The Best BMW M For $70,000: A 2018 BMW M3 CS Or A Brand-New 2026 M2?

There were many special variations of the BMW F80 M3. Australia got a special offshoot called the BMW M3 Pure, which was a lighter version of the BMW F80 M3 Competition. In essence, it was the most athletic offshoot of the M3 Competition that was sold at a lower price, making it the ideal pick for enthusiasts who prioritized performance above all else.

However, there was one variation of the BMW F80 M3 that stood above the rest: the BMW F80 M3 CS. Wearing the CS badge, like many great BMWs have since then, is a tell-tale sign that it has a greater affinity to performance by way of several revisions to its hardware, and today, it’s worth as much as a brand-new BMW M2.

A Step Above The Competition

The BMW F80 M3, despite a few complaints when it debuted, was an exciting sedan distinguished by its well-balanced chassis and twin-turbocharged six-cylinder mill. While less powerful than its competitors, the F80 M3 redefined the performance standards of BMW’s athletic sedans. It was only kept in production for four years, with the Competition Package only debuting in this model range in 2016. At the tail end of the F80 M3’s production, BMW’s M division introduced what would be remembered as the ultimate expression of the F80-generation BMW M3, the BMW F80 M3 CS.

As we’ve seen in other, more recent renditions of BMW’s CS-badged models, the BMW F80 M3 CS boasts greater performance, lower curb weight, and a more aggressive exterior styling than the basic version of the model it’s based on. The 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged S55 inline six-cylinder engine was revised slightly. While its internals were undisturbed, BMW M extracted an additional 28 horsepower and 37 lb-ft, compared to the F80 M3 Competition, which inflated the CS’s output to 453 hp and 443 lb-ft. Although it gained no new engine hardware, it did employ a specially tuned exhaust system that featured four stainless-steel exhaust tips.

One of the most defining aspects of the F80 M3 CS was its use of carbon fiber, with large parts of its sculpted physique, like the hood, which has a specific design not found on other F80 M3 derivatives. Its carbon-fiber-laden exterior was distinguished by new design elements like a carbon fiber front splitter, a revised gurney flap at the rear, and the rear diffuser that was borrowed from the BMW M4 GTS.

Compared to the standard model, the CS was 25% lighter, dropping 110 pounds from its curb weight. The benefit of a slight drop in weight was compounded by the fact that it rode on an improved suspension system. While largely the same suspension system supports it as the BMW F80 M3 Competition, the CS’s handling characteristics are improved by specially tuned components, which extend to most of the suspension components, but some components have been specially tuned, like the Servotronic electromechanical steering system.

This Or An M2?

Similar to the more modern models wearing the CS badge, the BMW F80 M3 CS was produced in limited numbers, with only 1,200 examples of this aggressively styled M3 ever produced, of which only 550 of those models were brought to the United States. As one might expect, that didn’t bode well for anyone worried about its pricetag. Unsurprisingly, none of these were close to affordable, with the CS variant featuring a starting price of $98,250, which is roughly the same as what a brand-new BMW M2 CS costs and is $20,000 less than what its modern counterpart costs.

However, thankfully, the BMW F80 M3 CS doesn’t demand nearly that much on the used market. According to Classic.com, the average value of the 2018 BMW F80 M3 CS is $68,473, which is enough to be considered an alternative to a base-spec version of BMW’s G87 M2, which starts at $68,200. It’s still a lot of money, significantly more than the lower-ranking derivatives. The BMW F80 M3 Competition has an estimated used value of $51,140, while the base example of the BMW F80 without the Competition Package has a used value of $42,201.

Although only a handful of examples are available, the limited-edition CS model remains accessible on the used market. Currently, an example of the 2018 BMW F80 M3 CS with 31,000 miles and in original condition is listed for $78,998, while another example of the 2018 BMW F80 M3 CS with nearly the same mileage is listed for $73,791.

Examples in better condition, such as another example of the F80 M3 CS with only 14,000 miles and in excellent condition, are listed for $84,308. In contrast, an example with significantly higher mileage and a handful of modifications is listed closer to the value estimate of $68,473. There are also examples of the F80 M3 CS that are listed for less than the Classic.com value estimation, with some being listed for as low as $44,850.

A Fitting Sequel

While the BMW F80 M3 CS was only offered for a single model year, we would see the CS badge revived in the German automaker’s high-performance G8X-generation 3 Series. Unveiled in 2023, the BMW G80 M3 CS follows the same formula as the first BMW M3 CS: more carbon fiber, more powerful, and more obsessed with performance than the already-potent BMW M3 Competition. Its power was increased to 40 horsepower, which was derived from an increase in the boost pressures of its two mono-scroll turbochargers.

The increase in power is not the most significant change; rather, it, like its predecessor, is the result of modifications to its chassis tuning and suspension system. This M3 CS relies on specially tuned axle kinematics and unique wheel camber tuning alongside changes to the dampers and anti-roll bars to improve steering precision and suspension responsiveness. Electronically controlled dampers also support the G80 M3 CS, which are specially tuned for this application.

Its weight was reduced through the use of significant carbon fiber. Alongside the Competition’s carbon fiber roof, the CS also features a carbon fiber hood, front splitter, mirror caps, front air intakes, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler. These carbon fiber parts also extend to the interior, covering the center console, shift paddles, and interior trims. Alongside a weight reduction, the G80 M3 CS is improved by the use of a lighter exhaust system that, in total, shaves roughly 75 pounds off the competition’s weight. In 2023, the CS managed to lap the Nürburgring in 7:28.760.

Should You Buy One Over A Brand-New M2?

The current BMW M2 is a brilliant car, no doubt. For the money, it’s hard to find another coupe that does so many things so well, which is what an M car is all about. The only thing that would keep us from buying an M2 is the fact that it’s just an M2. It’s a standard production model, and it will depreciate like one. The 2018 CS was a limited-run model, and it will likely appreciate in the coming years. It depends on what you want from the car. If it’s ultimate driving thrills, the M2 is the best series production M out there right now, but as a long-term investment, the M3 CS might be a better bet. Either way, you’re not going to lose.

Sources: BMW, Classic.com