This 1998 E36 BMW 318i left the factory with a fairly modest naturally aspirated 1,8-liter four-pot. Some 22 years later, however, the folks over at ManTec Racing have given it fresh life.

Yes, the company has fitted BMW’s N57 3,0-litre straight-six turbodiesel engine which (together with a custom exhaust system, software and intercooler) produces 306 kW and 880 N.m of torque. That's considerably more than 85 kW and 168 N.m of the original engine.

To cope with this extra power, the 318i has been fitted with an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission and a rear differential from the E39 M5. Furthermore, dynamic stability control and ABS from the E90 3 Series have been installed. This gives the restomodded sedan a 0-100 km/h time of less than five seconds and a claimed top speed of 300 km/h.

As for handling, the 318i benefits from the E36 M3’s front and rear suspension setup plus a KW coilover kit and a set of Hartge Classic 2 wheels wrapped in 255/30 R19 Goodyear tyres. Stopping power is generated from a set of M Performance four-piston callipers from a 1 Series M Coupe and discs from the aforementioned M3.

In the cockpit, the 318i remains largely original, apart from the E46 M3’s steering wheel with paddle shifters, the E90 gauge set and the modern gear selector.

Original article from Car