CS stands for Competition Sport. An abbreviation that only select BMW M automobiles are allowed to bear. First introduced into today's nomenclature with the BMW M4 CS F82, this abbreviation identifies special models that feature technically innovative components. The CS special models carry the tradition of iconic M special models that began in 1988 with the BMW M3 Evolution in the E30 series. Increased engine power, lightweight construction, optimized aerodynamics, sportier suspension and innovative drive components make these models special for M GmbH. In short, the CS models combine sporty dynamics of the highest standard and outstanding performance all while offering the everyday practicality that is typical of all M cars.
#1 BMW M4 CS F82
- Production period: 07/2017 to 06/2019
- First representative of the new CS special models
- Max. output: 338 kW (460 hp)
- Max. torque: 600 Nm
- Unique look with many highly sporty attributes
The first modern CS rolled into dealerships in July 2017 and put on a good show. Launched to close the gap between the BMW M4 Competition and the BMW M4 GTS designed for track use, the BMW M4 CS drew from the full range. Its 3.0-liter M TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder engine produces 338 kW (460 hp) and 600 Nm. This enables acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in less than four seconds – the M4 CS needs just 3.9 seconds. The electronics serve to power the high-performance coupé's unbridled forward momentum at 280 km/h.
One of the visual highlights is without doubt the engine hood with its characteristic air outlet behind the power dome. Like the roof, it is made of lightweight, high-strength carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). Together with other lightweight design measures, this reduces the vehicle’s weight and centre of gravity while increasing dynamics and agility. In terms of the best possible aerodynamics, a special front splitter and a tear-off edge on the trunk lid (a so-called gurney), both made of visible carbon, as well as the rear diffuser adopted from the BMW M4 GTS contribute to the greatest possible reduction in dynamic lift and visually underline what the M4 CS is capable of. Another special feature of the special model comes into its own especially well in the dark. This is because, alongside the GTS, the CS was one of the first M4s to feature OLED taillights, which offer dynamic 3D light animations.
#2 BMW M3 CS F80
- Production period: 03/2018 to 10/2018
- Limited special model
- Max. output: 338 kW (460 hp)
- 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds
- Lightweight construction inside and outside
The BMW M3 CS F80 was a farewell gift to the fans. Shortly before the fifth M3 generation made way for its successor, BMW M delivered another absolute highlight with this extremely sharp special model. At its market launch in spring 2018, the M3 CS was the most powerful M3 ever with 338 kW (460 hp) and 600 Nm of torque. This impressive power is made possible thanks to the M TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder engine. The outstanding performance, whether on the road or the racetrack, is ensured by M xDrive all-wheel drive, M Servotronic electromechanical steering and the particularly sporty M dual-clutch transmission. What’s more, the damper control can be adjusted via the specially tuned Adaptive M suspension and its three different driving modes.
True to the CS virtues, the BMW M3 CS F80 also relies on lightweight construction. Elementary components such as the hood, front splitter, rear spoiler, and rear diffuser as well as the roof are accordingly made of lightweight and high-strength CFRP. More measures to reduce the overall weight of the car have also been taken in the interior: The centre console weighs around 30 percent less than the standard component, and the weight-optimized lightweight M sports seats have been incorporated into the interior for the driver and front passenger. The BMW M3 CS F80 is extremely sharp both visually and technically. And it is rare as this special model was strictly limited in its production.
#3 BMW M2 CS F87
- Production period: 03/2020 to 09/2020
- Max. output: 331 kW (450 hp)
- 0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds with M dual-clutch transmission
- First BMW M2 with CFRP roof
- 19" M light-alloy wheels 763 M Gold matt
The third CS special model is also the high-performance basis for a racing vehicle: the BMW M2 CS Racing. Even when stationary, the BMW M2 CS F87 reveals its exceptional agility and dynamism. The unique carbon hood with striking central air intake, the front splitter, the Gurney and the rear diffuser, are all made of visible carbon, and, together with the four tailpipes made of stainless steel, it quickly becomes clear that this vehicle is not to be underestimated. There was also an exclusive paint finish for the BMW M2 CS in Misano Blue metallic, which, together with the lightweight 19-inch forged wheels in a Y-spoke design in an optional matte gold tone, also exudes motorsport flair. Other lightweight design measures such as the first CFRP roof on an M2, the carbon centre console and the M lightweight sport seats also reduce weight and centre of gravity. Specially tuned Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires provide optimum grip.
