If the last two CS models are any indication, this new BMW M3 CS might just be the sweet-spot of the range. Effectively splitting the difference between the Competition and CSL models, the limited edition four door BMW M3 CS is positioned as a track oriented street car that’s meant to deliver the best of both worlds. However there are a couple of changes to the formula that point to a slightly different type of driving experience as compared with its predecessor.

The big news here is the power. With turbo boost pressure upped by 25%, the BMW M3 CS makes 543 hp and 479 ft lbs of torque. That’s up substantially on the 460 hp from the previous generation and even matches the ultra rare BMW M4 CSL. Thanks to the M xDrive system and that power, the M3 CS gets to 0-60 time in only 3.2 seconds. That’s .2 seconds faster than the M3 Competition making it the fastest BMW M3 of all time. And to show you how important that xDrive system is to acceleration, that’s .4 seconds faster than the lighter, rear wheel driven M4 CSL.

As they did with the base and Competition M3, BMW is changing the formula a bit for the all new BMW M3 CS by adding an advanced M xDrive all-wheel drive system. As in the competition, the CS uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case to move power fore and aft. According to BMW the multi-plate clutch’s oil supply has been optimized for track use. As with the other xDrive equipped M3s drivers can select 4WD Sport mode sending more of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels and (with Dynamic Stability Control off) 2WD mode.

Let’s get the bad news out of the way now. The only transmission available is the ZF 8 Speed automatic. Yes the excellent Getrag 6 speed manual which made the previous M3 CS so engaging is gone. In its place is not the dual clutch transmission we saw in the last CS but rather the same torque converting automatic that the rest of the M3 range offers. In our experience it’s a step backward with less responsive shift times and a bit blurry logic at times. In other words it feels decidedly less special than the DCT we saw in the previous generation of M3s.

What Makes the BMW M3 CS Special? We Have An Idea.

The power output certainly is the headline but if the previous CS was anything to go by, it’ll be the suspension tuning that is the real star here. The 2024 BMW M3 CS features specially tuned axle kinematics and unique wheel camber settings, dampers, and anti-roll bars increase steering precision, transmission of lateral control forces when cornering, spring and damping response, and wheel location. The electronically controlled dampers of the adaptive M suspension are specifically tuned for the M3 CS, as is the electromechanical M Servotronic steering with variable ratio and the integrated braking system. Add to this a more aggressively calibrated DSC system and M Dynamic Mode and you have a car that will likely reward on the track even more than the already excellence M3 Competition.

The BMW M3 CS Weight Saving Measures

Like the previous generation, the 2024 BMW M3 CS features prominent use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) both inside and out. The standard carbon fiber roof is here but BMW has added a CFRP hood, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler. Inside the center console, shift paddles, and interior trim strips are also made from CFRP. Additionally the CS comers with standard M Carbon bucket seats reducing weight in the cabin and look fantastic. The only downside of course being the massive chunk of molded carbon fiber between your legs that you have to navigate getting in.

BMW has also added a titanium rear silencer, shaving off an additional eight pounds in the exhaust system. In total, the various lightweight design measures save about 75 pounds compared to the  BMW  M3 Competition with M xDrive.

Finally M engineers have added several strut braces in the engine compartment. The cast aluminum elements connecting the spring strut towers to the front end feature a weight-optimized geometry and deliver increased rigidity. This along with the new suspension tuning should delivery more precision through the wheel and better body control.

The 2024 BMW M3 Launch Date

The 2024 BMW CS will go into production in March of 2023 and should arrive at US dealers late in Q2. The 2024 BMW M3 CS will retail for $118,700 plus $995 destination and handling. While that’s up almost $20,000 over the previous generation the new CS looks to move the game on dramatically given the 83 hp increase and addition of xDrive.

Official Release: Worldwide Debut: The 2024 BMW M3 CS

Continuing the celebrated lineage of legendary CS models is the very special, limited-edition 2024 BMW M3 CS. Today, CS stands for “Competition Sport”; the designation given to exclusive BMW M models equally at home on road and track. More power, unique chassis calibration, and intelligent lightweight construction featuring carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) components deliver an exhilarating performance experience without sacrificing the functionality and everyday usability of the BMW M3.

The 2024 BMW M3 CS teams a 543-hp inline-6 with an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission and the M xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. Together, they hurl the M3 CS from 0-60 mph in only 3.2 seconds.

The new BMW M3 CS will be built in limited numbers at BMW Group Plant Munich starting in March 2023.

