BMW unveils manual-only M3 CS as a send-off to sixth-gen M3

As a fitting send-off for the sixth-generation (G80) BMW M3, the manufacturer has revealed a limited-run, manual-only M3 CS Handschalter. Handschalter is German for ‘manual shift’, and as the name suggests, it gets a 6-speed manual transmission, making it the first-ever M3 CS with a stick shifter. However, this limited-run model is available only for the US and Canada.

1. Its S58 3.0L 6-cylinder engine makes 54hp less than the M3 CS AWD’s
2. Claimed 0-100kph time of 4.1 seconds is 0.6 seconds slower than the M3 CS AWD’s
3. Weighing up to 34kg less than the standard M3, it is currently the lightest M3

BMW M3 CS Handschalter engine and performance

Packs the same powertrain as the standard M3

The BMW M3 CS Handschalter is powered by the S58 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 473hp and 550Nm. It is mated with a 6-speed manual transmission that sends power to the rear wheels (RWD). BMW claims a 0-100kph time of 4.1 seconds with the M3 CS manual and a top speed of 290kph. Interestingly, the same powertrain is offered in the non-CS M3.

Compared to the manual M3 CS Handschalter, the S58’s automatic version with an AWD setup produces 57hp and 100Nm more and sprints from a standstill to 100kph in 3.5 seconds, which is 0.6 seconds faster. It is because BMW’s M division limits the power of its manual offerings to improve reliability, which is not a big concern with the automatic transmissions, as they can handle greater loads.

In a statement, BMW said the “steering and the electronic control settings for chassis, engine and gearbox are all specific to the Handschalter”. The ride height has been lowered by 6mm for a “track-capable stance” via new springs and a new rear axle link. Dampers are borrowed from the more hardcore M4 CSL.

BMW M3 CS Handschalter exterior design

It gets a lot of carbon-fibre bits outside, and yellow LED DRLs

While the overall design of the M3 CS Handschalter is unchanged from the standard M3, there’s new yellow illumination for the snake-eye LED daytime running lamps (DRLs), whereas the standard M3 has white DRLs. The car also sports the signature frameless kidney grille, typical of the CS models, with red surrounds and an M3 CS badge.

There are plenty of exposed carbon-fibre elements: on the roof, bonnet, air intakes, front splitter, outside rearview mirror (ORVM) covers, spoiler and diffuser. BMW has also used gloss-black elements on the grille and side skirts. The car’s forged alloy wheels have a staggered setup – 19-inch rims at the front and 20-inch ones at the rear.

The BMW M3 CS Handschalter is available in four colour options: Isle of Man Green, Black Sapphire, Imola Red and Techno Violet, the last two being offered at an additional cost.

BMW M3 CS Handschalter interior design and features

The M Drive Professional suite and M Carbon bucket seats at the front are new additions

Inside, the BMW M3 CS Handschalter gets the same dashboard design with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, arranged in a curved layout. The M Carbon bucket seats for the front passengers are new; these are not only lighter but are also claimed to improve side support. BMW is offering the M3 CS Handschalter with its M Drive Professional suite as standard, which adds track-focused functionalities. These include a 10-stage M Traction Control for controlled drifting, an M Drift Analyser to rate your drifts and an M Laptimer to log track times and driving telemetry.

Other features include 3-zone automatic climate control, powered and heated front seats and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. A head-up display (HUD) and a powered boot lid are optional accessories.

All the exterior and interior carbon-fibre bits have resulted in the M3 CS Handschalter being 20kg lighter than the standard M3, and opting for carbon-ceramic brakes can help it shed an additional 14kg. As mentioned earlier, the M3 CS Handschalter will be offered in the US and Canada in limited numbers, with prices starting at USD 107,100, which roughly translates to Rs 1.04 crore before taxes and duties.