Not that long ago BMW pulled the wraps off the M4 CSL. This is a hardcore, track-focussed machine with seating for two. Today the company offers (almost) the same level of performance for the family man. Say hello to the BMW M3 CS.

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BMW South Africa confirms that just 20 units of the CS will be coming to our shores. These will be available from the third quarter of 2023. Incidentally, just 16 examples of the CSL were allocated to SA, all of which were grabbed up before the cars even landed here.

Buy now and take advantage of free delivery in South Africa on orders over R349.

More Power

The BMW M3 CS is based on the M3 Competition. It shares that car’s twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. Power has been bumped up to 405 kW at 6 250 r/min. The represents a 30 kW increase over the Competition version. However, peak torque remains at 650 N.m. In part, the added power comes from raising maximum boost pressure of the turbochargers from 1,7- to 2,1 bars.

Click here to read about the BMW M4 CSL.

An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels. This all translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 3,4 seconds. The new CS takes 11,1 seconds to reach 200 km/h from rest.  The electronically limited top speed is 302 km/h.

Less Mass

To earn its CS credentials the newcomer has been on a steady carbon-fibre diet. The roof, bonnet, front splitter, mirror caps, diffuser and rear spoiler are all made from the lightweight stuff, and you’ll find plenty of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the cabin, while standard M Carbon bucket seats also do their bit.

Click here to check out our exclusive M Fest gallery.

Forged alloy wheels in an exclusive V-spoke design with a Gold Bronze finish are also on the standard equipment list for the new BMW M3 CS. These particular alloys measure 19 inches in diameter at the front axle and 20 inches at the rear. The rims are fitted as standard with track tyres, which measure 275/35 at the front and 285/30 at the rear. 

BMW says the lightweight measures bring about a total mass saving of some 20 kilograms compared to the BMW M3 Competition. Learn more about the changes made to create the BMW M3 CS in the gallery below.

  • BMW M3 CS changes front
  • BMW M3 CS changes rear
  • BMW M3 CS interior changes