BMW M GmbH limited-edition cars have started debuting the lineup in 2023. The first in the series is the BMW M3 CS with a fuel consumption combined: of 10.4 – 10.1 l/100 km and CO2 emissions combined – 234 – 229 g/km in the WLTP cycle ( NEDC cycle figures), which enhances the racing appeal that distinguishes the company’s successful high-performance models for the premium midsize class. The BMW M3 Sedan combines an intelligent lightweight construction featuring many carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) components with increased engine power, a bespoke chassis setup, exclusive design features, and a specification fine-tuned to deliver a thrilling performance experience on the track.
The next BMW M3 CS concept powertrain combines a six-cylinder in-line engine producing 405 kW/550 hp with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and the M xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. It results in a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time of 3.4 seconds and exceptional driving abilities. The BMW M3 CS will be produced in limited quantities at BMW Group Plant Munich beginning in March 2023, with its staggered release commencing the same month. The United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Japan are the most important markets for the new limited-edition model.
More strength, less weight, and impressive performance
The new BMW M3 CS is endowed with enticing performance characteristics and an atmosphere of exclusivity due to a power-to-weight ratio increase. It is powered by a specifically improved variant of the high-revving six-cylinder in-line engine along with M TwinPower Turbo technology originally designed for the BMW M3 and BMW M4 vehicles. This 3.0-litre unit is also the basis for the engine that propelled the BMW M4 GT3 to its maiden DTM touring car championship in 2022.
Therefore, the engine behind the new BMW M3 CS hood features an abundance of technological specifics developed directly from the race-car engine. Its crankcase’s sleeveless, closed-deck design and great rigidity make it suited for extraordinarily high combustion pressures. A wire-arc sprayed iron coating on lightweight cylinder bores reduces frictional losses. With its unusually high torsional resistance, the lightweight forged crankshaft contributes to the engine’s high-revving proclivities and aids in power development. Its cylinder head includes a 3D-printed core that allows the coolant ducts to be routed in an optimal configuration for temperature management, which would be hard to do with conventional metal casting techniques. As with the cooling system, the oil supply system is designed to tackle the unique requirements of track use.
A six-cylinder engine generates 405 kW/550 horsepower
These improvements represent the new BMW M3 CS’s persistent commitment to achieving high rpm speeds and maximum power delivery with its engine. The unit’s considerable upgrade potential allowed for a 30 kW/40 hp increase in peak output in comparison with the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive, resulting in 405 kW/550 hp (fuel consumption combined: 10.1 – 10.0 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 230 – 228 g/km in the WLTP cycle (figures for the NEDC cycle) – Targeted modifications accomplished this increase in power to the engine’s M TwinPower Turbo technology without compromising the engine’s stability or durability. The most significant changes included increasing the maximum charge pressure of the two mono-scroll turbochargers from 1.7 to 2.1 bar and making model-specific adjustments to the engine management system.
In addition, a specially engineered engine mounting with higher spring rates generates an incredibly solid link between the engine and the vehicle’s frame. When the accelerator is pressed, the engine responds more quickly and transmits its power directly to the drivetrain. The new BMW M3 CS engine produces a peak torque of 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) at 2,750 rpm and maintains it until 5,950 rpm. It produces maximum output at 6,250 rpm, and its maximum speed is 7,200 rpm.
The unit’s performance characteristics are governed by its uninterrupted power delivery throughout the rpm range’s upper echelons. This is joined by the emotionally stirring sound produced by the dual-branch exhaust system with electrically regulated flaps, a titanium rear silencer with a weight-minimizing design, and – in typical M flair – two pairs of tailpipes finished in matte Black. Selecting SPORT or SPORT+ for the engine option in the M Setup menu amplifies the drive sound to achieve an audible racing car timbre. This adds genuine audio drama to the proceedings, especially during gear changes and the corresponding fluctuations in rev speed.
Delivering exceptional power to the road with maximum effect: M Steptronic transmission with eight speeds, M xDrive, and Active M Differential.
The engine’s drive torque in the new BMW M3 CS is transmitted via an eight-speed M Steptronic gearbox with Drivelogic. This is controlled via the M-specific selector lever on the middle console or the carbon-fibre shift paddles on the steering wheel. The integrated Drivelogic button on the selector lever allows the driver to modify the transmission’s shift characteristics between three distinct modes: comfort-oriented, sporty, and track-optimized.
