Ride height on this H50 dips by 1.57 inches below the stock E46 M3 due to the new springs over the Bilstein PSS9 adjustable shocks, the front springs also being more rigid. The 20-inch Classic 2 wheelset from Hartge is supplied by Ronal, 9 inches wide front and 10 inches in back.
Regarding the brakes, Hartge replaces the typically small rotors and single-piston floating calipers in front with 15-inch cross-drilled rotors and 8-piston floaters, while the rear set remains the same. Stopping power is, therefore, pretty intense and thankfully so. (Ceramics are needed soon, Munich. You're back to turbocharging, so now it's time to swallow pride and give us those ceramic ankle bracelets.)
And to think Hartge has also just created a strictly - for - show - off E46 H50 with the new M5's MS S65 V10 good for 542 bhp and 384 lb-ft. Probably spits stones out of the asphalt in every gear. Actually, I have an appointment to return there soon and try this home wrecker. Thou shalt stay tuned.
We're sincerely going to miss the E46 M3. The Hartge H50 V8 is a raging last hurrah.
Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive
5.0-liter V8 (M62), dohc, four valves per cylinder, supercharged and intercooled
Hartge competition front assemblies
Hartge Classic 2, 9x20 (f)10x20 (r)Continental SportContact 2245/30-20 (f)285/25-20 (r)
Hartge body kit, wing, competition hood
Peak Power: 493 bhp @ 6300 rpmPeak Torque: 502 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm0-62 mph: 4.2 sec.Top Speed: 193 mph