BMW M3 CS Handschalter $108,450

BMW on May 18 unveiled the 2027 M3 CS Handschalter, a U.S.-only version of its performance sedan that swaps the usual CS formula for a six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. The car starts at $108,450 before options, according to reports by Motor1 and BMWBlog. Both outlets said the model is the first M3 CS to be offered with a manual gearbox. Limited production is scheduled to begin in July, Motor1 reported. ### Why is BMW calling this one “Handschalter”? BMW used the German word “Handschalter,” meaning hand shift, to identify the manual-transmission version, according to BMWBlog. The same suffix has appeared on the Z4 M40i Handschalter, the outlet said. Motor1 described the M3 CS Handschalter as a late-run variant for the current-generation M3, adding that BMW is nearing the end of the present 3 Series cycle. (motor1.com) BMWBlog likewise said the model serves as a final G80-generation special edition. ### What exactly changes from the regular M3? The 2027 M3 CS Handschalter is offered only with rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, according to BMWBlog and Motor1. (bmwblog.com) That departs from the prior M3 CS setup, which BMWBlog said had paired the badge with an automatic and xDrive all-wheel drive. BMWBlog reported the car rides 6 millimeters lower than the standard six-speed M3 and uses a revised rear axle link, M4 CSL shock absorbers and new auxiliary springs. (motor1.com) The outlet said the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six remains rated at 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds and a 180 mph top speed when equipped with the included M Driver’s Package. ### How much lighter is it, and what’s behind the weight cut? Motor1 said the M3 CS Handschalter is 75 pounds lighter than the standard M3, making it the lightest car in the current M3 lineup. BMWBlog reported that the full reduction depends on the optional carbon-ceramic brakes, which account for 31.5 pounds of the savings. (bmwblog.com) BMWBlog said another 42 pounds come from other measures, including carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic exterior and interior parts, forged wheels, a titanium rear silencer and bucket seats. That 42-pound figure matches the preliminary details circulated around the launch. ### Is this really the first manual M3 CS? (motor1.com) BMWBlog said yes: the new car is the first M3 CS with a manual transmission. The outlet contrasted it with the earlier F80-generation M3 CS, which it said was sold only with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Motor1 also framed the launch as a surprise return for the CS badge with three pedals, calling it a manual-gearbox version of the M3 CS and identifying it as exclusive to the United States. (bmwblog.com) ### Where does this fit in BMW’s broader manual-transmission story? BMW M has said it is still working to preserve manual gearboxes in some models even as more powerful drivetrains make that harder, according to a separate April Motor1 report. (bmwblog.com) That report said the company had not abandoned manuals, even though automatics are better able to handle rising power outputs. (motor1.com) BMWBlog reported on May 2 that the next-generation combustion M3, expected after the 2027 electric M3, is likely to drop the manual entirely. If that timeline holds, the M3 CS Handschalter would stand as one of the last factory-manual M3 specials of the current era, though that conclusion is an inference from the reported product cadence rather than a fresh BMW statement tied to Monday’s launch. (motor1.com) ### What happens next for buyers? Motor1 reported that limited production starts in July, and BMWBlog said the car is reserved for North America, with the United States confirmed as its exclusive market in some launch coverage. The starting price is $108,450 before options, placing the next step with dealer allocations and order books rather than a broader global rollout. (motor1.com) (bmwblog.com)