M xDrive all-wheel drive, with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case, enables fully variable and ultra-smooth distribution of engine power between the front and rear wheels, improving the 2018 BMW M3 CS’s traction and agility. The oil feed to the multi-plate clutch has been optimized to maintain the all-wheel-drive system’s effectiveness even when driving aggressively on the circuit. The system’s rear-wheel bias and how it combines with the Active M Differential at the rear axle with entirely changeable operations – contribute to the trademark M sensation when accelerating or cornering.
The M Setup menu allows the driver to convert from the basic 4WD mode to 4WD Sport mode, which transfers an even greater percentage of engine torque to the rear wheels. Additionally, drivers can deactivate the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system and engage in 2WD mode. By directing drive power only to the rear wheels and disabling any stabilization intervention from the vehicle’s control systems, this mode immerses expert drivers in the driving experience to an even greater degree.
The engine, transmission, and M xDrive collaborate to generate breathtaking acceleration. The new BMW M3 CS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 11.1. The acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h (50 to 75 mph) is completed in 2.6 seconds (in fourth gear) or 3.3 seconds (in fifth gear) (in 5th gear). The BMW M3 CS comes standard with the M Driver’s Package and is electronically limited to 302 km/h (188 mph).
Customized tune for chassis technology and the DSC system; standard track tyres
The chassis technology of the new BMW M3 CS has been properly tailored to the performance characteristics of the engine, the overall vehicle design, and the vehicle’s weight. In addition, the model-specific parameters for the DSC system and M Dynamic Mode have been tailored to the rigours of high-speed track driving.
Individually tailored axle kinematics, dampers, auxiliary springs, wheel camber settings and anti-roll bars optimize steering precision, the transmission of lateral control forces during cornering, spring and damping response, and wheel placement. Also, model-specific are the electronically controlled dampers of the adaptive M suspension on the BMW M3 CS, as well as its electromechanical M Servotronic steering with variable ratio and integrated brakes.
Standard equipment for the limited-edition model features M Compound brakes with red or black brake callipers. In addition, there is the option of M Carbon ceramic brakes with brake callipers in matt Gold or Red. The new BMW M3 CS comes standard with forged M light-alloy wheels featuring a special V-spoke design and a Gold Bronze finish. These particular M light-alloy wheels are also available with a Black matt to finish as an option. With a front diameter of 19 inches and a rear diameter of 20 inches, the wheels are standardly equipped with track tyres that have been purpose-built for the limited-edition model and measure 275/35 ZR19 at the front and 285/30 ZR20 at the rear. Customers also have the choice of no-cost high-performance tyres of the same proportions as an alternative to these, particularly built for circuit driving tyres.
Increased body stiffness by the significant use of carbon fibre in the building of a lightweight body
Extensive model-specific lightweight design measures significantly shape the performance characteristics and special nature of the new BMW M3 CS. Importance is placed on using carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) components internally and externally. In addition to its carbon fibre roof, the limited-edition vehicle features this lightweight, high-tech material in its bonnet, front air intakes, front splitter, exterior mirror caps, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler. The centre console, shift paddles on the steering wheel, and interior trim strips are all made from CFRP. The standard M Carbon bucket seats also contribute to the cabin’s lightweight. The titanium rear silencer reduces the weight of the exhaust system of the new BMW M3 CS by more than 4 kilos. The many lightweight design measures reduce the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive’s weight by around 20 kilos.
The body stiffness can be enhanced by specifying a set of lightweight, high-precision engine compartment strut braces. The cast aluminium parts connecting the spring strut towers to the front end have a weight-optimized design that has been accurately matched – using computer models – to the forces applied in various driving circumstances.
Exceptional design characteristics promise exceptional performance
The new BMW M3 CS’s edgier personality is immediately apparent thanks to several distinctive design elements. The exterior metallic paint finish in Frozen Solid White is specific to BMW M GmbH’s most recent limited-edition model. Exposed carbon-fibre surfaces applied on the roof, the two indents fashioned into the bonnet, the front splitter, front air intakes, rear spoiler, M external mirror caps, and rear apron combine with the Black side skirts and M gills to create a striking contrast with the new paint finish. As alternate exterior colours, Brooklyn Grey metallic, Signal Green solid, and Sapphire Black metallic are available.
