BMW creates first-ever M3 CS with a stick shift, but it’s a send-off model

The 2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter pairs the track-ready chassis setup of the M3 CS and pairs it with a six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive.

2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter parked on track — *The 2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter is exclusive to North America. – BMW Group Canada photo*

BMW is sending off the sixth-generation M3 with the purest of the purist models.

The automaker unveiled the 2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter, the first ever M3 CS made with a six-speed manual transmission. No automatic will be available on this send-off model.

The car is being sold in limited numbers, with just 40 earmarked for Canada.

The Canadian starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $132,500, which doesn’t include various fees, levies or luxury tax.

*The 2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter is exclusively available with a manual transmission. – BMW Group Canada photo*

Powertrain

The special edition M3 CS is powered by BMW’s 3-litre TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder engine with 473 hp and 406 lb.-ft. of torque

The car gets rear-wheel drive.

This is the same powertrain setup as in the regular M3.

BMW said the M3 CS Handschalter will rocket from zero to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 290 km/h.

With a one-foot rollout, the zero to 100 km/h time drops to 3.9 seconds.

*The 2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter gets a unique chassis setup for track-ready use. – BMW Group Canada photo*

Track-ready chassis setup

While the car gets the same powertrain as a standard M3, the chassis setup is more track ready.

The automaker said the chassis technology was tuned specifically for the car and its unique drivetrain characteristics. The M Servotronic steering and the electronic control settings for the chassis, engine, and gearbox are all specific to the Handschalter.

The automaker said the axle kinematics and unique wheel camber settings were engineered for optimal steering precision, transmission of lateral control forces in cornering, spring and damping response and wheel loaction.

The car also rides six millimetres lower than a standard M3 thanks to new springs and a new rear axle link.

BMW borrowed the shock absorbers from the M4 CSL and included them in the Handschalter. The car also has special auxiliary springs for a more dynamic chassis setup.

*The car rides on Style 927M wheels available in two colours, including gold bronze as shown here. – BMW Group Canada photo*

Standard features

The car comes standard with M Compound brakes and M Carbon Ceramic brakes are optional.

The car rides on Style 927M wheels in gold bronze or matte black colours. The wheels measure 19 inches up front and 20 in the rear. Ultra track tires are optional.

M Drive Pro, which includes M Drift Analyzer, M Laptimer and M Traction Control, is standard.

The M Driver’s Package is also standard.

*The car’s standard M Carbon bucket seats help lower the car’s weight. – BMW Group Canada photo*

Lightweight

BMW went out of the way to drop the car’s weight for optimal track performance.

The automaker liberally uses carbon fibre reinforced plastic in the car and it rides on forged alloy wheels.

The car’s standard M Carbon Bucket Seats reduce the car’s weight by almost 34 kilograms compared to the standard M3, when fitted with optional M Carbon Ceramic brakes.

A titanium rear silencer takes off 3.5 kilograms, BMW said.

The carbon fibre reinforced plastic can be found inside and out, including in the roof panel, hood, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps, rear diffuser and rear spoiler on the outside, while the inside gets the material on the centre console and interior trim.

*The 2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter has special badging and unique visual and performance elements. – BMW Group Canada photo*

Exclusive elements

The car has a more aggressive design than a regular M3, including exposed carbon fibre surfaces.

It has a frameless BMW kidney grille, which is typical of CS models, special badging and other unique elements.

The car is available in four colours.

Isle of Man Green Metallic and Black Sapphire Metallic are no-charge colour options, while Imola Red II and Techno Violet Metallic are BMW Individual available at a cost. These two colours were drawn from 40 years of M3 history, BMW said.

On the inside, the car gets seats in black full Merino leather with Mugello Red accents and contrast stitching.

The car also has a standard heated M Alcantara steering wheel, a feature not usually available in Canada.