M TwinPower Turbo inline-6 with Motorsport experience.

Under the lightweight CFRP hood of the 2024 BMW M3 CS is an upgraded version of the high-revving inline 6-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology developed for the M3 and M4. This 3.0-liter unit also forms the basis of the engine that powers the BMW M4 GT3 and boasts a wealth of technological details derived directly from racing experience. Its crankcase has a sleeveless, closed-deck construction and is extremely rigid, making it suitable for very high combustion pressures. The forged lightweight crankshaft aids power build-up with its high torsional resistance and allows for high revs. The cylinder head has a 3D-printed core, allowing the coolant ducts to be routed in an optimum arrangement for temperature management that would be impossible to achieve using conventional metal casting methods. The oil supply system is designed to handle the specific challenges of track use, as is the cooling system.

The S58 engine in the M3 CS receives a 40-hp increase over the unit in the M3 Competition, for a peak of 543 hp from 6,250 to the 7,200 rpm redline. This increase in power was achieved. primarily by raising the maximum boost pressure of the two mono-scroll turbochargers from 24.7 psi to 30.5 psi and making some model-specific changes to the engine management.

Just as important as the power at the top of the rev range, the engine produces 479 lb-ft of torque from a low 2,750 rpm all the way to 5,950 rpm. Specially-designed engine mounts create an extremely rigid connection between the engine and the vehicle’s structure. Drivers will notice throttle inputs result in sharp engine response and direct transmission of power and torque to the drivetrain.

All of these enhancements result in consistent power delivery throughout the rev range accompanied by a stirring soundtrack from the dual-branch exhaust system featuring electrically controlled flaps, a titanium rear silencer with weight-minimizing design, and two pairs of tailpipes finished in matte black.

8-speed M Steptronic transmission, M xDrive, Active M Differential.

The torque delivered by the engine in the new BMW M3 CS is distributed via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic to the M xDrive all-wheel drive system, which uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case to ensure smooth and fully variable distribution of power between the front and rear axles. The multi-plate clutch’s oil supply has been optimized to keep the system performing effectively under hard driving on the track. The rear-biased system paired with the fully variable Active M Differential rewards the driver with the signature M feeling when accelerating or carving through corners.

The M Setup menu lets the driver switch from the default 4WD setting to 4WD Sport mode, which directs even more of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels. Drivers can also switch the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system off altogether and engage 2WD mode. By sending drive power solely to the rear wheels and suppressing any DSC intervention, skilled drivers are free to explore their limits and revel in a pure high performance driving experience.

The engine, transmission, and M xDrive join forces to produce stunning acceleration times. The new BMW M3 CS takes just 3.2 seconds to achieve 60 mph. The M Driver’s Package is standard equipment, which allows an electronically limited top speed of 188 mph.

Unique chassis technology tuning; available track-oriented tires.

The chassis technology in the new BMW M3 CS has been tuned precisely to the engine’s performance characteristics and vehicle weight distribution, and the calibrations of the DSC system and M Dynamic Mode, also specific to the CS, have been purposefully geared to the demands of track driving.

M Compound brakes with offered in a choice of red or black calipers are standard on the M3 CS. Drivers may also opt for M Carbon ceramic brakes with calipers in either red or gold. Also standard are forged M light-alloy wheels in an exclusive V-spoke design finished in Gold Bronze or matte black. Measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear, those wheels may be fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires at no cost, measuring 275/35ZR19 at the front and 285/30ZR20 at the rear. The M3 CS is fitted as standard with conventional high-performance tires in those same sizes if the Cup 2s are not specified.

Lightweight construction with extensive use of carbon fiber; improved body rigidity.

Reducing weight where possible plays a major role in delivering the performance qualities and exclusive character of the new BMW M3 CS; therefore, the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) both inside and out is of key importance. Besides its carbon fiber roof, the M3 CS also uses this lightweight, high-tech material for the hood, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler. The center console, shift paddles, and interior trim strips are also made from CFRP. The standard M Carbon bucket seats reduce weight in the cabin and provide exceptional comfort on the road and support in high-performance driving sessions.

Body rigidity is further increased by a package of high-precision strut braces for the engine compartment. The cast aluminum elements connecting the spring strut towers to the front end feature a weight-optimized geometry that has been precisely matched to the forces applied in various driving situations.

Exclusive design features promise thrilling performance.

