It is arduous to fathom how BMW might enhance on the already glorious M3 Competitors, but two letters make all of the distinction. The CS badge has graced the backsides of BMW efficiency vehicles for the reason that late Sixties, and greater than half a century later, they’re nonetheless profitable fans over with their observe prowess.
It begins with the engine. The three.0-liter inline-six’s two turbochargers get a lift from 24.7 to 30.5 psi, and a few further tuning leads to 40 extra horsepower than the M3 Comp and 70 greater than the usual M3. The ultimate output is 543 hp and 479 pound-feet, which does not sound like a lot lately (particularly with an unchanged torque determine) – nevertheless it looks like so much.
| Fast Stats | 2023 BMW M3 CS |
| Engine | Twin-Turbocharged 3.0-Liter I6 |
| Output | 543 Horsepower / 479 Pound-Ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.2 Seconds |
| High Pace | 188 MPH (Electronically Restricted) |
| Base Value | $119,695 |
The M3 CS completely hauls down the again straight of the observe at BMW’s Efficiency Driving College in Greenville. It takes simply 3.2 seconds to succeed in 60 mph, two-tenths of a second faster than the M3 Comp. And in case you discover a lengthy sufficient street it’s going to race to a restricted prime pace of 188 mph.
The one draw back is that the one out there gearbox is an eight-speed automated. If you would like the handbook, you may need to accept the usual M3. However for the reason that eight-speed makes use of the identical mapping because the extra hardcore M4 CSL, it’s going to hearth off shifts faster than you ever would.
All-wheel drive can be normal, however the M3 CS has glorious rear-drive bias. BMW’s Energetic M differential permits you to transfer most of that energy to the rear – or all of it in case you’re daring – with the 4WD Sport mode and the Dynamic Stability Management disengaged.
However this automotive is great within the corners, no matter the place that energy finally ends up. The digital energy steering remains to be as light-weight as it’s on the M3, however due to some refined retuning for higher responsiveness, it does a greater job of telling you precisely what the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires are doing. You barely need to flick the steering wheel to place this automotive precisely the place you need it; it’s just like the M3 CS is aware of precisely the place it must go.
And there’s zero physique motion. The M3 CS stays flat in even the tightest turns due to that ultra-stiff suspension counteracting all 3,915 kilos of this automobile. That stated, the M3 CS is definitely 75 kilos lighter than the M3 Comp due to a wholesome heaping of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic on the hood and roof that really does make the automotive really feel lighter in corners.
You barely need to flick the steering wheel to place this automotive precisely the place you need it; it’s just like the M3 CS is aware of precisely the place it must go.
Stomping arduous on the optionally available carbon-ceramic brakes brings the M3 CS again down to hurry as shortly because it units off. However for a observe automotive, providing carbon ceramic brakes as an $8,500 choice is an odd alternative – they need to come normal. In any other case, the CS has conventional metal brakes with six-piston entrance and four-piston rear calipers.
On the street there are undoubtedly some drawbacks to the CS in comparison with the usual M3. The extra suspension tuning for observe use means you’ll need to accept a backbreaking trip. The M Efficiency seats with the built-in crotch bumper don’t assist soften the blow, both, however they do at the least have energy adjustability and heating. And whereas the steering feels pinpoint-accurate on the observe, it borders on too twitchy round city.
However that’s to be anticipated of CS, contemplating it’s essentially the most hardcore M3 cash can get you. And at $119,695 (with vacation spot), the M3 CS undoubtedly isn’t low-cost, costing $34,400 greater than the M3 Competitors. In the event you’re an everyday weekend racer or a professional on the autocross course, the refined efficiency upgrades to the M3 CS make it the Bimmer sedan to get for shaving lap instances. If all you’re on the lookout for is a enjoyable day by day romp, save your self the $35K.
