2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter debuts – first M3 CS with six-speed manual transmission for North America

This might be a future classic. For the first time ever, BMW is offering the M3 CS with a six-speed manual transmission as a limited-edition model to mark the end of the G80 generation before its successor comes out. Built exclusively for North America, the new M3 CS Handschalter will be offered in “very limited numbers” and carries a base retail price of USD107,100 (about RM426k).

Mechanically, the M3 CS Handschalter uses the same S58 3.0 litre turbocharged inline-six petrol engine as a regular M3 CS. However, the former packs just 480 PS (473 hp or 353 kW) and 550 Nm instead of 550 PS (543 hp or 405 kW) and 650 Nm of torque, presumably due to the limitations of its transmission.

The Handschalter is also rear-wheel drive only unlike the M3 CS that has an M xDrive all-wheel-drive system and eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. The reduced grunt and lack of all-paw grip result in a 0-96 km/h (0-60 mph) time of 3.8 seconds, which is slower than the M3 CS that is capable of 3.2 seconds.

Similarly, the top speed with the standard M Driver’s Package is 290 km/h (180 mph), down by 12 km/h (eight mph) compared to the M3 CS. It’s pretty obvious that a normal M3 CS is the way to go if you want to go fast, with the Handschalter being geared more towards driver engagement and enjoyment.

On that front, BMW revised the suspension of the Handschalter with shock absorbers from the M4 CSL as well as special auxiliary springs. The springs and rear axle link are also new for a six mm lower ride height compared to a standard M3, while the axle kinematics and wheel camber have been tuned to match the new powertrain package.

M Compound brakes come as standard with red or black callipers, although buyers can upgrade to lightweight M Carbon Ceramic brakes with calipers in either red or gold. The wheels are forged style 927M alloys in Gold Bronze or black and can be fitted with high performance or track-oriented tyres measuring 275/35 at the front and 285/30 at the rear – ultra track tyres are also available.

The German carmaker also used plenty of carbon-fibre to get the Handschalter’s weight down by nearly 34 kg (75 pounds) compared to a standard M3. This is made possible with the optional carbon brake package along with carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the roof panel, bonnet, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps, rear diffuser and rear spoiler.

The interior also gets its fair share of CFRP, including on the centre console and cabin trim, while the standard M Carbon bucket seats contribute to the weight savings as well. There’s more, as the titanium rear silencer shaves more than 3.6 kg (eight pounds). If you skip on the carbon brake package, the total weight saved compared to a M3 with a six-speed manual is just 19 kg (42 pounds). BMW also offers a front strut brace made of cast aluminium.

Visually, the Handschalter looks pretty much like a regular M3 CS, sporting the same aerodynamic additions and yellow-tinted daytime running lights. Buyers have four exterior colours to choose from, including Isle of Man Green metallic and Black Sapphire metallic that come at no extra charge. The remaining two hues are Imola Red and Techno Violet metallic from the BMW Individual catalogue, which cost an additional USD4,500 (RM18k).

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