Limited to just 1 200 models globally, and also marking the end of the F80 M3 which goes out of production next month, the CS’s visual differences over the M3 Competition Package (CP) consists of an updated front bumper with wider air intakes, black surround LED taillights, slimmer kidney grille, carbon-fibre reinforced plastic components, an M4 GTS style rear diffuser and carbon a fibre front splitter,
In addition, the CS also sports a model specific M Sport exhaust with quad outlets, Gurney Flap and DTM derived Orbit Grey forged light alloy wheels measuring 19-inch at the front and 20-inch at the rear wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber. Sticker Super Sport tyres are however available as a no-cost option.
Fitted as standard with a carbon fibre prop shaft, the CS ticks the scales at 50 kg less than a standard M3 and some 18 kg lighter than the M4 CS, with further under-the-skin changes consisting of a revised axle, M Compound brakes with a four-piston caliper setup at the front and two at the rear, Active M Differential and Adaptive M suspension with three modes (Comfort, Sport and Sport+).
Differentiating the interior from that of the M3 CP is an anthracite Alcantara M Sport steering wheel with silver 12 o'clock marking, two-tone Silverstone / Black leather interior or lightweight M sport seats wrapped in Merino leather with Silverstone / Black stitching and BMW M stripes incorporated into the front seat belts.
Equipment levels meanwhile consists of the 8.8-inch Navigation System Professional infotainment display, M Heads-Up Display, front and rear Park Distance Control and a specially developed 12-speaker sound system.
Like the M4 CS, the M3 CS receives a power bump of seven kilowatts and 50 Nm over the CP, which lifts power of the 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine to 338 kW/600 Nm. Mated to a seven-speed M DCT gearbox, the CS will sprint from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and top out at 280 km/h as part of the M Driver’s Package fitted as standard.
Pricing for the M3 CS Down Under kicks-off at $179 900 (R1 685 694), a $50 000 (R468 508) premium over the standard M3 and $33 000 (R309 215) compared to the M3 CP. No word on local availability as yet been made, but expect it to be a tad cheaper than the M4 CS’s R1 838 500 asking price.
