My first BMW: 2018 M3 CS

[M3CSinWisc]

Last week I took delivery of my first BMW, a 2018 M3 CS in SMB, with under 10k miles on the clock. My last performance car was a 2012 Subaru STi (Stage 2+), which I sold back in 2018, and was so burnt out on the scene and modding (and had just welcomed a newborn baby), I swore that I would never own a performance car again. So, since then I've been driving a beige 2009 Toyota Rav4.

Before the STi, I owned a couple of Nissan 350Zs (both Daytona Blue), with a Honda Prelude sandwiched in while I was in college, but the entire time I had always aspired to one day own an M3. Over the years the wife and I would drool over Austin Yellow M3s we'd see, but it was always just a passing fancy that we never took seriously. Recently though, somehow/someway, my inner car guy sparked back to life, and when I stumbled upon BMWBlog's M3 CS Longterm Review video, I had a full blown relapse. To me, the F80 M3 is one of the sweetest looking cars I've ever seen, and along with the unique touches of this CS trim and the San Marino Blue paint, I was totally smitten.

So far, it's been an awe-inspiring experience. Even at rest parked in my garage, the car has a notable, almost menacing presence. Out on the street, I've been careful not to overstep my bounds with it, and the few times I've unleashed it full throttle have been mind blowing with how ferocious it accelerates through the gears. The build quality and solid interior is amazing (whereas my STi was a plastic rattle trap).

My priorities in life have changed completely, and I no longer have any urge to mod, so my CS will remain bone stock aside from some BimmerCode tweaks and PPF. It's my fun, weekend car, not driven in winter because that's what my Rav4 is for.

Anyways, just wanted to share. Very happy to be a part of the club!

[SYT_Shadow]

I also have a F80 CS, what a fantastic car. Mine is pretty much dedicated to the track so it has suspension/brake mods, but if it weren't it would be completely bone stock!

Welcome to the M family, one hell of a way to join!

[nickl630]

Picked a great BMW for your first! Congrats and welcome to the CS Club!

[seattle_slew]

Congrats!! I'm a first time BMW owner as well and new member here on the forum. Just purchased a 2018 M3 Comp Pkg car from an out-of-state dealer.

[Nyc911]

Hi new owner of a CS as well mine is on it way from Colorado to NYC as I type!

Can’t wait to get it into my garage, it’s aso most likely staying bone stock as it’s going to be my daily

[dezzracer]

I have one ☝️. I've modded every car I've ever had. Not this one. It needs nothing.

[Maitre_Absolut]

My CS is also my first BMW.

I couldn't resist the mod bug but am using only M performance parts (Susp, Exhaust, etc) or track bits (tires, pads, etc).

Just passed 3 years of ownership and not looking into anything else.

[kwikshift]

Congrats on the M! Enjoy all the smiles per gallon

[M3CSinWisc]

Appreciate the warm welcome, thank you everyone! I'm hoping to get some pics soon once the leaves start to change, but for now all I have are crap iPhone photos that just don't do any car justice.

So question for other CS owners: what is supposed to come w/ the car for flat tire repair? I'm thinking that the one I got was skimmed at the dealer for another car, so the only thing I have is the canister (fix a flat goo, I guess) and the small tool tray (screw driver and such). I'm thinking there should be a bit more included...

Originally Posted by Maitre_Absolut

My CS is also my first BMW.

I couldn't resist the mod bug but am using only M performance parts (Susp, Exhaust, etc) or track bits (tires, pads, etc).

Just passed 3 years of ownership and not looking into anything else.

That's how it was w/ my STi as well, only used OEM parts from the STi catalog/S207 line. It's a solid guideline to follow for retaining a measure of quality.

[F80Noob]

My CS is also my first BMW and like you, staying stock. The car is already a handful as is.

I think the goo and couple tools is all we get. Have fun!

[Mr mustard m4]

congrats !!!!

[AlterZgo]

Congrats and welcome to the club... but really, you must post some pictures of that CS and your other cars for that matter.

[M3CSinWisc]

So pics of the car... I haven't taken any legit ones yet (I'm an avid photographer), but here's an iPhone snap taken during the first outing last week. Having two kids that are non-stop just doesn't leave me any time to go out and find a suitable scene.



Had to do some digging, but here's some of my last two STi. My 2012 sedan in Satin White Pearl had quite a few hard to source JDM parts (S207 suspension draw fasteners, front lip and side skirts, yellow fog lights). Car was amazing, it's the one I've kept the longest, and miss her more as time goes on:


Had a 2009 hatch prior to the sedan, nothing done to it except for some wheels and bushings. Never really loved the looks of that car (excuse the crap photo, it's all I could find):

[Ex_Stig]

Originally Posted by M3CSinWisc

Appreciate the warm welcome, thank you everyone! I'm hoping to get some pics soon once the leaves start to change, but for now all I have are crap iPhone photos that just don't do any car justice.

So question for other CS owners: what is supposed to come w/ the car for flat tire repair? I'm thinking that the one I got was skimmed at the dealer for another car, so the only thing I have is the canister (fix a flat goo, I guess) and the small tool tray (screw driver and such). I'm thinking there should be a bit more included...

That's how it was w/ my STi as well, only used OEM parts from the STi catalog/S207 line. It's a solid guideline to follow for retaining a measure of quality.

The car didn't come with much when new. I think the toolbox contained a tow hook and a two headed screwdriver.

For the flat tire, it should be a compressor with a canister of fix-a-flat goo.

[M3CSinWisc]

Originally Posted by Ex Stig

The car didn't come with much when new. I think the toolbox contained a tow hook and a two headed screwdriver.

For the flat tire, it should be a compressor with a canister of fix-a-flat goo.

That's what I am thinking as well, there's a canister of goo, and next to it a blank space with a tie-down strap where something (compressor, perhaps?) should be. Since this is a CPO, I wonder if BWM would provide it?

[Ex_Stig]

Originally Posted by M3CSinWisc

That's what I am thinking as well, there's a canister of goo, and next to it a blank space with a tie-down strap where something (compressor, perhaps?) should be. Since this is a CPO, I wonder if BWM would provide it?

Can't hurt to ask, but I doubt they will do it unless it is out of goodwill.

Even with a flat, not sure I'd use it since it makes the inside of the wheel extremely messy.