BMW has made the M3 CS slower… but given it a six-speed manual

BMW really is just taunting us now. You see, it already offered the G80 M3 with a manual gearbox in the USA, but now it has treated the limited-edition CS to a DIY shifter too.

Yep, set to be built in “very limited numbers”, this M3 CS Handschalter will say goodbye to the sixth-generation super saloon in the greatest way possible.

Although actually, the Handschalter is quite a bit slower than the standard CS. The inclusion of that gearbox means power from the 3.0-litre straight-six has had to drop from 542bhp down to 467, which in turn means the 0-62mph time is now north of four seconds. Going from all-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive won’t help in that regard either, but we couldn’t care one jot.

Because yes, the Handschalter has been “built for maximum driver involvement”, and as it’s a CS, it’s also 34kg lighter than the regular G80. Thank the forged alloy wheels, titanium backbox, carbon fibre reinforced plastic panels, carbon seats and optional carbon ceramic brakes.

This run-out special also gets a bespoke chassis setup and recalibrated steering, plus a 6mm drop in ride height thanks to fresh springs and a new rear axle link. It also gets the shock absorbers from the M4 CSL, and there’s an optional ‘M Front Strut Brace’ if you’d like it to be even pointier.

Prices will start at $107,100, with sales in the US kicking off in July and first deliveries taking place in the fall. Yes, we might have the M3 Touring over here, but we’re still properly jealous of this one.