The M3 CS Handschalter is a US and Canada-exclusive variant of the M3 CS built around a single idea: remove the automatic gearbox and bring back a six-speed manual with rear-wheel drive. It is the only combination BMW does not offer on the standard M3 CS, which pairs its twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six exclusively with an eight-speed M Steptronic and xDrive all-wheel drive.
Powertrain: Output is reduced from the standard CS’s 550 hp to 480 hp, and torque from 650 Nm to 550 Nm — necessary to maintain reliability with the manual transmission under sustained track use. Despite the lower figures, the Handschalter reaches 96.6 km/h (60 mph) in 4.1 seconds and tops out at 290 km/h.
Chassis: The suspension uses springs and dampers carried over from the M4 CSL — stiffer and more precisely calibrated than standard M3 components. Steering geometry and camber settings have been tuned specifically for the rear-drive configuration. Standard brakes are BMW’s M Compound units; carbon-ceramic discs are available as an option.
Weight reduction: A titanium exhaust system, carbon-fibre roof, bonnet, front splitter, air intakes, mirror housings, diffuser, and spoiler combine to strip 19 kg from a standard M3 with the manual option, or 33 kg with the optional carbon-ceramic brakes fitted.
Exterior and interior: Body colour is exclusive Midnight Stone Frost metalite; wheels are Style 927M forged items available in gold-bronze or black. Inside, carbon-fibre trim covers the centre console and door inserts, while M Carbon bucket seats are standard. A gear lever medallion references the F1 partnership, which also features as embroidered logos on the seats.
Production is limited. US and Canadian deliveries are scheduled for autumn 2026.