The same power as the M4 CSL, along with its titanium rear silencer and more.
Following an extraordinary roster of exciting new releases in 2022, BMW is getting 2023 off to a great start with the reveal of the 2024 M3 CS.
The basics are as follows: more power, a re-tuned chassis, and less weight all combine to make the most exciting M3 yet. The S58 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six has been boosted to 543 horsepower, the same output you get from the limited-edition M4 CSL. But while that car sends power exclusively to the rear axle, this one will also send some to the front, thanks to its M xDrive AWD system.
With outstanding traction, the M3 CS rockets from 0-60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, and because the M Driver's Package comes standard here, the top speed is a respectable 188 mph.
To achieve these remarkable figures, the ECU has been re-tuned, and the maximum boost pressure of the two mono-scroll turbochargers has been increased from 24.7 to 30.5 psi (the same boost that the M4 CSL runs). Max power is available from 6,250 rpm to redline at 7,200 rpm. The torque figure of 479 lb-ft is offered from 2,750-5,950 rpm, making for a wide and usable torque band that will be suited to both track driving and highway cruising.
While we're in the engine bay, it's worth mentioning that BMW says it has added specially-designed mounts for “an extremely rigid connection between the engine and the vehicle's structure.”
As with other M xDrive-equipped cars, the AWD has three modes: 4WD, 4WD Sport, and 2WD. 4WD Sport sends even more grunt to the rear axle, while 2WD (activated when the Dynamic Stability Control system is turned off altogether) effectively disconnects the front axle from the rest of the drivetrain. This makes “pure high-performance driving” possible if you catch our drift.
BMW tells us that the CS is intended to be as at home on the track as on the road. To that end, the company has revised chassis settings with specially tuned axle kinematics, unique wheel camber settings, dampers, and anti-roll bars. The oil cooling and supply systems for the engine and the eight-speed automatic transmission's multi-plate clutch have been revised to cope with extended jaunts on the circuit too. Finally, the electronically controlled dampers in the adaptive suspension system and the parameters of the braking system, and the electromechanical steering system have been specially tuned for the CS.
As standard, you get forged M light-alloy 827M 19-inch wheels in front and 20s at the rear, with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber offered at no cost. These wheels come in an exclusive design that can be finished in Gold Bronze or matte black, hiding M Compound brakes with red or black calipers as standard and M Carbon Ceramic brakes in either red or gold available as an option.
Extensive use of carbon fiber and a titanium rear silencer that saves more than eight pounds of weight contributes to a total weight saving of roughly 75 pounds compared to a regular AWD M3 Competition.
Besides the carbon roof you get with a regular M3, the CS adds more carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) elements, namely the hood, massive front splitter, front air intakes, wing mirror caps, rear diffuser, and trunk spoiler. Inside, the material is applied to the center console, shift paddles, and interior trim steps. M Carbon bucket seats come standard here, too, while model-specific treadplates in the door sills remind you that this is something special.
Other highlights for the CS include BMW's new red-outlined badges on the fenders, trunk, and front grille, the latter of which is also imbued with a striking touch of rouge lipstick. That grille makes its relation to the M4 CSL more obvious by employing a similar design with far fewer horizontal strakes than you get in a regular M3 or M4. Yellow headlights also reappear, as on the CSL and M5 CS.
The centers of the black Merino leather-upholstered seats are another reminder that you're in a limited edition, with red accenting in both rows. If those don't do it for you, the CS logo in the center console and the M Alcantara steering wheel with its red center marker should ram home the latest M3's performance focus.
In terms of options, you can select matte black wheels, those grippy Cup 2 tires, M Carbon Ceramic brakes, or exterior paint. Black Sapphire and Brooklyn Grey metallics are standard, while BMW Individual Frozen Solid White Metallic (exclusive to the M3 CS) or BMW Individual Signal Green will cost extra.
Speaking of pricing, the base MSRP for the 2024 BMW M3 CS is $118,700, plus $995 for destination and handling. US production will kick off in March 2023, but BMW has not said how many will be produced or how many will be offered to Americans.
We expect that the sibling to the M3 Competition Sport, the M4 CS, will also be revealed by the time the M3 CS hits dealer floors.
Keyword: BMW M3 CS Revealed As 543-HP Special Edition