Benjamin M. Monroe Blog: 2017 LA Auto Show: BMW M3 CS makes world debut

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

2017 LA Auto Show: BMW M3 CS makes world debut

The BMW M3 CS makes its world debut at the 2017 LA Auto Show and is BMW’s most hardcore M3 Sedan since the 2011 E90 M3 CRT. The limited run M3 CS sheds weight, adds horsepower, aero and more grip, making one seriously hard core performance sedan. Modeled after BMW’s successful M4 CS, BMW has answered the enthusiast demands for M4 CS treatment to the M3 sedan.

The M3 CS makes 453 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, up 28 hp, and 37 lb-ft over a “standard” M3. The M3 CS does this without the M4 GTS’s trick water injection which would require distilled water to be refilled by the owner. BMW has given the M3 CS is own unique exhaust for a more aggressive tone with driver selectable bypass. The extra horsepower, lower weight and increased grip is good for a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 174 mph.

Cosmetically the M3 CS gets the M4 CS treatment starting right off with unique carbon fiber reinforced plastic hood that saves weight and enhances air flow to the engine. The M3 CS also has a carbon fiber front lip, carbon rear diffuser and carbon rear spoiler and special wheels.

The extreme make over, however does not carry over to the interior like it does in the M4 CS. Missing on the M3 CS are the carbon fiber more skins and fabric door pulls of the M4 CS and GTS, instead the M3 CS door panels covered in contrast stitching and two tone leather. There is some Alcantara on the dash and center console but that is about the end of the similarities of the M4 CS and M3 CS on the interior.

BMW M fitted the M3 CS with the M4 CS’s staggered lightweight wheels. These 10 spoke wheels are forged light alloy wheels, orbit grey Matt in color. The fronts are 19″ and the rears 20” Press materials sadly point out that the tires wont be as grippy as the M4 CS, because they are using Michelin Pilot Super Sports as opposed to the M4 CS’ Michelin Cup 2 tires which are higher performance.

Five color choices are available on the M3 CS – Alpine White, San Marino Blue Metallic, Lime Rock Grey Metallic, Frozen Dark Blue II Metallic and Black Sapphire Metallic. Just like the M4 CS all M3 CS’s come equipped with the DCT. Carbon Ceramic brakes are optional.

Unlike the E90 M3 CRT which was limited to European customers with fewer than 100 made, the M3 CS will be available in Europe as well as the United States and will have a run of approximately 1200 units and half of those will come to the US.