- The 2024 BMW M3 CS appears as a tougher version of the track-focused M3 Competition.
- The M3 CS twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six is upped from the Competition’s 503 horses to 543, matching the 2023 M4 CSL.
- The new M3 CS will start at $119,695 when limited production begins this March.
For generation after generation, the seamless combination of thrilling performance and comfortable appointments has made the BMW M3 a household name. However, with the debut of the 2024 M3 CS, BMW is ditching the usual livable sedan demeanor for a noticeable on-track gain, as it’s stiffer than the track-focused M3 Competition.
Using Maximum Boost
The main change that separates the limited edition M3 CS from the rest of the lineup is the higher power output. BMW retuned the twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six CS to produce 40 horsepower more than the 503-hp Competition (and 70 more than the standard 473-hp M3) for a total of 543 hp. Most of the extra power comes from raising the engine’s boost pressure from 24.7 psi in the Comp to 30.5 psi in the CS. Torque remains the same in both versions at 479 pound-feet.
With technology derived from the M4 GT3 racing car, the CS cooling system is not only designed to handle the extra power, but also the rigors of track use. The engine mounts are significantly stiffer to create a more rigid connection between the engine and the car’s structure, just like in the M4 CSL. With that, expect noise, vibration and harshness to be more noticeable.
Every M3 CS has an eight-speed automatic transmission with a rear-biased all-wheel drive system. The M Setup menu allows the driver to jump from the “4WD” xDrive setting to “4WD Sport” which directs more of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels. Or, just like in the all-wheel-drive Competition, drivers looking for lateral sloppiness can turn off the stability control and activate “2WD,” which sends power directly to the rear wheels. BMW claims the new M3 CS rockets from zero to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds. Its top speed is said to be electronically limited to 188 mph (when equipped with the M Driver package).
Cheap Carbon Fiber Rendering
To undercut the Competition as much as possible, BMW used a large amount of carbon fiber reinforced plastic on the M3 CS. The roof, hood, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps, rear diffuser, rear spoiler, center console, shift paddles and interior trim strips are all made of lightweight materials. Even the titanium rear silencer attached to the CS exhaust is said to save more than eight pounds over the standard system. In Bimmer-speak, CS stands for Competition Sport, which in the case of the 2024 M3 CS means a drop of about 75 pounds compared to the M3 Competition with standard M Sport seats. While it’s not quite as impressive as the M4 CSL’s 240-pound weight loss, it’s still about a fourth grade lighter than the M3 Comp.
A set of 275/35ZR-19 and 285/30ZR-20 rear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 high-performance tires are a no-cost option on the M3 CS (a stand-alone set is currently $1874 at Tire Rack). If Cup 2s are not selected, the CS comes standard with more conventional summer tires in the same size. Regardless of the rubber, the CS model rolls on M-specific gold bronze or matte black special tires with an exclusive V-spoke design.
Power-adjustable heated seats are optional in the M4 CSL but standard on the M3 CS. The seats are upholstered in Merino leather and feature a unique look that combines black with Mugello red accents and distinctive contrast stitching. Also, unlike with the CSL, friends or family can ride in it, as the CS actually has a back seat.
BMW says the 2024 M3 CS will be a limited production model, but the company has yet to say how many will be produced. By comparison, the 2023 M4 CSL is limited to 1000 units worldwide. So, we expect the M3 CS to be produced in similar numbers. Regardless, M3 fans who feel the Competition doesn’t provide enough track day theater will surely be more entertained by the CS version.
The 2024 BMW M3 CS starts at $119,695 and is scheduled to begin production in March of this year.
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