The BMW 2 Series->ke2065 doesn't get nearly the same amount of love as it should. You can blame the 4 Series->ke3834 for that. The same can even be said for the M235i and the M4->ke4183, with the latter getting much more of the publicity. So thank you, Manhart, for giving the M235i some love. You didn't have to do it, but you still did, giving the baby M a nice MH2 Clubsport program that features plenty of aerodynamic and performance upgrades to soundly accomplish its club sport capabilities.

A car developed for Club sport Racing needs to be treated delicately. Thankfully, Manhart is up to task with the M235i Coupe->ke141, outfitting with the kind of comprehensive program that not only gives it plenty of new aerodynamic components to make it lighter but to match it with a stout engine upgrade that significantly increases the car's already impressive output.

There are a lot of incredible parts about the MH2 Clubsport program. It's a testament to the incredible work put in by Manhart Racing to raise the M235i's profile as a natural born racer.

The 4 Series and the M4 can get their accolades. Just don't forget about the M235i, too. It's every bit as good a pocket rocket as the best of the lot.

Click past the jump to read more about the BMW M235i MH2 Clubsport By Manhart.

2014 BMW M235i MH2 Clubsport By Manhart

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 BMW M235i MH2 Clubsport By Manhart
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 430
  • Torque: 436
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Manhart's exterior upgrades on the M235i may be limited in terms of fancy aesthetics, but there are enough aerodynamic add-ons to improve its riding and handling. Look a little closer and you'll see that this M235i comes with a new front spoiler, a rear diffuser, and a rear spoiler, all of which were taken from BMW's Performance program. These items are made up carbon-fiber, ensuring that the car remains light on its rubber. As an added touch, carbon-fiber mirror covers were added to complement the car's yellow wrap.

Manhart also has a new set of wheels for the MH2 Clubsport program. The tuner opted to use its own 19-inch Concave One wheels, wrapping them all up in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires to ensure top-class performance.

Interior

Surprsingly, some of the M235i's amenities are still intact. But since it's a race car, changes were still in order to fit that need. A Recaro Pole Position full-shell seat with 4-point belts were the first indications, but not the last.

You're going to notice that Manhart removed the entire rear bench in favor of a Club sport bracket with a double cross that was mounted for safety reasons. A soft rug lining covers the rear area to ensure that no metal parts are naked.

Moving back to the front, Manhart installed a special handbrake handle, gear lever knob and an aluminum pedal lining from the BMW Performance program. A new display was also added in the center console where the left ventilation nozzle used to be. This display functions by conveying important driver information like boost pressure, oil pressure, intake temperature, and oil temperature.

Drivetrain

Arguably the most important addition to the MH2 Clubsport program are the things Manhart did to the car's 3.0-liter, inline-six engine. Using a new electronics, a bigger intercooler, and a new sport exhaust system that features 200-cell sports catalyzers, Manhart was able to improve the vehicle's output. The standard 322-horsepower and 332-pound-feet output of the M235i jump to 430 horsepower and 437 pound-feet of torque after Manhart gets done.

Manhart also eliminates the M235i's Vmax block that limits it to 155 mph, culminating in a likely top speed of close to 180 mph.

The MH2 Clubsport program isn't all about engine upgrades, though. Important work was also done on the chassis to ensure its sturdiness. The German specialist fitted a three-fold adjustable Clubsport coilover kit and a tougher sports clutch to handle all of the aforementioned ponies. A new set of brakes, including six-piston fixed calipers and Pagid sports brake pads, were also added to help drag the 2er to a halt.

Engine

3.0-Liter TwinPower Turbo I-6

Output

430 HP

Torque

436 LBS-FT

Top Speed

186 MPH


Prices

Manhart doesn't have a price for the program but we'll venture a guess that with everything added, car included, the entire thing could cost somewhere around $60,000 to $70,000.

Competition

Audi TT RS By ABT Sportsline

It's not fitted for racing duties quite like the Manhart's M235i, but ABT Sportsline's Audi TT RS carries the same performance capabilities. In fact, the TT RS has a higher output at 470 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. This helps the TT RS hit a top speed of 177 mph.

It's not going to be as light as the M235i and its stripped down interior, but taken all together, it would be interesting to see which wins a mile-long race between these two souped up sports coupes.

Conclusion

It's easy to push aside the BMW M235i when there are other models in the BMW lineup that deserve equal or more attention. The BMW M4 comes to mind in that regard. But don't rush off the M235i, especially when Manhart has played around with all of its go-fast bits.

With over 400 horsepower on tap, this M235i means all sorts of business on the road and on the race track. Best heed these words. Otherwise, you might be shamed by the car when it blows past you.