The demise of diesel is a pity for several reasons, not least how good so many of the modern engines are. The BMW M340d is the perfect example, capable of huge speed, incredible refinement, and remarkable fuel consumption in one handsome, very decent-to-drive package. There was one on the PH Fleet a while back, during which time everyone became very fond of it - there just wasn’t anything it couldn’t do really, really well.
Undeterred by that all-round brilliance, Manhart has had a go at making the M340d better still. This is the MH3 400d, and it’s perhaps indicative of just what’s been achieved with the straight six, mild hybrid diesel that it’s not an awful lot different. The familiar MHTronik ECU is employed, along with a new exhaust, but where we’re used to huge power gains from turbo engines with a bit of fettling, this MH3 is only 40hp stronger at 380hp.
Even torque doesn’t climb massively, now rated at 568lb ft from 516. It would seem BMW is offering the very best diesel it can from the factory, where the petrols - think of the very tuneable B58 as an example - have a lot more headroom. Or the diesel is just a lot easier to tweak.
Whatever the case, they’re punchy numbers for a diesel 3 Series, particularly one already capable of 62mph in less than five seconds. Manhart hasn’t made any performance claims as yet, though having an additional 50lb ft is surely going to help that already mighty mid-range. The quartet of 90mm tailpipes is said to create “an even more distinctive sound”.
While the temptation for modest UK buyers would be to have the €2,000 box on their dark blue Touring and be done with it, that’s not really the Manhart way. So this demonstrator is lowered on some H&R springs, 40mm closer to the deck at the front and 30mm at the rear. That’s in addition to new 20-inch Concave One wheels and Manhart decals - the carbon add-ons are actually from the M Performance catalogue.
While Manhart bits might not be the obvious upgrade for a UK-based owner, the earliest M340ds - cars like this one - are now approaching three years old, and therefore the end of their warranty. Which is interesting. The best part of 400hp in a diesel 3 Series Touring could be - you knew it was coming - all the car you ever need…
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