2018 BMW M3 CS Review: Farewell F80

BMW's M Division has grown into more than just a motorsport arm, with the M badge now adorning the rumps of dozens of sedans, coupes, and even SUVs. But even within the Kingdom of M, there's a hierarchy, with M-Sport models, genuine Ms, M models with the Competition Package, and now, a new breed of models bearing a 'CS' badge. Originally debuting on the tail of the M4, the M3 CS has now arrived, celebrating the final run of BMW's performance sedan with the same recipe employed in its two-door counterpart. That means there's more power from the 3.0-liter twin-turbo six (453 horsepower) beneath a new carbon-fiber hood, a dual-clutch automatic gearbox, less weight than any regular road-going M3, and a handful of chassis updates that make the M3 CS more than a Competition Pack, but less than a full-blown CSL. Just 1,200 units will be produced worldwide, and of those, 550 are earmarked for the US, making the M3 CS more exclusive than rivals like the Mercedes-AMG C63 and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.

M3 CS Exterior

A limited-run special edition M3 needs to look the part, and the team from BMW M has given the M3 CS just the outfit to stand out from the crowd. LED headlights and black-framed kidney grilles up front hang over the gaping lower air intakes with signature air curtains. But specific to the CS is an exposed carbon-fiber front splitter, which matches the exposed carbon roof and the carbon-fiber trunk-mounted spoiler. The rear diffuser gets the carbon treatment, too, and is lifted straight from the M4 GTS, while the signature quad exhaust tips get CS-specific styling and coloring. All exterior trim is blacked-out and the LED taillights are darkened compared to the base M3, while filling the arches of the most-potent M3 yet are a set of staggered fitment 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels, with an Orbit Grey Matte finish and shod in Michelin Pilot Super Sport summer tires. Exterior colors are unique to the CS as well, with Alpine White the standard hue while San Marino Blue, Lime Rock Grey, Frozen Dark Blue II, and Black Sapphire Metallic are also available.

Dimensions

The CS moniker is largely attributed to a weight-saving compared to standard M3 derivatives, with a claimed weight loss of 110 lbs over a standard M3, despite the use of a heavier seven-speed M-DCT transmission, seeing the curb weight reside at 3,494 lbs. The dimensions are much the same as the regular M3 in other aspects, with the CS matching the 184.5-inch length, 56.1-inch height, and 73.9-inch width of lesser M3 models, while also riding on the same wheelbase of 110.7 inches.

M3 CS Performance

Engine and Transmission

A special M3 to signify the end of the F80 generation wouldn't be complete without tweaks to the engine to make it the best it can be. BMW's M division has duly obliged, handing the 3.0-liter twin-turbo S55 inline-six a power bump of 28 hp and 37 lb-ft. The figures now read at 453 hp and 443 lb-ft, sent solely to the rear axle via a seven-speed M-DCT dual-clutch automatic, with no manual available on the CS. 0-60 mph takes 3.7 seconds, down from the standard model's 3.9-second sprint, while the top speed has been lifted to 174 mph thanks to the standard inclusion of the M Driver's Package. What the figures don't tell you is how this iteration of the M3 has the least lag and the best power delivery of any of the F80 models. It's smooth, punchy, and responsive - everything the M3 should've been from the start, while the DCT is rapid at firing through the gears, and snatches lower gears as and when needed.

Handling and Driving Impressions

Less weight, model-specific tuning for the steering, rear differential, and driving modes, and sticky Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber all culminate to make the M3 CS the sweetest handling M3 of the current generation. But it's not without its flaws, as - despite the fresh calibration - the steering is still devoid of all feel, and remains artificial in its weighting, overly heavy in sportier driving modes, and too syrupy in general use. But learn to trust the front end, and the CS delivers one of the best experiences in the segment, with fluid handling, a balance between understeer and oversteer, and mechanical grip that no rivals can match. The chassis upgrades mean you can make use of the extra torque, while the potent M compound brakes - carbon-ceramics are available optionally - bring things to a halt when needed.

Despite the extra ferocity, though, the M3 CS is still usable on-road, making it the embodiment of everything an M3 should be - livable and trackable, all in one package.

M3 CS Gas Mileage

More power seldom goes hand in hand with reduced thirst, and so, as expected, the M3 CS sacrifices some of its frugality at the altar of speed. The EPA claims estimates of 16/22/19 mpg city/highway/combined, representing a minor drop of just one mpg on the combined cycle compared to the standard M3 DCT. The 15.8-gallon gas tank carried by the M3 CS has an expensive addiction to premium unleaded gasoline, but with a light foot should see the German super-sedan travel 300 miles between refills in mixed conditions.

M3 CS Interior

Seating and Interior Space

Since the debut of the M4, the M3 CS stays true to its odd-numbered roots in boasting four doors and five seats, hosting adult occupants six-feet in height without much fuss and with easy ingress, egress, and great visibility. The driver and front passenger are treated to a low, cosseting seating position within the belly of the beast thanks to highly adjustable sports seats upholstered in leather and Alcantara in a Black/Silverstone combination finish, along with M3 insignias on the seatbacks, gray contrast stitching, and M tri-color seatbelts. They provide loads of lateral support under cornering, while the abundance of Alcantara trimming sets the CS apart, as does the M sports steering wheel with a silver 12 o'clock marker.

M3 CS Trunk and Cargo Space

Despite the performance inclinations of the M3 CS, it sacrifices none of the practicality that has made the M3 a favorite among families the world over. 15.8 cubic feet is available in the trunk, with a broad opening and square load bay making it a practical carrier of two full-size suitcases and a few loose extras. Cabin storage is typically generous, with four door pockets, dual cupholders front and rear, and a center console boasting armrest storage and a cubby large enough for a smartphone. The glovebox is on the slight side, though, and rear occupants don't have much storage for bottles and the like.

