A few years after the current generation BMW M3 and M4 hit the market, the high-performance variant is officially in full swing. Last year the M4 CSL was unveiled, and this year BMW adds his 2024 M3 CS to the lineup.
‘CS’ stands for Competition Sport and if you are already familiar with the formula of the BMW CS model, this is keeping up with the trend. The 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine has been modified to produce his 543 horsepower, which is 40 horsepower more than his M3 Competition normally. Torque output remains the same at 479 lb-ft. BMW says he found the extra power by increasing the boost pressure from 24.7 psi to 30.5 psi. It also features model-specific changes to the engine management software.
BMW says the CS features specially designed engine mounts for a stronger connection between the engine and vehicle structure. The result should be sharper throttle input and torque transfer to the drivetrain. The CS is only offered with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Both are needed to make it the fastest M3 variant at 0-100 mph in just 3.2 seconds. That’s 0.2 seconds faster than the non-CS M3 Competition xDrive model. With a top speed of 188 mph, the CS is 8 mph faster on the top end.
If rear-wheel drive is desired, the CS’s AWD system can be put into 2WD-only mode with stability control turned off. BMW also says it has optimized the multi-plate clutch oil supply to keep the system in top shape under hard track driving. Tough luck for those who want a manual transmission.
The chassis is available with several upgrades to improve handling performance. BMW says it has specially tuned electronically controlled dampers and anti-roll bars for the CS model. Additionally, it features unique wheel camber settings and model-specific axle kinematics tuning. The steering is tuned specifically for the CS, as is the stability control and AWD system calibration. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires are available as a free option, while conventional (not currently specified) high performance tires are available as standard. Tires wrap standard forged wheels (19-inch front, 20-inch rear) and are finished in Gold Bronze or Matte Black. M carbon-ceramic brakes are also available, but the standard brakes of the M3 Competition xDrive are otherwise fitted.
BMW confirms that it’s an outside CS with a unique kidney grille like that seen on the M4 CSL. This grille has an ‘M3 CS’ badging on the top bar, which brings out the red outline of its outer frame. The daytime running lights, like the M5 CS, illuminate in motorsport-inspired yellow instead of the usual white light. Exposed carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is used for the bonnet (two strips visible), roof, front splitter, front air intake, mirror caps, rear apron and rear spoiler.
Shaving weights are one of the features of CS products. In addition to the exterior, BMW equips the CS with M carbon bucket seats as standard. Additionally, a titanium muffler has been installed in place of the standard exhaust system. In total, BMW says the M3 CS is 75 pounds lighter than the standard M3 Competition with xDrive.
The reveal color shown in the photos here is an optional add-on called BMW Individual Signal Green. Frozen White Metallic is an exclusive color for the M3 CS, and the two complimentary paint options are Black Sapphire Metallic and Brooklyn Gray Metallic.
In the interior, BMW offers one upholstery option in black merino leather for the seats. Accented with Mugello Red bits and scattered stitching. A red “CS” logo is placed on the center console, and “M3 CS” is written on the door sill plates. The M steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara and features red center he markers. Carbon fiber paddle shifters are fitted and interior trim continues the carbon fiber theme. Every M3 CS comes standard with the M Drive Professional package. It adds an M Drift Analyzer, a lap timing function and a 10-stage traction control system. Finally, the M3 Cs features the regular 3 Series’ new 14.9-inch curved display and redesigned center stack. It runs the revamped iDrive 8 infotainment system that the 2023 M3 adds to the roster.
BMW has said the M3 CS will be “made in limited numbers” but has not specified how many in total will be produced. Starting at $119,695, including destination charges if needed. It costs an extra $36,100 when compared to the base M3 Competition xDrive. Production started in March of this year.
Related video:
