BMW M3 CS Handschalter Sends Off the G80 M3 With a Manual Gearbox

BMW M is giving the sixth-generation M3 one final driver-focused special edition. The new 2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter is built exclusively for North America and combines the sharpest parts of the CS formula with two enthusiast essentials: rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission.

This is the first time BMW has offered an M3 CS with a manual gearbox. Instead of chasing the quickest possible acceleration time with all-wheel drive and an automatic, the Handschalter is aimed at buyers who want a lighter, more mechanical and more involving version of the M3.

The formula starts with weight reduction. BMW uses carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic for the roof, hood, front splitter, front air intakes, mirror caps, rear diffuser, rear spoiler, center console and interior trim. The car also gets forged alloy wheels, standard M Carbon bucket seats and a titanium rear muffler.

Compared with a standard manual M3, the lightweight parts save around 42 pounds. With the optional M Carbon Ceramic brakes, the total reduction rises to nearly 75 pounds.

The chassis has been tuned specifically for this model, including revisions to the steering, suspension, engine response and gearbox. Buyers can also add an optional M front strut brace for $1,100, designed to increase front-end rigidity and sharpen handling feedback.

Under the carbon hood is BMW’s familiar S58 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six. In the M3 CS Handschalter, it produces 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. BMW quotes 0–60 mph in 4.1 seconds, or 3.8 seconds with a one-foot rollout, while top speed is 180 mph thanks to the standard M Driver’s Package.

The design follows recent CS models with exposed carbon-fiber elements, gloss-black side skirts and M gills, plus a frameless kidney grille with red contour lines and an M3 CS badge. The yellow daytime running lights are another motorsport-inspired detail, giving the front end a GT racing look.

BMW will offer regular colors such as Black Sapphire metallic, but the highlights are two heritage BMW Individual finishes: Imola Red and Techno Violet metallic. Both are tied to M3 history and cost $4,500.

Inside, the car keeps a serious performance atmosphere without becoming unusable every day. The standard M Carbon bucket seats are trimmed in Anthracite Full Merino leather with Mugello Red CS accents. Standard equipment includes heated and power-adjustable seats, Comfort Access, dual-zone climate control, Harman Kardon audio, Park Distance Control, Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Speed Limit Info.

For track use, M Drive Professional is standard. It includes M Traction Control with ten levels of adjustment, M Drift Analyzer and M Laptimer. The M Mode button lets the driver switch between Road, Sport and Track display and assistance settings.

An optional Daily Driver Package adds a head-up display and power trunk lid, making the car easier to live with without changing its core character.

The 2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter starts at $107,100, plus a $1,350 destination and handling charge. For North American buyers, it serves as a rare farewell to the current M3 generation: lighter, rear-driven, manual and built around driver involvement rather than lap-time automation.