The BMW M3 CS Handschalter: A manual, rear-wheel-drive sendoff for the sixth-generation M3.

• The only M3 CS ever offered with a 6-speed manual transmission.
• The lightest in the lineup: targeted lightweight design cuts nearly 75 pounds versus the standard M3.
• Model-specific tuning for chassis, steering, engine, and gearbox.
• 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 180 mph with the standard M Driver’s Package.
• Two heritage BMW Individual finishes available: Imola Red and Techno Violet metallic.
• Built exclusively for North America, starting at $107,100 plus $1,350 destination and handling.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – May 18, 2026…BMW M is marking the close of the M3’s sixth generation with a special, limited-edition model built for maximum driver involvement. The 2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter pairs the lightweight construction and track-ready chassis tuning of BMW CS models with the added engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive.

Targeted use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, forged alloy wheels, a titanium muffler, standard M Carbon bucket seats, and other measures reduce weight by nearly 75 pounds compared to a standard M3 when the optional M Carbon Ceramic brakes are fitted. Model-specific chassis hardware and calibration sharpen steering, suspension, and overall responses, while a 6mm reduction in ride height helps deliver a planted, track-capable stance. Power comes from a 473-hp M TwinPower Turbo inline-6, paired exclusively with a precise 6-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive for an unmistakably direct connection between driver and machine.

The 2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter will be built in very limited numbers starting in July, with deliveries expected to commence in the fall. The base MSRP will be $107,100 plus $1,350 destination and handling.

The CS Handschalter will make its public debut at the All-BMW Petersen Cruise-In 2026 at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 23. The event runs from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with the reveal scheduled for 10:00 AM.

Track-honed chassis technology for road or circuit, with a choice of high-performance, track, or ultra-track tires.

The chassis technology in the BMW M3 CS Handschalter has been tuned in consideration of the drivetrain’s unique performance characteristics and the vehicle’s weight distribution. Additionally, the tuning of the M Servotronic steering and the electronic control settings for chassis, engine, and gearbox are all specific to the Handschalter.

The specially tuned axle kinematics and unique wheel camber settings are engineered to optimize steering precision, transmission of lateral control forces when cornering, spring and damping response, and wheel location. New springs and a new rear axle link lower the M3 CS Handschalter by 6mm compared to the standard M3. Shock absorbers previously found on the ultra-high performance M4 CSL and special auxiliary springs round out the M3 CS Handschalter’s chassis dynamics package.

M Compound brakes with a choice of red or black calipers are standard on the M3 CS Handschalter. Drivers may also opt for lightweight M Carbon Ceramic brakes with calipers in either red or gold. Also standard are forged alloy wheels Style 927M finished in Gold Bronze or black. The wheels may be fitted with high performance or track-oriented tires measuring 275/35ZR19 at the front and 285/30ZR20 at the rear. Ultra track tires are optionally available for $600.

Lightweight, carbon fiber-enhanced construction for sharper responses; available M Strut Brace boosts front-end rigidity.

Reducing weight through the targeted use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) both inside and out is of key importance to the performance and overall driving dynamics of the M3 CS Handschalter. BMW M uses this strong, lightweight material for the roof panel, hood, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler. The center console and interior trim are also made from CFRP. The standard M Carbon bucket seats reduce weight in the cabin while providing exceptional comfort on the road and support in high-performance driving.

In addition, the titanium rear silencer shaves more than eight pounds off the weight of the exhaust system fitted to the M3 CS Handschalter. In total, the various lightweight design measures save about 42 pounds compared to the base BMW M3 with the 6-speed manual. Adding the optional M Carbon Ceramic brakes saves another 31.5 pounds over the standard M Compound brakes.

Drivers seeking additional chassis rigidity for even greater handling precision can specify the optional M Front Strut Brace, priced at $1,100. The cast aluminum elements connecting the spring strut towers to the front end feature a weight-optimized geometry that has been precisely calibrated to the forces applied in various driving situations.

