The current, M80 generation of the BMW M3 saloon is almost ready to bow out of production, but not before a special edition called Handschalter (“manual shifter”) goes on sale in the United States. It runs on the CS platform and starts from $107,100.
As a side note, it’s the first Competition Sport model to be available exclusively with a manual transmission and a rear-wheel drive system. It retains the standard version’s 3.0-liter inline-six engine, but dials down the output to 480 PS (473 hp / 353 kW) and 550 Nm (405 lb-ft) of torque. That’s around 100 horsepower and 70 Newton-meters of torque less than the automatic version. Even like this, the sedan still hits 100 km/h (62 mph) in four seconds flat.
As usual, BMW tinkers with the chassis, installing M4 CSL shock absorbers and new springs along with other weight-dictated mods. Premium options include carbon-ceramic brakes, track-ready tires and a strut brace for extra body rigidity. Those who want it may also opt in for one of the two colors available for the Handsсhalter exclusively.
BMW says the production quantity will be “strictly limited” without providing any specific numbers. It’s also unknown when the M3 will finally disappear from the showrooms and when its successor may arrive.