Manual transmissions on new cars have been dropping like flies. Once a month, I feel like the news breaks of yet another car that loses its stick shift option. BMW is one of the few remaining manufacturers that champion the manual, offering no fewer than three cars with shift-it-yourself gearboxes (it used to be four cars, but the Z4 just ended production).
While the company has warned that the manual transmission does have an end date, it’s making sure to squeeze the most out of the stick shift before it goes away. BMW on Monday revealed the M3 CS “Handschalter,” a manual-equipped, rear-wheel drive version of its most extreme M3 sedan. For a moment, all feels right with the world.
Handschalter, roughly German for “hand switch,” has become the moniker for BMW’s special-edition manual cars. When the company debuted the manual transmission option for the Z4 back in 2024, it also carried the Handshcalter name.
In the case of this manual M3 CS, this is far more than just a transmission option. The drivetrain has been given some serious changes to accommodate the three-pedal gearbox. For one, the AWD powertrain has been switched out for a rear-drive setup, and the turbocharged S58 inline-six has been detuned from 543 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque to 473 hp and 406 lb-ft, matching the output of the base M3.
Less Power? Who Cares
Why the absence in power? Well, BMW M CEO Frank Van Meel told Australian outlet Carsales that its current six-speed gearbox is limited to around 440 pound-feet of torque, making it difficult to fit in higher-output models.
To remove these limitations would require a new gearbox at which point the business case gets very difficult.
“From an engineering standpoint, the manual doesn’t really make sense because it limits you in torque and also in fuel consumption,” said Van Meel.
“But from an emotional standpoint and customer standpoint, a lot of people still love manuals, so that’s why we kept them, and we intend to keep them as long as possible.”
So basically, BMW has decided it would be worth the trouble to detune the M3 CS to accept its existing manual gearbox, and that buyers won’t mind the difference in power and grip from the lower power rating and lack of all-wheel drive. If I had the money for a CS, I’d certainly get the one with three pedals, even if it were slower.
And to be clear, it is, in fact, slower. BMW estimates the CS Handschalter can do the 0-60 sprint in 4.1 seconds, nearly a second slower than its estimate for the normal CS. Top speed has also decreased, from 188 mph to 180.
Not that straight-line numbers matter. The CS’s focus has always been on cornering ability and driver involvement, and that focus remains so with the manual version. Thanks to carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, forged alloy wheels, a titanium muffler, and carbon bucket seats, the CS Handschalter is 42 pounds lighter than the standard M3. Option the available carbon-ceramic brakes, and you cut another 31.5 pounds from the final curb weight.
As far as chassis tuning goes, BMW says it’s reengineered the car for this new drivetrain and the new weight distribution. Here’s what’s been changed under the skin, per the company’s press release:
The tuning of the M Servotronic steering and the electronic control settings for chassis, engine, and gearbox are all specific to the Handschalter.
The specially tuned axle kinematics and unique wheel camber settings are engineered to optimize steering precision, transmission of lateral control forces when cornering, spring and damping response, and wheel location. New springs and a new rear axle link lower the M3 CS Handschalter by 6mm compared to the standard M3. Shock absorbers previously found on the ultra-high performance M4 CSL and special auxiliary springs round out the M3 CS Handschalter’s chassis dynamics package.
Just As Flashy As Before
On the outside, you’d be hard-pressed to notice a difference between the normal M3 CS and the Handschalter. The roof, hood, splitter, air intakes, mirror caps, diffuser, and rear spoiler are all made of carbon, with the hood featuring two channel-shaped cutouts to showcase the material. There is also a set of sweet gold-painted wheels measuring 19 inches up front and 20 inches in the back, which can also be optioned in black, if gold is too over-the-top for you. Oh, and don’t forget the fancy “M3 CS” badges front and back, outlined in red.
BMW says the CS Handschalter will be available in four colors. Isle of Man Green metallic and Black Sapphire metallic are no-cost shades, while two historic colors from the company’s Individual program, Imola Red and Techno Violet metallic, are available for an extra $4,500.
Though exact production plans are under wraps, BMW says the manual M3 CS will be produced in “very limited numbers” starting in July, with first deliveries expected in the fall. As for pricing, the Handschalter starts at $108,450, including destination. That’s around $23,000 more than a base M3, but over $11,000 less than the AWD, automatic CS.
BMW is marketing this car as a North America-only send-off for the sixth-generation M3, which makes sense considering the current car has been around for nearly seven years now. Going by Van Meel’s previous statements and all of the effort BMW is putting into making the last sixth-gen M3 a manual, it’s very likely this will be the last new production M3 with three pedals, ever. From here, it feels like a worthy goodbye.
Top graphic image: BMW
That green and the purple they have are great colors!
