2016 981 Cayman GTS to M3/4 CS

[///M///]

Posting after a really long time here. Anyone made a similar switch from Cayman GTS to a CS? I am very familiar with the ///M platform having owned previous gen M3’s starting with the E46, E90 and last one was the F80 which I really enjoyed. The cayman GTS has been totally amazing compared to my F80 M3 but after 3 years of riding solo I really want to be able to take the family/kids on road trips and just everyday stuff. The G8X has not grown on me and never will so the question is if the CS makes sense? Always loved the SMB and I see the CS has dropped in price quite a bit in the last few months.

Questions I have:
How much better is the CS over the base M3? I had a 2016 with BPM stage 1 and it was plenty fast but I plan to keep the CS stock. Is the power difference noticeable?

What else does the CS offer over the base other than the power bump, interior, CF hood, outside bits? Is the suspension a lot better?

Thanks. Here are some pictures of my 981 GTS and previous M3 for attention. Yes I had the OEM GTS hood

[RugbyBro]

CS is a much better package overall stock for stock - shares most of the hardware with the base car but is tuned significantly differently. If you start going the rabbit hole of suspension and drivetrain modifications, there's really no point to a CS other than you will be getting all the OE carbon bits including the hood, OLEDs (M4CS) and special door cards (M4CS) which still justifies the ~$15k difference you'll pay on the used market if you want those things.

[Arcades]

Stock for stock, CS is better because it does more with less (literally). If you gone down the tuned route, than the CS won't feel that much different because you would have done more to the car already than what BMW did. A CS has an amalgamation of BMW bits from base F8x, the ZCP and the GTS (hood mainly).

If you plan on doing family trips, it has to pretty much be the M3CS because the longer (far longer) coupe doors on the M4CS is a pain in the ass.

981 Cayman GTS has far more character and I keep that car over attempting to get a F8x CS because you don't know what the car has been through. Unless the car has been certified, you have some protection.

[icegrill]

Bro everyone is doing the opposite!

[M3WC]

Keep the 981 Cayman GTS. Their values have been rock steady and it is a fantastic vehicle.

[Humdizzle]

i would try to keep your cayman.

but if you really want something to seat 4 then next best option imo would be the m2cs. sounds like most reviewers would take that over the m3 or m4cs. plenty of room in the back for kids.

[///M///]

Originally Posted by Humdizzle

i would try to keep your cayman.

but if you really want something to seat 4 then next best option imo would be the m2cs. sounds like most reviewers would take that over the m3 or m4cs. plenty of room in the back for kids.

That would be perfect except their pricing and availability is over the top.

[NickyC]

I can’t recommend the CS enough, it’s fantastic.

[henrylee]

I want to go Porsche

[wasya152]

The CS does feel different than the standard. It's lighter and more composed and feels a little more raw. I love the fact that it doesn't have the fake speaker sound. Sounds so much better. Friend of mine has m3 comp and I was able to drive it back to back to my CS. CS feels sharper

[boba-fett]

I have found a lot of people who remark on the CS have never owned one. When I got mine, I did not except it be that much different over an M4 Comp, but I was shocked how much different, faster, nippier and noisier it felt.

[M3SQRD]

CS is definitely a much better sorted car than a ZCP/base model with improved traction, improved torque delivery, better suspension tuning and handling, and looks great with the CF hood. And to top it all off, is you can one in the stunning SMB individual color.

[NSX2M4]

The huge drop in price is relative to how much performance it really gives over a comp pack. They're nearly identical with tiny little tweaks. I've driven both back to back in M4 spec. If you already owned a 2016 M3, you probably won't be getting that new car feeling. I also think you're nuts to drop that Porsche and go back to the same BMW you already owned in a fancier trim.

[cotmfk]

I understand the motivation for the change. It is what it is. If you will never be able to use the Boxster Coupe, or at least feel like you aren't using it enough, you may resent the car. I know that happened with me in the past when I had a car that was super fun but only two seats.

I think the logical answer is that the Cayman will be rarer, worth more, etc., but it all comes down to your enjoyment, which is extremely personal. So, go with your gut. Good luck!