The 2024 BMW M3 CS was finally unveiled after rumors, prototype tests, and even a leak of its spec sheet before its release. The M3 CS is a track-focused BMW M sedan, similar to the M5 CS. However, it has a smaller footprint. The M3 CS, in many ways, is a better track car than M4 CSL because it offers more performance and practicality.
The CS standard is for Competition and Sport. However, you may notice that the “L” portion of the badge that would be found on the M4 CSL and the limited production 3.0 CSL has been removed. BMW M vehicles with full CSL badges are meant to indicate “Lightness”, even though CSL cars tend to be lighter than standard BMW M models.
The M3 CS weighs only 75 pounds. The standard M3 now weighs 3,915 pounds, 75 lbs lighter. The M4 CSL, on the other hand, managed to lose 240 lbs, making it weigh 3,640 pounds. The M4 CSL, however, is not lighter than a standard M4.
2024 BMW M3 CS Review
This modest 75-pound weight reduction is credited to a painted carbon fiber hood, carbon composite door mirrors, and quad black titanium exhausts which are eight pounds lighter than standard steel exhaust. The M3 CS is equipped with a carbon fiber aero kit, which includes a front chin made of carbon fiber, side skirts made of carbon fiber, and rear bumper extensions made from carbon fiber.
The M4 CSL also had staggered wheels of 19 and 20 inches (in black or gold), black hood decals, and red highlights around the grille. The M3 CS badge will serve as a constant reminder that it is a special M3. You’ll be pleased to learn that the M3 CSL is a practical alternative for those who have always wanted a BMW M4 but thought it was too big and heavy for school runs. The M4 CSL did away with the rear seats, but the M3 CS can still seat two comfortably or three in a pinch.
The M3 CS gets the same power-adjustable carbon fiber bucket seats as M4 CSL but with an illuminated logo. It also has a variety of Alcantara and carbon fiber trims throughout the interior. The M3 CS is also equipped with the new iDrive 8 system, which comes with a curved display.
Engine
The BMW M3 CS 2024 uses the upgraded S58 3.0-liter straight-six engine as the standard M4 CS, resulting in 543 horsepower. The M3 CS’s torque is 479 pound-feet, which is lower than that of the M4 CSL but equal to the M3 competition. The M3 CS, unlike the M4 CSL which has rear-wheel-drive (RWD), benefits from M xDrive’s all-wheel-drive (AWD) that allows you to switch between RWD and AWD by pressing a few buttons.
The M3 CS does have a slight edge in this area. The M3 CS is faster than the M4 CS despite its heavier weight, thanks to AWD grip. The M3 CS accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, which is 0.6 seconds quicker than its RWD two-door counterpart. The M3 CS has a slower top speed, 188 mph, compared to the M4’s 191 mph.
Specs
The M3 CS does not benefit from the M4’s full diet program, but it is still able to receive the same handling upgrades as its two-door counterpart. The handling and chassis improvements include a cast aluminum strut, an aggressive tuning of the anti-roll bar and steering, and new adaptive dampers. The standard on the staggered wheels is Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber, but you can choose to have more road-oriented tires. Carbon ceramic brakes can be added as an option if you want to take this car racing.
2024 BMW M3 CS Release Date & Price
The BMW M3 CS 2024 retails at $118,700 plus a $995 destination charge. It is not known if the M3 CS, like the M4 CSL, will be a limited edition model. We know that the M3 will be on your doorstep by March if you order today.