The BMW M3 CS Touring is just a badge, but a good one

The BMW M3 CS Touring is a euro-only version of the wagon we'll never get in the US. It could be the best CS yet.

m3-cs-touring

Had I been able to, I would have gotten a wagon M3. Wouldn’t have even given it a second thought. But you know by now that BMW isn’t bringing the G81 here, and they now continue to torture American customers with this: The BMW M3 CS Touring.

CS cars are silly. No one needs a wagon for a track day, and making it “sportier” usually means making it worse. And yet…

What is the BMW M3 CS Touring?

m3-cS-touring-slide
No one needs to do this in a wagon, but it’s fun. Photo: BMW

An M3 sedan with a backpack and no armrest. Maybe. Let’s get into the weeds with this one:

  • 550 horsepower – though that’s a Euro measurement, so it’s likely the same as the sedan’s 543, and 20 more than the xDrive Competition model
  • Stiffer engine mounts so your spleen gets crushed each time you shift.
  • Titanium rear muffler (aka: baby diaper). It’s lighter than the Comp unit.
  • The settings for the DSC system and M Dynamic Mode have also been “purposefully optimized”. That’s great, I’d hate for them to be optimized without purpose.
  • Carbon brakes remain optional, not standard.
  • Unique CS wheels that come with three tire options. Presumably those are PS4s, Cup 2s, and a third true R compound option.
  • CS-specific adaptive suspension, steering and brake tuning feel.
  • CS strut brace

Does it look different?

m3-touring-cs-rear
You get a cool spoiler with a red lip.

I believe you’ll be able to tell the difference from a regular Competition model:

  • Yellow DRLs
  • The car’s hood, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps and rear diffuser are all made from carbon fiber. Try to order that hood from BMW, and it’s a $20,000 part on its own.
  • Carbon fiber bucket seats are standard, as is carbon fiber trim, and the hated armrest deletion. Stop this, I want to rest my arm!
  • 15 kilograms lighter than the BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive. That’s 33 pounds in ‘Murica math.
  • Only four colors to choose from: British Racing Green, Laguna Seca Blue, Frozen Solid White or Sapphire Black metallic. I think you know which one I’d get.
  • Touring-specific red surround for the roof spoiler to match the front grille. It’s a nice detail.
  • Though the theme is lightweight, all the standard options are available here, from a Harmon Kardon stereo to Comfort Access and Driving Assistance things.
m3-touring-cs-interior
So racy inside. Photo: BMW

What will the BMW M3 CS Touring cost, and can I get one?

BMW M3 Touring
In the flesh

Historically, BMW coupes have always cost more than wagons or sedans, but in the UK right now, the wagon is $500 more expensive than an M4 Coupe. That means this M3 CS Touring will probably be the most expensive version of the G8X available (the CSL may return). Here, an M4 CS will set you back $123,000, and that’s without CCBs. Expect the wagon to land a few pennies higher than that.

The question of whether or not you can import one is interesting: you can’t. But maybe.

BMW M3 Touring
Here’s another one. I mean, how hard can it be to get one here?!

You can ask the NHTSA for permission. The car must be rare, historically significant, and unique. What those specific guidelines mean is anyone’s guess, which is why you must apply. There is a predetermined list that’s “approved”, and cars like the E90 M3 CRT are on it, so you stand a good shot. I’ve seen wagons here before. The rule is that you can’t drive it more than 2,500 miles a year, and you must be able to store it in a safe place. Surely you’d be the talk of the Sunday morning M crowd.

For the rest of us, maybe book a trip to Europe and rent an M3 Touring through SIXT, because BMW is never bringing it here. And the CS Touring? Still pointless, still expensive.

And still so cool.

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