There is one group of automotive surgeons in Germany that specialize in transplanting the hearts out of the most powerful of BMW models and then inserting them into much smaller, lightweight and nimble chassis. So we weren’t too surprised when we came across the Manhart Racing M3TV10 up for sale on the internet. At the time we were curious as to why the tuning specialist was getting rid of their utilitarian powerhouse, but now we know that it was just o make room and free up a little cash for their latest creation, the Manhart Racing BMW Z4->ke289 V10.
Following the same formula as most of their creations, the process started by removing the 5.0 Liter 550 HP engine and all the parts that make it work from a BMW M5 before they can squeeze it into the nose of the German automaker’s latest hard top roadster. Along with the engine transplant, the 6 speed manual transmission and rear differential are also incorporated into the build for their strength and proven ability to take the V10’s power. Finishing off the hardware is a Fichtel & Sachs clutch, an AC Schnitzer stainless steel exhaust and a pair of HJS racing catalytic converters to reduce the roadster’s emissions.
Continued after the jump.
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One all the working parts were sorted out then it was time to figure out how to get traction, so Manhart enlisted the help of a set of Bilstein coilovers and then fitted a set of black 19 inch BBS Challenge wheels that measure 8.5 inches wide up front and a staggering 10 inches in the rear. In order to get all 550 HP to the ground the rear rollers had to be wrapped in 285/30 series rubber, this allows the nearly 3000 lb. roadster to go from 0 to 60 MPH in just 3.9 seconds.
PRESS RELEASE Manhart Racing – BMW Z4 V10
HEART TRANSPLANT – 550 HP in Z4
The M version of the BMW Z4 is famously known by nature for being anything but underpowered, since the chassis of the sports convertible already has a heck of a lot of work with the 343 HP and the forward thrust in the lower gears could last forever.
As is generally known however, the sport oriented motorist can never have enough power at his command. Sufficient cause for Günther Manhart, who by now has over 25 years experience in rebuilding BMW engines - a first for Europe – to transplant a brand new, much stronger heart into the Z4. The transplantation of the ten cylinder engine from the current M5 generation into the narrow engine bay of the roadster was anything but a walk in the park and it earned the Manhart Racing engineers quite a few grey hairs. Nevertheless: everything fitted in the end and now the fire of a 5.0 litre V10 engine with an impressive output of 550 HP blazes above the front axle of the Z4. A catalytic converter, a modified DME electronic control unit and the removal of the factory-set V-Max restriction up to 250 km/h are part of the rebuild. Consistent to the M5 V10 engine Manhart Racing has treated the Z4 to an original M5 E60 6 gear manual transmission which includes a Fichtel & Sachs clutch and a M5 E60 differential. An AC Schnitzer stainless steel exhaust system with four muffler tips which was fitted with HJS racing catalytic converters caters for a perfect V10 sound at the rear.
The Manhart Z4 M V10 goes like hell and thanks to the perfectly tuned Bilstein B16 PSS10 coilovers, the virtually unrestrained power of 550 HP can be brought under control to the tarmac. Black BBS Challenge wheels rotate in the wheel arches of the Manhart Z4 M V10 with 8.5Jx19 ET35 235/35ZR19 front tyres and 10Jx19 ET20 285/30ZR19 back tyres.
Conclusion: 550 HP ten cylinders, an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, kerb weight 1450kg, 2.6kg per HP... who could guess that these impressive figures belong to a Z4? Hardly anyone, however Manhart Racing turns dreams into reality and does this with 25 years experience.
