Manhart’s 429 HP BMW M140i Opens The Mercedes-AMG A45 S Hunting Season

The Mercedes-AMG A45 S may be the supreme mega hatch, but with a little help from tuners, it can easily be challenged and even beaten into submission by some of its competitors, like the BMW M140i.

This previous-gen 1-Series paid a visit to Manhart, where it was re-baptized as the MH1 400. Don’t let the suffix trick you, as it doesn’t have 400 horses running wild under the hood, but 435 PS (429 hp / 320 kW) and 644 Nm (475 lb-ft) of torque.

Also Watch: 2020 BMW M135i Measured Against Old M140i In Series Of Tests

What the tuner did to obtain these numbers was add an ECU that changes the engine’s software and an in-house built downpipe to the 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six. While we don’t have any performance numbers, the stock car, which produces 340 PS (335 hp / 250 kW) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque, sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.6 seconds – thus, with nearly 100 HP more, it’s safe to assume that the tuned Bimmer will be noticeably faster.

Boosting the visual appeal while also providing a deeper sound is the stainless steel sport muffler, with two 90 mm (3.5 in) tailpipes that can be ordered in ceramic coating, with gold metallic ‘Manhart’ imprinted writing. The MH1 400 also sits closer to the ground thanks to the KW coilover suspension and stopping power comes from the improved front brakes with 6-piston calipers. Moreover, it rocks 19-inch concave wheels, available in silk-matte black or polished diamond, and a carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser that help improve aerodynamics.

In the interior, Manhart chose to add carbon fiber trim to the steering wheel, gear selector and handbrake lever. Additionally, there’s an extra display where the left central air vent would normally sit, which provides extra data such as boost pressure, G-forces and power and torque figures.