The vehicle’s front fascia features a frameless, weight-saving BMW kidney grille with a stripped-down appearance reminiscent of racing vehicles. Designed specifically for this model, distinguishing characteristics include red contour lines and “M3 CS” lettering on the upper horizontal grille bar. The front model badge and its counterpart on the boot lid are both black with a red border.
The BMW Laserlight headlights that are included as standard equipment on the brand-new BMW M3 CS give the vehicle’s front end a particularly arresting appearance. They pay homage to successful GT racing automobiles by flashing the headlights yellow rather than white during the Welcome sequence, which occurs when the vehicle is unlocked, as well as when the low beam or high beam is enabled.
M Carbon bucket chairs with unique surfaces and stitching
Inside the new BMW M3 CS, cutting-edge digital technology and special design elements combine to create a sports car cockpit engineered for optimum driving pleasure and performance. The driver and front passenger standard are M Carbon bucket seats with a model-specific design. They are fully motorized and heated, with incorporated head restraints and an illuminated model logo, resulting in a combination of racing style and long-distance comfort. The carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) used in the structural components of the seat cushion and backrest, as well as the eye-catching cutouts in the side bolsters and below-the-head restraints, are evidence of the lightweight construction of the seats.
The BMW M3 CS comes equipped with M Carbon bucket seats that are upholstered in Merino leather and feature a one-of-a-kind colour scheme that combines black or red with contrast stitching. This bicolour finish is replicated on the two seats in the sedan’s rear compartment. The front and rear door panels are completely upholstered in black leather, while the lightweight centre console features red “CS” writing. Standard equipment for the new BMW M3 CS comprises M seat belts with a woven stripe pattern in BMW M GmbH colours, M3 CS door sill plates, an Anthracite-colored headliner, interior trim strips in Carbon Fibre finish, and an M Alcantara steering wheel with CFRP shift paddles and a red centre marking.
Configuration button for customizing the vehicle’s settings
The M-specific control/operation system features a Setup button on the central console that provides quick access to the engine, chassis, steering, brake system, and M xDrive settings. Two uniquely configured setup variants can be permanently stored, along with the preferred settings for the engine sound, the Automatic Start/Stop function, the DSC system, and the shift characteristics of the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, and then retrieved via the M buttons on the steering wheel.
The new BMW M3 CS standard equipment includes the M Drive Professional system. In addition to the M Drift Analyser and M Laptimer capabilities for analyzing and recording driving skills and performance on the track, the special-edition model also includes M Traction Control, whose ten stages provide the appropriate tools for pushing the car to its limits on closed circuits.
The M Mode button on the centre console, which is also part of the M Drive Professional package, can be used to adjust the level of driver assistance system activity as well as the content displayed on the optional Head-Up Display and optional information display, with a choice of ROAD, SPORT, and TRACK modes.
BMW Curved Display displaying M-specific information
The new BMW M3 CS is equipped with the most recent generation of BMW iDrive, based on BMW Operating System 8 and has the BMW Curved Display for the cockpit. This consists of a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display enclosed under a curved glass surface. With its driver-centric ergonomic orientation, the BMW Curved Display makes the already user-friendly touch control even more so.
The information display’s graphical appearance and M-style material contribute to a driving experience that emphasizes performance. It contains all driving-related information as well as vehicle status and configuration data. The M Shift Lights are displayed at the top of the information display, while the modes for the driving stability system, M xDrive, and traction control are displayed at the bottom. The home screen of the controlled display can be customized with widgets displaying information on the current vehicle configuration, tyre pressure, and temperature.
Exceptional alternatives for increased driving pleasure and convenience
The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, smartphone integration, a telephone with wireless charging, and a WiFi interface are all included as standard features in the BMW Live Cockpit Professional. Other standard features include a navigation system with BMW Maps. The BMW Head-Up Display with M-specific readouts, as well as the BMW Drive Recorder, are both available as supplemental add-ons.
The new BMW M3 CS also provides consumers with a limited selection of comfort options and driver-aid technologies, with an emphasis on the enjoyment of pure driving. Standard features include the most recent version of Comfort Access, dual-zone automatic climate control, Park Distance Control, Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, the Speed Limit Info system and the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System. Optional equipment includes an alarm system, automatic trunk lid operation, and Driving Assistant and Parking Assistant systems.
