New Manhart MH5 450 is all set for ski season
Latest BMW M5 Touring a bit much? How about an old 540i with a little more fire in its belly (and a roofbox)
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for those fortunate enough: ski season. Nothing better to dispense with the January blues than sun, snow and après-ski. Or bring some extra sparkle to the festive period, in fact, a white Christmas just like in the movies. And those that need Chamonix transport this year - flying is a lot of hassle, France isn’t that far with the right car - have just the thing from Manhart: the MH5 450. It’s even snow-coloured.
Note this isn’t a new 5 Series Touring, Manhart instead opting to overhaul the previous G31 generation of wagon. Probably as that was available as a 540i, whereas nowadays the only way into the 3.0-litre six is with the hybrid add-on of 550e spec. Plus it’s only just been launched. Hardly like anyone is going to feel shortchanged in an old 5 Series; the tech won’t be quite as lavish, though it still be more than plush enough for hours on the autoroute.
The 3.0-litre turbo six in the old 540is was, of course, the venerable BMW B58, so 450hp and 406lb ft is little more than an exhaust and ECU fiddle away. That’ll make it feel usefully quicker than the standard 340hp/332lb ft, particularly with standard xDrive to launch it from toll barriers, with further tuning possible if required. While modesty might typically be the key for a tuned Touring, the four pipes do look right at home here.
You’ll recognise the familiar Manhart overhaul by now, though the MH5 450 does go without any gold. The wheels are Manhart’s own Concave One design, and given how many cars are on huge rims with low-profile tyres these days, maybe winter rubber in 255/35 ZR20 and 285/30 ZR20 sizes won’t be impossible. The 5 Series sits a little lower on H&R springs as well, another modification that maybe you wouldn’t think of for a 40i Touring - but does make it look quite smart.
The bodykit features a new front spoiler lip, side skirts, diffuser and rear spoiler. Given the look of some BMWs escaping from both Manhart and the factory of late, it’s pleasingly subtle. Perhaps a two-tone roofbox to match the paint job is a little OTT, though there’ll surely be greater crimes against style visible on the slopes. As ways to pack in lots of people and lots of stuff for a trip to Europe, there will be many less appealing.
Manhart even has a sale on now, with 40 per cent off the ECU tuning and wheels, so those wanting to spruce up an old BMW estate have all the more reason to. With early six-cylinder G31s now from £25k, there’s something like all the car you’d ever need possible for £30,000. Just don’t forget the roofbox…
Also I feel like the powerband of the diesel probably suits the style of driving you're more likely to be doing in a 5 Series estate
Simple trumpet pipes, a refreshing change.
though unlikely they will appreciate PH US office calling it a wagon.
No matter the car, am always left amused by those with a roof box. Practical am sure and used by many for all the right reasons, but often left feeling sometimes it's a self thought trendy accessory, similarly to a watch worn on the wrist i.e. look at me. Perhaps it's just a figment of my imagination.
No matter the car, am always left amused by those with a roof box. Practical am sure and used by many for all the right reasons, but often left feeling sometimes it's a self thought trendy accessory, similarly to a watch worn on the wrist i.e. look at me. Perhaps it's just a figment of my imagination.
Same issue with my run flats. 7000 miles on brand new tyres in a year and I get to my MOT. One had a bulge in the sidewall. £245 later, I had a new tyre. I’ve read horror stories of run flats falling apart every time you hit a pothole.
I wish I had 19” standard tyres. A bit more sidewall, a bit more give, and a bit less pointless waste of money.
Same issue with my run flats. 7000 miles on brand new tyres in a year and I get to my MOT. One had a bulge in the sidewall. £245 later, I had a new tyre. I’ve read horror stories of run flats falling apart every time you hit a pothole.
I wish I had 19” standard tyres. A bit more sidewall, a bit more give, and a bit less pointless waste of money.
So you won’t believe this but we’ve just come back from 2 months touring France and Spain not in the BMW but this …
Our first day in France we pulled off the motorway near Caen for fuel and be known to the slip raid was covered in nails and screws…..four new tyres later …the joys of driving …..
Re the Manhart, this really is a car that needs no frivolous baubles, even less black wheels. And whilst roof boxes are very useful items, I get the impression that this is designed to appeal to those who drive around with a roof box for much of the year to try and create the “active lifestyle how-cool-am-I?” vibe. Time and a place.
Overall, I believe that we have been shown that BMW estate design (and all BMW design?) has peaked.
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