BMW might have trouble adding more letters to the names, but the new 2024 BMW M3 CS is a hardcore, track-focused version of the M3 Competition.
How do you improve upon the Ultimate Driving Machine? Most people might answer with a Tim Allen style of grunt and “more power,” while others could ask for less weight and more track focus. The new 2024 BMW M3 CS delivers on both of these things. The new M3 CS takes a page out of the coupe version, M4 CSL, and brings more of everything you want to the drive, making it easy to admire this new M3.
What makes the M3 special?
Unlike the coupe-style M4, the BMW M3 is a sedan that has always been a hit with a combination of performance and comfort. This makes the M3 a good option when you want to ride with a few friends, take the kids to school and still look cool, or just need a second pair of doors on the car. The regular M3 is a comfortable luxury performance sedan, but the CS version is not. This new hardcore model removes the livable aspects of the traditional sedan to provide a more hardcore track focus than the M3 Competition.
Where do we find “more power” to satisfy Tim?
The new BMW M3 CS brings more power to the mix with a retuned version of the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight six-cylinder engine. This high-tuned engine makes 40 horsepower more than the Competition model and 70 horsepower more than the regular M3. The total received is 543 ponies galloping under the hood of this top-end Beemer. The torque figure doesn’t change from the Competition model, hitting 479 lb-ft during any drive. BMW achieved greater horsepower in the CS by adjusting the engine’s boost pressure.
This M3 is made for the track
Where do you go to find a cooling system made to handle extra power? The BMW M4 GT3 race car comes to mind. The cooling system borrowed for the CS is designed to handle the added power and function reliably during track use. In addition to a better cooling system, the M3 CS also has stiffer engine mounts to ensure a better connection between the engine and the frame. This setup came from the M4 CSL, which proves to be an excellent track car. As expected, the new M3 CS is loud, vibrates hard, and is much harsher on the track.
The new BMW M3 CS also comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission with a rear-biased AWD system. This means the rear wheels receive more power than the front wheels, which is perfect for a high-end sports car. Choose the 4WD Sport setting, and more engine torque is sent to the rear wheels, providing incredible sprint speed and acceleration. Another setting for this car is the 2WD mode, which sends all power to the rear wheels, which could be ideal for some drivers working to turn some fast laps. This new M3 CS can hit 60 mph in 3.2 seconds on the way to an electronically limited 188 mph.
How did BMW cut weight for the M3 CS?
The new CS version is lighter than the Competition version, which took some special materials to shave some weight. Thankfully, BMW understands how to utilize carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic to create lighter exterior elements, including the roof, hood, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler. We also see this material used in the center console, shift paddles, and interior trim strips. The exhaust utilizes a titanium rear silencer, which helps shave more than eight pounds from this car.
The overall weight difference between the new Competition Sport (CS) model and the regular Competition version is nearly 75 pounds. This is an impressive weight savings compared to an already hardcore, track-ready car.
There’s a hint of comfort in this track car
The new 2024 BMW M3 CS features a standard set of heated, power-adjustable seats upholstered in Merino leather. These seats are comfortable and stylish with black Mugello red accents and contrast stitching. Unlike the M4 CSL, which the new M3 CS is based, you can take family and friends for a drive because this new high-end M3 has a set of rear seats.
If you’re interested in this new M3, you’ll want to get in line as soon as the order window is open. The M4 CSL was limited to 1,000 units worldwide, and we don’t know the limited number for the new 2024 BMW M3 CS, but we know it is a limited-production model priced at $119,695. Production began in March.
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.
