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The Ultimate
Driving Machine

Manual gearbox of the BMW M3 CS
3 min reading time

BMW M3 CS Handschalter and other current M models with manual transmission.

SHEER SHIFTING PLEASURE.

With the BMW M3 CS Handschalter, BMW of North America is launching a limited-edition model that pays tribute to a classic BMW M drivetrain concept: the manual gearbox combined with rear-wheel drive. However, there are more M models that are still available with a manual transmission.

5 June 2026

BMW M3 CS [1] :
Fuel consumption combined in l/100 km   10.4
CO2 emissions combined in g/km   234
CO2 class   G

BMW of North America is celebrating the sixth generation of the BMW M3 with a special edition model designed entirely for maximum driver involvement. The BMW M3 CS Handschalter comes in true style with a manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive – a combination that has become rare in high-performance vehicles, but which continues to delight purists: the tactile, mechanical feedback from the gear lever and clutch pedal, as well as the direct involvement of the driver, are what make driving this car such a pleasure. 

TRUE MANUAL WORK.

Six gears, CS specific equipment and classic rear-wheel drive: the BMW M3 CS Handschalter is a purist US edition model.

BMW M3 CS Handschalter.
Drivers' cabin of the BMW M3 CS Handschalter.
BMW M3 CS Handschalter while drifting.
Forged alloy wheels Style 927M finished in Gold Bronze.
Centre console with gerabox of the BMW M3 CS Handschalter.
BMW M3 CS Handschalter.
Drivers' cabin of the BMW M3 CS Handschalter.
BMW M3 CS Handschalter while drifting.
Forged alloy wheels Style 927M finished in Gold Bronze.
Centre console with gerabox of the BMW M3 CS Handschalter.

COMPETITION SPORT, MANUAL TRANSMISSION.

This strictly limited special edition combines the 353 kW (480 hp) inline six-cylinder S58 engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a straight-forward lightweight construction. Thanks to carbon fibre components, a titanium exhaust system and special chassis tuning, the M3 CS Handschalter weighs around 30 kilograms less than the standard M3. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and, equipped with the M Driver’s Package, reaches a top speed of 290 km/h. The model is available in Black Sapphire metallic, Isle of Man Green metallic, as well as the BMW Individual colours Imola Red and Techno Violet metallic. The M3 CS Handschalter is produced exclusively for North America.

BMW M3 CS Handschalter drifts on a racetrack

BMW M MODELS WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION.

BMW M2 COUPÉ.

As the epitome of pure driving pleasure, the BMW M2 set new standards in the premium segment of compact high-performance sports cars when it was launched. The combination of an inline six-cylinder engine, an optional 6-speed manual gearbox and classic rear-wheel drive is still available today and remains the go-to choice for that signature M driving experience.

Powered by the S58 engine, the BMW M2 delivers 353 kW (480 hp) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. The top speed is 285 km/h with the optional M Driver’s Package.

Build & Price
BMW M2
BMW M2 [1]:
Fuel consumption combined in l/100km   10.5
CO2 emissions combined in g/km   237
CO2 class   G

BMW M3 SEDAN.

The BMW M3 Sedan is the perfect choice for anyone who sees driving as an active process. To deliver a performance experience that is unrivalled in its class, the sedan also combines the familiar 6-speed manual gearbox with rear-wheel drive.

With 353 kW (480 hp) from the inline six-cylinder engine featuring M TwinPower Turbo technology, the manual sedan accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, climbing to 290 km/h with the optional M Driver’s Package.

Build & Price
BMW M3
BMW M3 Sedan [1] :
Fuel consumption combined in l/100 km   10.4
CO2 emissions combined in g/km   237
CO2 class   G

BMW M4 COUPÉ.

High performance in the premium mid-range – with a manual gearbox: the BMW M4 Coupé also combines modern high performance with an exhilarating driving experience, thus joining the portfolio of M models that appeals to drivers who want not only to measure performance, but to experience it first-hand. The 353 kW (480 hp) of the powerful S58 engine is transferred to the road via rear-wheel drive, resulting in acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. With the optional M Driver’s Package, the BMW M4 also achieves a top speed of 290 km/h.

Build & Price
BMW M4
BMW M4 Coupé [1] :
Fuel consumption combined in l/100 km   10.4
CO2 emissions combined in g/km   236
CO2 class   G

More articles

TRIBUTE TO A TURBO LEGEND.
BMW M2 Turbo Design Edition.

TRIBUTE TO A TURBO LEGEND.

The CS special models from BMW M.
COMPETITION SPORT.

The CS special models from BMW M.

M DESIGN ICONS.

Timelessness meets Zeitgeist: M design features now and then.

Next article

[1] Performance data of petrol engines apply to vehicles using RON 98 fuel. Fuel consumption data apply to vehicles using reference fuels in accordance with EU Regulation 715/2007. Unleaded RON 91 and higher with a maximum ethanol content of 10% (E10) may also be used. BMW recommends RON 95 fuel. For high-performance automobiles, BMW recommends RON 98 fuel.

Range depends on various factors, in particular: individual driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, heating/air conditioning, pre-conditioning.

For plug-in hybrid: Electric drive depending on battery charging level.

For plug-in hybrid: At temperatures below minus 10 degrees Celsius, the fully electric drive system is only available after a few kilometres of driving, once the battery has heated to operational temperature.

For plug-in hybrid: Composed of combustion engine drive and electric drive. Electric drive depending on battery charging level.

For models with Boost function: Temporary uprating <10 seconds in excess of specified nominal value.

The models illustrated include optional equipment. Due to regular software updates, screen designs in the communication may differ from the actual screen design in your car.

All vehicles, equipment, combination possibilities and varieties shown here are examples and can differ in your country. In no way do they constitute a binding offer by the BMW M GmbH. Visit your local BMW website or see your authorised BMW M Retailer for accurate details on the offers in your country.

The stated values were determined in accordance with the prescribed WLTP measurement method. The actual values depend on various factors, e.g. load, driving style, route, weather, auxiliary users (including air conditioning), tires, battery state of health. For ranges, data determined as per WLTP takes into account any optional equipment (available on the German market in this case). 

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