2024 BMW M3 CS Dials Up The Excitement With More Power & Less Weight

Just when you thought the current generation BMW M3 couldn’t get any better, along comes the limited-edition 2024 BMW M3 CS. So what makes the CS (Competition Sport) model so special, you ask? Simply put, it’s lighter, stronger, and faster, with a multitude of changes that deliver exhilarating performance without sacrificing the functionality and everyday usability of the BMW M3, making it equally at home on road and track.

Based on the BMW M3 Competition xDrive, the BMW M3 CS gets more power, unique chassis calibration, and intelligent lightweight construction featuring carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) components.

The 2024 BMW M3 CS teams a 543-hp inline-6 with an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission and the M xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. Together, they hurl the M3 CS from 0-60 mph in only 3.2 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 188 mph. That’s 40 horsepower more than the standard M3 Competition. This increase in power was achieved primarily by raising the maximum boost pressure of the two mono-scroll turbochargers from 24.7 psi to 30.5 psi and making some model-specific changes to the engine management.

Just as important as the power at the top of the rev range, the engine produces 479 lb-ft of torque from a low 2,750 rpm all the way to 5,950 rpm. Specially-designed engine mounts create an extremely rigid connection between the engine and the vehicle’s structure. Drivers will notice throttle inputs result in sharp engine response and direct transmission of power and torque to the drivetrain.

The M Setup menu lets the driver switch from the default 4WD setting to 4WD Sport mode, which directs even more of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels. Drivers can also switch the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system off altogether and engage 2WD mode. By sending drive power solely to the rear wheels and suppressing any DSC intervention, skilled drivers are free to explore their limits and revel in a pure high performance driving experience.

Unique chassis technology in the new BMW M3 CS has been tuned precisely to the engine’s performance characteristics and vehicle weight distribution, and the calibrations of the DSC system and M Dynamic Mode, also specific to the CS, have been purposefully geared to the demands of track driving.

The specially tuned axle kinematics and unique wheel camber settings, dampers, and anti-roll bars serve to optimize steering precision, transmission of lateral control forces in cornering, spring and damping response, and wheel location. The electronically controlled dampers of the adaptive M suspension are specifically tuned for the M3 CS, as is the electromechanical M Servotronic steering with variable ratio and the integrated braking system.

M Compound brakes are standard on the M3 CS., though drivers may also opt for M Carbon ceramic brakes. Also standard are forged M light-alloy wheels in an exclusive V-spoke design finished in Gold Bronze or matte black. Measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear, those wheels may be fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires at no cost. Otherwise, the M3 CS is fitted with conventional high-performance tires.

Reducing weight where possible plays a major role in delivering the performance qualities and exclusive character of the new BMW M3 CS; therefore, the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) both inside and out is of key importance. Besides its carbon fiber roof, the M3 CS also uses this lightweight, high-tech material for the hood, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler.

The center console, shift paddles, and interior trim strips are also made from CFRP. Standard M Carbon bucket seats reduce weight in the cabin and provide exceptional comfort on the road and support in high-performance driving sessions. Additionally, the titanium rear silencer shaves more than eight pounds off the weight of the exhaust system fitted to the new BMW M3 CS. In total, the various lightweight design measures save about 75 pounds compared to the BMW M3 Competition with M xDrive.

Visually, the 2024 BMW M3 CS is discernable with a series of individual design features. The optional BMW Individual Frozen Solid White metallic paint is exclusive to the M3 CS. Exposed carbon fiber surfaces for the roof, the two channels running the length of the hood, the front splitter, front air intakes, M exterior mirror caps, rear spoiler and rear apron combine with the black side skirts and M gills to provide a bold contrast to the unique paint finish. Brooklyn Grey metallic, Black Sapphire metallic, and BMW Individual Signal Green are also available.

The CS sports a special frameless BMW kidney grille with pared-back styling reminiscent of the M4 GT3, and features red contour lines and an “M3 CS” badge on the upper of the two horizontal grille bars. The angular daytime running light elements illuminate in yellow rather than white during the unlock sequence as well as while driving, further evoking the look of GT racing cars.

Inside, driver and passenger get power-adjustable heated M Carbon bucket seats, featuring integral headrests with an illuminated “CS” badge. The seats are upholstered in Merino leather and feature an exclusive design in black with Mugello red accents and distinctive contrast stitching. The door panels are trimmed entirely in black leather, and red “CS” lettering adorns the lightweight center console. The new BMW M3 CS also includes M seat belts woven with the BMW M tricolor stripes, door sill plates bearing “M3 CS” badging, interior trim strips in carbon fiber, and an M Alcantara steering wheel with CFRP shift paddles and a red center marker.

Major standard equipment on the 2024 BMW M3 CS includes M Drive Professional, M Sport Differential, 8-Speed M Steptronic transmission, Adaptive M Suspension, Comfort Access keyless entry, M Compound Brakes with Red calipers, M Carbon bucket seats, Carbon Fiber interior trim, Dual Zone automatic climate control, Harman Kardon Surround Sound System, BMW Curved Display with Head-Up Display, M Alcantara steering wheel, M Carbon exterior package, M Driver’s Package, 19”/20” M Star Spoke wheels in Gold Bronze, M front strut brace, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Active Blind Spot Detection, Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation, and Lane Departure Warning.

The 2024 BMW M3 CS will be a limited-production model with prices starting at $118,700 plus destination charges, with U.S. production expected to begin in March 2023.