The 2024 BMW M3 CS Gets More Power, Sharper Handling
Just when you thought the BMW M3 couldn’t get any more hardcore, a new variant appears on the horizon. The 2024 BMW M3 CS gets an even higher level of motorsport theater than the M3 Competition. Pulling tech from BMW’s GT3 racing program, the new M3 CS is stepping up its game once more.
The 2024 BMW M3 CS engine
According to BMW, the new mill in the 2023 BMW M3 CS features a forged crankshaft and revised cylinder head core drawn straight from the M4 GT3 racer. Custom oil delivery and engine cooling systems also come from the race car tech, giving the latest M3 a healthy heap of power. BMW has raised the boost pressure to 30.5 psi in the M3 CS as well, making this the most powerful M3 ever produced. The result is a powerplant that makes 543 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. That’s 40 more horses than the M3 Competition, sent through a rear-biased all-wheel drive system.
Performance and specs
The result of all that added performance is a car that is electronically limited to 188 mph. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph in the M3 CS flies by in just 3.2 seconds. M Compound brakes are the standard, while M Carbon ceramic brakes are available with red or gold calipers. Up front, 19-inch wheels get you around the corners while 20-inch wheels power you down the straights. In addition, the 2023 BMW M3 CS comes with Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. That said, if you can get your hands on Pilot Sport 4S tires, they may be a beneficial upgrade.
The 2024 BMW M3 CS goes on a diet
Compared to the BMW M3 Competition, the CS loses 75 pounds in total. A host of exterior parts are made from a carbon composite material. These include the front splitter, roof, hood, diffusers, and air intakes. The new M3 CS shaves some weight inside as well. The carbon composite material makes up the shift paddles, interior trim, seatbacks, and center console.
Handling and drive modes
WIth the M Drive Professional drive computer, you’ll get a host of tools for performance driving. Drift analyzer, lap timer, and ten traction control settings help you fine-tune your track driving skills. M modes are also available, so you can set up configurations to suit different driving needs. The xDrive system is rear-biased, but Sport Mode sends even more power to the rear wheels. You can also have 100 percent of the power sent to the rear wheels by disabling the DSC for even more fun.
Standard Features
The 2024 BMW M3 CS comes with a wealth of standard features including comfort, tech, and performance touches. The new CS isn’t a completely hardcore racer. You’ll still get a Harman Kardon premim audio system and dual-zone automatic climate control as standard. You’ll also get the M Sport Differential and adaptive M Sport suspension. Other touches include driver assistance tech, remote keyless entry, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.
Cons of the new BMW M3 CS
As with any race-spec road car, we expect that ride quality and noise will be an issue in the new M3 CS. This hardcore GT3 road car will use stiffer engine mounts for enhanced peformance. That said, they will also up the harshness and vibration of the driving experience.
When will the BMW M3 CS go on sale?
The newest BMW M3 CS will start its limited run in March 2022. We don’t yet know how many will be made, but the M4 CSL was capped at 1,000 units.
