Given how popular the old 3.0-litre 2 Series were, it’s perhaps surprising that you don’t see more of the new M240i xDrives of the G42 era. They’re fantastic to drive, and boast a nicer interior. Perhaps the look has still put some off, as well as less favourable pricing. Whatever the case, those who do have one are spoilt for choice when it comes to tuning; yes, the B58 3.0-litre was in the old 40i, though the current car has xDrive and a more capable chassis to really make the most of extra power.
Manhart is certainly making hay off both the M Performance 2 Series and full-fat M2, with another MH2 500 II package now being launched. You know the drill by now, with a little more power from that monster engine, some additional aggression to the chassis and a dubious new look. It’s straight from the Manhart playbook, though they’re unlikely to fix what isn’t broke…
Thanks to a map for really spicy 102RON, as well as a new intake manifold, intercooler, downpipes, cat and the all-important MHtronik power box, Manhart says this is now a 503hp 2 Series. With 467lb ft as well, plus the xDrive, it’s surely going to romp to 62mph in less than four seconds and 100mph in comfortably less than 10. According to Manhart, the all-wheel drive means ‘this much power can be transferred to the tarmac safely and with minimal losses - for optimal performance and suitability for everyday use!’ You only need look at the fact that rear-drive M3s and M4s are no longer available (in Britain, at least) for proof of how much people like fast, four-wheel drive BMWs.
The suspension upgrade here is rather more serious than usual, with compression- and rebound-adjustable KW coilovers fitted to this car. Regular H&R lowering springs are available for what’s a pretty decent standard setup. Manhart offers a sports brake upgrade as well. The fact that the wheels are described as ‘real eye-catchers’ says a lot, the Concave Ones actually a similar size to standard - 245/30 R20, 285/25 R20 - but with the colour and ride height drop really ramping up the attitude.
Extra bits include a bodykit for even more visual oomph - spoilers and skirts all round, plus a diffuser - alongside a redone steering wheel including carbon paddles. Which probably hasn’t changed very much, because there isn’t an image of it. Suffice it to say it’ll be a less drastic overhaul than outside. Given the calibre of the kit involved, it should be little surprise that this MH2 500 II overhaul is a little pricier than we’re used to; the newly devised intake manifold is €2,399, and the KW suspension €6,499. Even the paddles are more than 400 euros.
So it’ll be for folk that really, really love their M240i. Those who love the whole thing might be pleased to know that this exact car is for sale at €66,300 (£56k) with 37,000 kilometres. Or there are plain-jane M240is on PH from £36k, for those wishing to start their own build. Certainly nobody is short of modifying options…
1 / 6
