BMW has revealed the M3 CS Handschalter, a limited-edition manual and rear-wheel drive version of the G80-generation M3. Built exclusively for North America, the M3 CS Handschalter marks the final chapter for the sixth-generation M3 before its successor arrives. As the name suggests, the key difference here is the gearbox. For the first time, BMW
BMW has revealed the M3 CS Handschalter, a limited-edition manual and rear-wheel drive version of the G80-generation M3. Built exclusively for North America, the M3 CS Handschalter marks the final chapter for the sixth-generation M3 before its successor arrives.
As the name suggests, the key difference here is the gearbox. For the first time, BMW is offering an M3 CS with a 6-speed manual transmission, powering the rear wheels only.
Power comes from the S58 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 473 hp (around 480 PS) and 550 Nm. This is lower than the regular M3 CS, which produces 550 PS and 650 Nm with M xDrive and an eight-speed automatic.
Performance is also less outright-focused than the regular CS. The M3 CS Handschalter does 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, while top speed is rated at 290 km/h with the standard M Driver’s Package.
BMW has instead focused on driver engagement. The chassis, steering, engine and gearbox calibration are all specific to the Handschalter, while the ride height is lowered by 6 mm compared to the standard M3.
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Suspension revisions include shock absorbers from the M4 CSL, special auxiliary springs, new springs and a new rear axle link. BMW has also revised the axle kinematics and wheel camber to suit the manual, rear-wheel drive layout.
M Compound brakes are standard, while M Carbon Ceramic brakes are available as an option. The car rides on forged Style 927M wheels in either Gold Bronze or Matte Black, with 275/35ZR19 tyres at the front and 285/30ZR20 tyres at the rear.
Weight-saving measures include a carbon-fibre roof, bonnet, front splitter, front air intakes, mirror caps, rear diffuser and rear spoiler. The centre console and interior trim also use carbon-fibre reinforced plastic, while M Carbon bucket seats and a titanium rear silencer further reduce weight.
With the optional carbon ceramic brakes fitted, BMW says the M3 CS Handschalter is nearly 34 kg lighter than a standard M3. Without the carbon ceramic brakes, the weight saving is around 19 kg.
Visually, the M3 CS Handschalter follows the usual CS treatment, with exposed carbon-fibre elements, high-gloss black trim, a frameless kidney grille, red grille accents, an M3 CS badge and yellow daytime running lights.
Four exterior colours are offered, including Isle of Man Green Metallic, Black Sapphire Metallic, Imola Red II and Techno Violet Metallic. The latter two are BMW Individual colours referencing earlier M3 generations.
Inside, the car gets M Carbon bucket seats in Black Full Merino leather with Mugello Red accents, a heated M Alcantara steering wheel and M Drive Pro as standard, including M Drift Analyser, M Laptimer and 10-stage M Traction Control.
Pricing starts from USD 107,100 in the US, or CAD 132,500 in Canada. Only 40 units are planned for the Canadian market, while BMW describes overall production as very limited and starts in July 2026, with deliveries expected to begin later in the year.