Features

From a features perspective, there's little on offer in the M3 CS that wasn't already covered by the lesser models. Automatic LED headlights, keyless entry, power-adjustable heated front sports seats, dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, a rearview camera, and adaptive cruise control are all standard, while should you wish to add convenience - and weight - you can get a power rear sunshade, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, a head-up display, and traffic sign recognition, all of which come equipped with the fitment of the Executive package. There's no sunroof here, in case you were wondering, as the carbon fiber roof automatically precludes the fitment of the glass panel.

Infotainment

The 8.8-inch iDrive infotainment screen carries over from the standard M3, controlled via the now-expected rotary controller between the front seats. While it was originally cumbersome to use, BMW has made great strides in making the iDrive system easier to navigate, and with AM/FM radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD radio, and BMW's ConnectedDrive apps and services, most bases are comprehensively covered from a functionality perspective. Apple CarPlay is standard, but there's no sign of Android Auto, and the standard navigation includes real-time traffic information services that work exceptionally well. Audio quality is guaranteed by a Harman Kardon surround sound system.

M3 CS Problems and Reliability

Build quality is as sound in the M3 CS as we've come to expect from BMW, with further confidence in the model given by the fact that for 2018, not a single M3 was recalled. The M3 CS is also covered by BMW's standard four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty with four years of roadside assistance and three years/36,000 miles of maintenance cover.

Warranty

M3 CS Safety

The M3 and M3 CS have not been evaluated by the NHTSA or IIHS individually, but the 3 Series range as a whole received a five-star overall score from the NHTSA while the IIHS awarded the 3 Series as a 2018 Top Safety Pick. Standard safety equipment includes six airbags (dual front, front side, and side curtain), ABS, advanced stability control systems, and high-performance brakes, as well as a standard rearview camera. Optional safety features include front and rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, speed sign recognition, and a head-up display.

Verdict: Is The 2018 BMW M3 CS A Good car?

For decades, the M3 has been the quintessential sports sedan, defining usable street performance with a track-ready nature. But the most recent iteration hasn't been BMW's finest hour… until now. The M3 CS is the car we wish BMW had given us from the start, not just because of the extra power and torque, but because this is the smoothest and most refined the engine has ever been, it's the best the current M3 has ever steered, and it's the sharpest its ever handled. We could quite easily overlook the extra carbon fiber bits and lower curb weight for just these factors, but the fact that it looks as it does, simply cements the fact that we want one. There's a caveat, though, as the M3 CS's limited availability as a special edition model also means it commands a huge price premium over an M3 Competition. And we can't justify the extra outlay - it's just not that much better than the Comp is. Still, if you have the money and want an exclusive model that's sure to grow in value, then why not?

What's the Price of the 2018 BMW M3 CS?

A standard M3 is already a somewhat expensive thing at $66,500. However, with only 550 of 1,200 of the M3 CS destined for the US, BMW has seen fit to include a premium of more than $30,000 as the price of exclusivity. As such, the M3 CS will cost you $98,250 excluding a $995 destination fee and whatever options you might choose, limited to your choice of paint color, wheel design, and whether or not to include carbon-ceramic brakes and a $2,600 Executive Package.

What BMW M3 CS Model Should I Buy?

If you're seriously contemplating purchasing an M3 CS, it means you've already decided that a $30,000 'exclusivity fee' is justified for this special edition model. If that's the case, then you might as well go all-out and opt for the $2,600 Executive package for the inclusion of speed sign recognition, a power rear sunshade, automatic high beams, a head-up display, front and rear park sensors, and adaptive LED headlights. But you'd be just as happy without all that, and unless you're a regular at your local track, you'd be equally content on the streets with an M3 Competition Package.

2018 BMW M3 CS Comparisons

2018 BMW M3 CS vs BMW M3 Sedan

Commemorating the end of the current M3 generation, the limited-edition M3 CS carries a certain amount of cachet with it that a standard M3 can't match. However, despite the fact that the standard M3 has 28 hp and 37 lb-ft less than the M3 CS, it comes with the availability of a six-speed manual gearbox, and when the Competition Package is equipped, the power deficit is reduced to fewer than 10 hp. The standard M3 can also be equipped with many of the same features as the M3 CS, making it a pretty devastating track weapon. However, you'll never have the same paint options, model-specific wheels, carbon fiber bits and pieces, and the knowledge that you own one of 1,200 M3 CS models worldwide. The problem is, with circa $32,000 separating the two models, the standard M3 just makes more financial sense. The CS might be a better handler with smoother power delivery and sharper dynamics, but it's not $32k better.

2018 BMW M3 CS vs Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

The new kid on the block, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, debuts just as the M3 enters its final year of production, and with the M3 CS, the figures on paper are closer than ever before. Both make use of six-cylinder twin-turbo engines, the BMW a straight-six and the Alfa a V6, and both make use of automatic gearboxes, although the BMW's is the only dual-clutch. Both are rear-wheel-drive, but the Alfa sends all of 505 hp to the rear wheels compared to the BMW's 453 hp, while both boast an identical 443 lb-ft torque figure. The Giulia is the sharper track tool, however, with lightning-fast steering and a joyful chassis that connects with the driver far quicker than the M3 CS does. It's also some $25,000 cheaper than the M3 CS, although the choice of interior materials and design is lacking in comparison. As far as driver's cars go, the Alfa is not only cheaper, but it's better, too.