain and complete restoration, to create an 8 Series restomod. The firm will produce just five units of this revitalised classic.

A Modern M8

BMW didn’t produce an M version of the E31. The Manhart MH8 5.0 V8 steps in to fulfill that role. Suitably, an S62B50 engine from the E39 M5 finds a new home in under the long bonnet of the 8 Series. The newer engine has the same capacity of the original, but four fewer cylinders. Many purists believe that the E39 is the finest of its name, so the engine choice is a good one.

Manhart’s engineers have also moved the super saloon’s transmission over into the coupe. A six-speed manual sends power to the rear wheels. Speaking of power, the engine has been retuned to deliver 310 kW. That’s about 15 kW more than the M5 and a fair deal more than the V12 delivered.

Click here to read about an original BMW 850i owned by a local enthusiast.

New Appearance

Manhart has uplifted the car’s appearance to match its new muscle. New, 20-inch alloys fill the wheel arches. These are shod with 255 front- and 295 mm rear rubber. A set of uprated, four-piston calipers reside behind the front wheels. These act on 340 mm rotors. H&R lowering springs and Bilstein dampers give the 8 Series a hunkered down appearance. Other visual upgrades include resyled front and rear bumpers as well as the fitment of M exterior mirrors. The final touch is a lip on the boot lid.