CS-exclusive design details sharpen the look – and underscore its track-bred intent. 

The 2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter adheres to the aggressive design template established by BMW CS models that have come before. Exposed carbon fiber surfaces for the roof, the two channels running the length of the hood, the front splitter, front air intakes, M exterior mirror caps, rear spoiler, and rear apron combine with side skirts and M gills in high-gloss black.

The Handschalter sports the signature CS frameless BMW kidney grille with pared-back styling, red contour lines, and an “M3 CS” badge on the upper of the two horizontal grille bars.

The angular daytime running light elements illuminate in yellow rather than white during the unlock sequence as well as while driving, evoking the look of GT racing cars.

Four exterior finishes complete the M3 CS Handschalter’s bold presence. Isle of Man Green metallic and Black Sapphire metallic are offered at no charge, while two BMW Individual paints drawn from 40 years of M3 history – Imola Red and Techno Violet metallic – are available for $4,500.

Standard M Drive Professional with M Traction Control and M Laptimer – ready for serious track work.

Also fitted as standard in the BMW M3 CS Handschalter is M Drive Professional. M Drive Professional bundles together the M Drift Analyzer and M Laptimer functions for assessing and recording driving skills and performance at the track and includes M Traction Control, offering ten stages of intervention sensitivity: the ideal tools for pushing the Handschalter hard on closed circuits.

The M Mode button on the center console is used to set the level of intervention from various driver assistance systems as well as the content shown in the information display, with a choice of ROAD, SPORT, and TRACK settings.

M TwinPower Turbo inline-6 power, engineered with track-proven Motorsport DNA.

Under the lightweight CFRP hood of the 2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter is the high-revving S58 inline 6-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. This 3.0-liter unit also forms the basis of the engine that powered the BMW M4 GT3 Evo to victory in its class at the Rolex 24 at Daytona this year. Its crankcase has a sleeveless, closed-deck construction and is extremely rigid, making it suitable for very high combustion pressures. The forged lightweight crankshaft aids power build-up with its high torsional resistance and allows for high revs. The cylinder head has a 3D-printed core, allowing the coolant ducts to be routed in an optimum arrangement for temperature management that would be impossible to achieve using conventional metal casting methods. The oil supply system is designed to handle the specific challenges of track use, as is the cooling system.

The engine in the M3 CS Handschalter produces 473 hp at 6,250 RPM and 406 lb-ft of torque between 2,630 and 6,130 RPM. This ensures the Handschalter can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. With a 1-foot rollout, the time drops to 3.8 seconds. Acceleration continues strongly all the way to a top speed of 180 mph with the standard M Driver’s Package.

Everyday comfort and convenience – without dialing back the performance edge.

Despite its focus on delivering an uncompromised high-performance driving experience, the BMW M3 CS Handschalter doesn’t forsake everyday utility or the comfort and safety of drivers and passengers. The list of standard equipment includes Comfort Access, dual-zone automatic climate control, Harman Kardon Surround Sound System, Park Distance Control, Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and the Speed Limit Info system. The standard M Carbon bucket seats – finished in Anthracite Full Merino leather with CS-exclusive Mugello Red accents – are heated and electrically adjustable. An optional Daily Driver Package adds a power-operated trunk lid and Head-Up Display.

BMW Group in America

BMW Group began operations in the U.S. over 50 years ago. In addition to the sales, marketing, and distribution of BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad vehicles, BMW Group’s business in the U.S. spans 30 locations in 12 states including BMW Group Financial Services, BMW Manufacturing, Designworks, BMW Technology Office USA, and BMW i Ventures. The company’s U.S. plant in South Carolina is the largest single BMW production facility in the world and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented by a nationwide network of 355 BMW retailers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 37 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. Taken together, BMW Group’s business activities in the U.S. provide and support over 120,000 jobs and contribute more than $43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.

For more information about BMW Group’s business and products in the U.S., please visit: PressClub USA.

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