BMW targets North America with limited-edition manual M3 CS
Priced at $107,100, the new model utilises a 353 kW inline-six engine and sheds 34 kg through carbon-fibre and titanium components, marking the first time the Competition Sport variant is offered with a manual transmission.
BMW has released the 2027 M3 CS Handschalter, a limited-edition variant of the sixth-generation M3 designed exclusively for the North American market. Priced at $107,100, the vehicle marks a significant departure from recent iterations of the high-performance CS (Competition Sport) trim, which have been available solely with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This new model introduces a six-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive, eliminating the xDrive all-wheel-drive system found in the M3 Competition.
The vehicle is powered by the 353 kW (473 hp) inline-six S58 engine, the same unit found in the standard six-speed M3. To enhance performance characteristics, BMW has reduced the vehicle's weight by approximately 34 kg compared to previous iterations. This reduction is achieved through the use of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic body panels, carbon-fibre seats, titanium exhaust mufflers, carbon-ceramic brakes, and lighter wheels.
BMW M’s engineering team has positioned the Handschalter as a vehicle focused on maximum driver engagement. The decision to offer a manual transmission for the CS trim addresses a gap in the current lineup, where enthusiasts previously had to choose between the standard M3 for a stick shift or the more powerful Competition and CS models for an automatic. The ZF 8HP automatic gearbox, previously the only option for the CS, is noted for its track performance and facilitation of left-foot braking, but the manual option offers a different driving dynamic.
The S58 engine in this model is a modified version of the powertrain used in the BMW M4 GT3 Evo, which secured victories at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the Nürburgring 24-hour race. This connection to BMW’s successful GT3 racing programme underscores the performance credentials of the powertrain, which has demonstrated reliability and speed in endurance racing environments.
Looking ahead, BMW M is preparing for its next major development with an all-electric quad-motor M3 derived from the Neue Klasse i3, expected to launch next year. The introduction of the manual M3 CS serves as a send-off for the current internal combustion generation, contrasting with the industry-wide shift towards heavier vehicles and automated transmissions. The launch follows the successful realisation of the BMW M3 Touring, originally an April Fool’s joke that became a reality for 2026 and competed in the Nürburgring 24-hour race.