A high-revving, 3.0-liter high-performance M TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder petrol engine provides the propulsion needed. It produces an impressive 331 kW (450 hp) - 40 hp more than in the BMW M2 Competition F87. Equipped with two twin-scroll turbochargers, high-pressure injection and Valvetronic, the weight-optimized high-performance unit accelerates the BMW M2 CS with optional M dual-clutch transmission from zero to 100 km/h in an impressive 4.0 seconds. This is accompanied by the characteristic sound of the refined dual-flow exhaust system with two electronically controlled flaps.
#4 BMW M5 CS F90
- Production period: 03/2021 to 01/2022
- The first M5 as a CS model
- Max. output: 467 kW (635 hp)
- 0 to 100 km/h in 3.0 seconds
- Weight reduction by a total of 70 kg through lightweight construction
With the BMW M5 CS F90, BMW M GmbH added an exclusive CS model to the BMW M5 Sedan model range at the beginning of 2021 for the first time in its history. Thanks to its 4.4-liter M TwinPower Turbo eight-cylinder petrol engine, it was the most powerful M5 of its time with 467 kW (635 hp) and 750 Nm of maximum torque. With this power and weight reduced by 70 kilograms, thanks to an intelligent material mix with CFRP and special lightweight construction measures, the M5 F90 CS sprints from zero to 100 km/h in a smooth three seconds. Another benefit of the lightweight construction technologies is that together with M xDrive all-wheel drive with Active M Differential, the 8-speed M Steptronic Sport transmission with variable shift options and the performance-optimized M suspension, ensure that the driver has an uncompromising amount of fun behind the wheel.
From the outside, exclusive design highlights such as carbon elements and accents in gold bronze underscore the supremacy of the BMW M5 CS both aerodynamically and visually. Inside, the impressive sedan boasts special, CS-specific features. For example, the BMW M5 CS F90 not only features M Carbon bucket seats for the driver and front passenger, but also individual seats with strong lateral support in the rear – a first for BMW M5 cars. The M interior trim in dark aluminium-carbon structure on the instrument panel, along with the doors and centre console and the obligatory CS lettering in red all add an especially sporty touch.
#5 BMW M3 CS G80
- Production period: as of 03/2023
- Engine as the basis for the drive of a DTM winner
- Max. output: 405 kW (550 hp)
- 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds
- Extensive use of carbon fibre
In 2023, the exciting portfolio of BMW M is once again rounded off by a limited-edition BMW M3 CS. The virtues of this car pick up where the previous CS special models left off. With its unique profile, it creates a pure M feeling on the road that makes every mile of the drive fascinating. Its further developed inline six-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology also forms the basis for the power unit of the BMW M4 GT3, which went on to win the DTM championship during the first attempt in 2022. Accordingly, this car also features numerous technological details derived directly from the world of motorsports. The 3.0-liter power unit has a maximum output of 405 kW (550 hp). In combination with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission and the intelligent M xDrive all-wheel drive system, it offers an impressive acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds along with superior handling.
Extensive model-specific lightweight construction play a key role in shaping the performance and exclusive character of this high-performance sedan. Along with the carbon roof, this special model features a hood, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps, a rear diffuser and a rear spoiler also made from the lightweight high-tech material. In the interior, further components made of CFRP and the standard M carbon bucket seats mean that the weight is fully optimised. Weight is even saved on the exhaust system of the BMW M3 CS, which is more than four kilograms lighter thanks to its rear titanium silencer.