All of the ingredients for a good time.
The BMW 1-Series may have evolved into a hatchback while its 2-Series sibling took over the small coupe and convertible job, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have all sorts of performance packed into it, especially in the form of the M135i. The model can be considered BMW’s hot hatch and is regarded by many as being a superb driver’s car. Manhart Racing has decided to build upon that successful gene with the new MH1 400 upgrade program that has everything from Alcantara to acceleration to put a smile on your face.
The BMW N55B30 TwinPower turbocharged inline-six cylinder engine that drives either the rear or all four wheels can provide all sorts of fireworks thanks to Manhart Racing. The MH1 400 M135i can be given two tuning stages, the first of which involves an additional ECU control unit that pushes output to 390 horsepower and 391 lb-ft. of torque. In Stage 2, the MH1 400 M135i gets the software as well as a full exhaust system that includes a 200-cell catalytic converter and rear muffler. Stage 2 nets a total of 405 horsepower and 413 lb-ft. of torque, making it the go-to stage for power addicts.
Manhart Racing made sure that the chassis was built to handle the additional power provided by both tunes. The factory wheel and tire set was replaced with in-house lightweight cast alloy Concave One wheels that measure 8.5 x 19 up front and 9.5 x 19 at the rear, fitted with 225/35R19 and 255/30R19 Michelin Super Sport high-performance tires, respectively. Behind those muscular concave wheels sit a KW Clubsport threaded chassis with adjustable damping, while a Quaife locking differential ensures the power reaches the road. The Manhart MH1 400 M135i also wears some massive brakes. Up front sits 380 x 32 mm discs clenched by eight-piston, yellow-painted calipers while the rear boasts a set of 356 x 32 mm discs and four-piston calipers. As an option, customers can opt for the six-piston caliper set up front as well.
What really grabs attention when the Manhart Racing MH1 400 M135i isn’t speeding down the autobahn is its menacing new look. The entire exterior wears a “longitudinally polished aluminum in matt black” wrap with yellow “MH1 400” badging, front air intake trims, and side skirts. Optimizing aerodynamics for the triple-digit speeds the hot hatch craves is a new front spoiler blade, rear diffuser with black stainless steel lattice, and BMW M-Performance rear spoiler. A pair of side mirror flaps adds that final touch of sportiness.
Inside, the yellow and black athleticism continues with some performance-oriented goodies. The BMW Performance seats, door panels, steering wheel, gauge housing, center arm rest, headliner, and pillars all wear a mix of leather and alcantara with yellow stitching. The carbon/aramid combo trim that adorns the console, dashboard, and other parts of the cabin matches the yellow theme inside and out of the MH1 400 M135i.
The Manhart Racing MH1 400 package is available for the BMW M135i rear- and all-wheel drive variants as a complete package or individual accessories for those looking for a BMW hot hatch.
Manhart Racing MH1 400 M135i Specifications
Engine:
Type: BMW N55B30
Displacement: 3.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: Inline-six
Aspiration: Turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower (Stage 1/Stage 2): 390 / 405
Maximum Torque (Stage 1/Stage 2): 391 lb-ft. / 413 lb-ft.
-ECU Control Module (Stage 1 and Stage 2)
-Stainless steel exhaust with 200-cell catalytic converter and muffler (Stage 2)
Wheels, Tires, Suspension, and Brakes:
Wheels: Cast Concave One alloy
Front Wheels: 8.5 x 19
Rear Wheels: 9.5 x 19
Tires: Michelin Super Sport
Front Tires: 225/35R19
Rear Tires: 255/30R19
Suspension: KW threaded chassis with adjustable damping
Differential: Quaife locking
Front Brakes: Eight-piston, 380 x 32 mm discs
Rear Brakes: Six-piston 356 x 32 mm discs
Optional: Six-piston front calipers
Exterior:
-“Longitudinally polished aluminum in matt black” wrapping and yellow accents
-Front spoiler blade
-Side mirror flaps
-Rear diffuser with black stainless steel lattice
-BMW M-Performance rear spoiler
Interior:
-Leather and Alcantara with yellow stitching
-Carbon fiber/aramid yellow trim set
-BMW Performance seats
Manhart Racing MH1 400 M135i Gallery
Source: Manhart Racing
Is the Manhart Racing MH1 400 M135i a real BMW hot hatch?