My E39 has about the worst clutch / transmission of any handschalter car I’ve ever driven. I’d take the DCT and more power.
It’s not a DCT in these, just a regular ZF 8 speed. Having said that, it’s reportedly excellent.
More for less. Embracing the Porsche model
That’s what I was expecting, but the last line clarifies it:
It’s still an M3 CS with most of the CS extras, so being more than a standard M3 is expected. But they do give you a discount for dropping the power and removing AWD from the automatic CS.
Counterpoint: the manual is the normal.
The auto just makes driving easier.
“It’s the ‘hard’ that makes it great.”
“When the company debuted the manual transmission option for the Z4 back in 2024, it also carried the Handshcalter name.”
Wait – you couldn’t get a Z4 with a stick before 2024??? That doesn’t sound right (but I admittedly don’t know much about BMWs).
Not in the current gen car. Much like the Supra it was auto only for a while.
Still hate the bucktooth grill. They tried to break it up a little, now it almost has 4 distinct sections.
Whatever, it’ll change eventually
Pontiac G6 GXP-vibes
I would buy that if I was in the market for a sports car,which I am sadly not. I guess if you put a really big license plate in the front it doesn’t look too horrible.
So another rich person toy is the version that gets the manual, not one for normies. Neat.
Manuals cost significantly more than automatics.
Uhh the cheapest new M3 is manual, tbf
Oh I actually didn’t know that, thank you. I don’t follow BMW’s lineup anymore as I think they all look terrible and I’m not interested in them as a brand.
The first thing I did on this article was scan down thru to see the pics, and holy damn that is the most obnoxious front end of a car possibly ever. With the the enormous nostrils projecting up over the front edge break, going back in two uncomfortable hood bulges above? The crease between them looks like a butt crack, with the BMW logo jammed in being the anus. I would hate to see this car in anything like a skin tone.
Hooray for the continuance of the manual transmission!
However, can BMW value form just as much as function (front end is still hideous or at least homely)?
Also, BMW should be aware Tremec makes 6-speeds that can easily handle more than 440 ft/lbs. of torque. I would call them rather than neutering overall power while still charging a premium over the base M3.
BMW/ZF’s manuals are pretty consistently derided as well. I haven’t driven one but the consensus seems to be that they’re rubbery and vague. A Tremec would almost certainly be an improvement, but I imagine they’re incentivized to buy their transmissions from a German company and won’t go away from it.
From a company that was founded by Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin!
Not correct, have driven manual BMWs for years. It’s not like a Honda manual but precise enough. The Tremec is a bit more clunky. Also, they are not incentivized to buy German. The car industry is global and they run a business case. What plays a role is availability, if the supplier will do a small batch at a certain price point, testing and technical requirements, any previous experience with the product, warranties, logistics (shipping costs), etc.
The hate isn’t deserved. I bought a G87 with a stick – given all the internet hate and discourse around the manual, I was fully expecting to opt for the auto.
Nope, the manual is great, and I chose it instead. It’s not as good as the one in my 911 or my old Miata (but nothing else is). But it’s far from bad. I’m having a ton of fun with it.
Good to know the internet is wrong again
Funny how a color such as bright red can reduce the visual pain of many ills.
BMW doesn’t champion manuals, they’ve been begrudgingly forced to build them for North American customers for years despite wishing they could have stopped over a decade ago.
There are always factions within car companies. Yeah, I’m sure the accountants and most of the MBA types can’t fathom why they’re still selling manuals. But obviously, there are others within the organization who feel it’s still worth trying to keep BMW’s image as a company that sells driver-oriented cars. It would be nice if those folks would be allowed to build something more like a true sports car, but at least there’s some nod to those of us who frequent sites like this.
Saving the manuals is great, but they have been neutered with rev hang for emissions. Given that, I might order one if I could get it up my driveway.
Happy to hear they’re finally making the obvious choice. I hope these hideous things find many happy, visually impaired buyers.
PSA: If you want one then please BUY one. It’s lame as hell when enthusiasts whine and then don’t talk with their money. You shouldn’t be allowed to complain if you’re part of the problem. While I’ve said for years that rumors of the demise of manual transmissions have been greatly exaggerated (they have too, don’t @ me) this stuff still needs to be bought so manufacturers keep making it.
And yes, I know it’s expensive. I cannot afford a six figure luxury missile. But there are people on this site who can. If you can’t but are part of the manual transmission cult then buy a Civic SI or something. Manufacturers are basically calling enthusiasts’ bluff. Send em a message if it’s something you care deeply about.
There is definitely a market for the manuals, especially if they are good cars that are not kneecapped compared to the auto counterparts. Looks like the take rate on the Blackwing siblings has been consistently greater than 40% for the 3rd pedal.