The 2024 BMW M3 CS announces its sharper character with a series of individual design features. The optional BMW Individual Frozen Solid White metallic paint is exclusive to the M3 CS. Exposed carbon fiber surfaces for the roof, the two channels running the length of the hood, the front splitter, front air intakes, M exterior mirror caps, rear spoiler and rear apron combine with the black side skirts and M gills to provide a bold contrast to the unique paint finish. Brooklyn Grey metallic, Black Sapphire metallic, and BMW Individual Signal Green are also available.

The CS sports a special frameless BMW kidney grille with pared-back styling reminiscent of the M4 GT3, and features red contour lines and an “M3 CS” badge on the upper of the two horizontal grille bars.

The angular daytime running light elements illuminate in yellow rather than white during the unlock sequence as well as while driving, further evoking the look of GT racing cars.

M Carbon bucket seats with exclusive surfaces and stitch patterns.

Inside the new BMW M3 CS, an environment built around driving pleasure and maximum performance blends advanced digital technology and exclusive design elements. The driver and front passenger are provided standard M Carbon bucket seats. Fully electric and heated, they feature integral headrests with an illuminated “CS” badge. The use of CFRP in the structural elements of the seat cushion and backrest as well as the cut-outs in the side bolsters and below the head restraints are testimony to the seats’ weight-minimizing construction.

The seats are upholstered in Merino leather and feature an exclusive design in black with Mugello red accents and distinctive contrast stitching. This bi-color theme is echoed in the rear compartment. The door panels are trimmed entirely in black leather in both the front and the rear, and red “CS” lettering adorns the lightweight center console. The new BMW M3 CS also includes M seat belts woven with the BMW M tricolor stripes, door sill plates bearing “M3 CS” badging, interior trim strips in carbon fiber, and an M Alcantara steering wheel with CFRP shift paddles and a red center marker.

Standard M Drive Professional with M Traction Control and M Lap Timer.

Also fitted as standard in the new BMW M3 CS is M Drive Professional. M Drive Professional bundles together the M Drift Analyzer and M Laptimer functions for evaluating and recording driving skills and performance at the track and includes M Traction Control, offering ten stages of intervention sensitivity: the ideal tools for pushing the CS hard on closed circuits.

The M Mode button on the center console – also part of the M Drive Professional package – can be used to set the level of driver assistance system intervention and the content shown in the information display and standard Head-Up Display, with a choice of ROAD, SPORT and TRACK settings.

BMW Curved Display with M-specific graphics.

The new BMW M3 CS features the latest-generation BMW iDrive based on BMW Operating System 8, which includes the BMW Curved Display. This is formed by a 12.3-inch information display and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches, which are housed together behind a curved glass surface. With its ergonomic driver-centric positioning, the BMW Curved Display makes the already intuitive touch control even more user-friendly.

The information display’s crisp graphics and the M‑specific content create a focused, performance-led driving environment. All driving-related data as well as vehicle status and settings information are neatly arranged within it. The familiar M Shift Lights appear at the top of the information display, while the driving stability system, M xDrive, and traction control modes are all indicated at the lower edge. Special widgets containing information on the current vehicle setup, as well as tire pressure and temperature, can be added to the control display’s home screen.

First-class comfort and convenience for everyday driving.

The new BMW M3 CS provides customers a full complement of comfort features and driver assistance systems. The list of standard equipment includes Comfort Access, dual-zone automatic climate control, Harman Kardon Surround Sound System, Park Distance Control, Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and the Speed Limit Info system.

The customer need only choose the exterior color, wheel color, tires, brake material, and caliper color.

2024 BMW M3 CS Gallery

Major standard equipment.

M Drive Professional
M Sport Differential
8-Speed M Steptronic transmission
Adaptive M Suspension
Comfort Access keyless entry
M Compound Brakes with Red calipers
M Carbon bucket seats
Carbon Fiber interior trim
Dual Zone automatic climate control
Harman Kardon Surround Sound System
BMW Curved Display with Head-Up Display
M Alcantara steering wheel
M Carbon exterior package
M Driver’s Package
19”/20” M Star Spoke wheels style 827M in Gold Bronze with performance non-runflat tires
M front strut brace
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
Active Blind Spot Detection
Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation
Lane Departure Warning

Optional equipment.

19”/20” M Star Spoke wheels style 827M in Black
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires
M Carbon Ceramic brakes with Gold or Red calipers
M Compound brakes with Black calipers

Standard paints.

Black Sapphire metallic
Brooklyn Grey metallic

Optional paints.

BMW Individual Frozen Solid White metallic
BMW Individual Signal Green

Specifications.