During the final production year of the F80 M3, BMW introduced the M3 CS. CS stands for competition sport and is the top-performing M3 model, incorporating carbon fiber for weight reduction. Exterior carbon fiber treatments include the hood, roof, front splitter, rear diffuser, and spoiler. Inside the M3 CS, the extensive use of carbon fiber continues with a lightweight center console and M sport seats.
In addition to using weight-saving carbon fiber, the M3 CS also makes the most power of any M3 from this generation. The power output of the twin-turbo 3.0L inline six-cylinder engine is a robust 453 HP / 443 LB-FT and can rocket the M3 CS from 0-60 MPH in under 4 seconds. Sadly, there is no manual option for the F80 M3 CS. Still, we can't fault BMW because they set out to make the highest-performance version of the M3 available, and the dual-clutch transmission is capable of lightning-fast shifts that even the best driver could only dream of achieving.
The CS is again available after a five-year production break, taking the G80 M3 to new performance heights. The G80 M3 CS makes 543 HP / 479 LB-FT and utilizes BMW's xDrive drivetrain to achieve a blistering 3.2 second 0-60 time. In addition to being one of the quickest-accelerating M Series cars, the M3 CS is also one of the fastest, with a top speed of 188 MPH when equipped with the M Driver's Package.
In addition to more horsepower, the third version of the M3 Competition features several modifications to improve handling, including forged wheels, Adaptive M suspension, and an Active M differential. Inside is a pair of lightweight M sports seats offering superb bolstering for high-performance racetrack driving.
Like previous M3 CS models, the G80 version benefits from copious use of carbon fiber throughout the car. The exterior use of carbon fiber parts includes the hood, roof, front splitter, air intakes, mirrors, rear diffuser, and spoiler. Inside the M3 CS, the carbon fiber treatment continues with the center console, shift paddles, trim strips, and the M Carbon bucket seats, which look right at home on a racecar. Using titanium in the exhaust system helped shave additional weight off the M3 CS. Using exotic materials saves roughly 75 pounds compared to the BMW M3 Competition xDrive.
Yellow daytime running lights pay homage to GT racing cars and help further differentiate the M3 CS from all other M3 models. Another telltale sign of the M3 CS is that the hood has two exposed carbon fiber channels.
BMW M3 CS Generations
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