The Venn Diagram of people that buy six figure sports sedans and people that appreciate manual transmissions isn’t necessarily a single circle, but it’s close
That is about 500 cars per year.
Speaking as someone who also can’t afford this, but is a card carrying member of the manual transmission cult (lol), my complaint isn’t so much that there aren’t enough enthusiasts buying manuals, but more that there aren’t enough enthusiasts period to support manuals across the board.
What I mean by that is even though I like manual transmissions and interesting cars, I’m still a dad and practical human being and need a “normal” car for most of what I do. It’s good that there are still manual sports cars out there, and maybe one day I’ll grab a used something or other as a fun car, but I’m just bummed I can’t get a manual transmission in a minivan anymore to drive around day to day with my kids.
I’m not mad at OEM’s for not building more manuals that won’t sell to consumers who wouldn’t buy them, I’m just lamenting there aren’t more weirdos like me to support the 6spd family hauler market.
If I could afford an M3CS Handjob, then I would most likely get a lightly used CT5V Blackwing
That is so awesome!!!!! Finally!!!!
This is probably the G80 M3 that will retain the most value over the years. Especially if it’s spec’ed in one of the wilder colors like the violet.
“For Sale: 2026 MANUAL M3 CS. Low miles. Adult owned. Tastefully modified, but comes with factory front bumper and grill”
I have a 2026 G80 BMW M3 CS Handyman Edition, one of only 20 in this colour, has never seen the rain, always washed in baby tears.
*Corvette owner intensifies*
“Going by Van Meel’s previous statements and all of the effort BMW is putting into making the last sixth-gen M3 a manual, it’s very likely this will be the last new production M3 with three pedals, ever.”
Take note all those that complain that their poor selling vehicle of choice is no longer sold. BMW has been pretty open that now is the time if you want to buy a new BMW with a manual.
It’s really nice to see a company like BMW recognizing the desire for a manual transmission in a car like this, and sort of stepping away from the “numbers are all that matter” mindset (whether performance or financial). I could quibble about the downtune or the weight, but given how rare manual transmissions on dedicated performance cars are getting, that feels a bit like looking a gift horse in the mouth.
…God, it’s still a plug-ugly sum’bitch, though, isn’t it?
Oh numbers matter to BMW. Just not the ones published on this article.
What matters to then is the profit per vehicle. And in this one it must be pretty high…
If only it weren’t so damn ugly and expensive, because otherwise I’d be all about one in Techno Violet
I still can’t get excited over a 4-door BMW.
Do they make a 2-door model with three pedals?
The M2 still is. The Z4 was, but discontinued this year
Save yourself $30k and buy an M2.
Though I certainly appreciate BMW for doing it, this is a far cry from the great manual cars that made BMW famous. I bet this will be a fantastic machine, and probably feel like the ultimate evolution of the e39 M5 as it’s about the same size, 20% more powerful and a bit lighter.
If BMW really wanted to innovate, they would sort out a high revving naturally aspirated engine that puts out high horsepower numbers without the transmission munching toque figures.
Very difficult these days with the emission norms
1 second and a few mph slower for $11k less and more fun? Sounds ok.
I’d love the manual, but I don’t know if I could stand puttering around at 180 MPH.
And 0 – 60 in 4.1? Positively glacial.
On a car that at best weighs 3840 pounds, that’s a pretty pathetic weight reduction. I get that there’s a ton of extra goodies tacked on, but c’mon BMW at least pretend to care about the weight of your cars.
Oof. It’s slightly over one whole percent.Judging by the picture of the interior, they could pull 42 pounds out of each seat if they cared.
42 pounds AND it lost AWD. Did they leave all the hardware in place and just unplug the transaxle?
In BMWs defense, this is 42 pounds down from the base manual RWD M3, not the fully bloated automatic/AWD which is around 3990 pounds.
Oooooooohh. OK, my bad
It would be nice to know just where all that poundage is, and why.
My Matrix weighs about 2800 pounds. Sure, a lighter engine, no TV screen in the dash, etc. Have safety requirements caused all that increase?
Screens are fairly light all things considered, big double DIN head units with amplifiers are awfully heavy by comparison. Some is certainly safety, many more airbags and crash structure. The biggest thing that drives weight in these is just overall complexity and luxury. Twin turbo straight 6 and RWD manual that can handle all that torque isn’t going to be light. Also the current 3 series is about 14″ longer than a 2nd gen matrix.
Throw in bigger wheels, tires, brakes, 3″ wider car with power everything, leather, more sound deadening, more speakers/amplifier, and you end up with a much heavier car pretty quickly. That said, BMW clearly doesn’t seem to optimize anything for weight these days. The current M2 is only maybe 100 pounds less than an M3 which is absolutely insane for a car of that size.