Question For 2018 M3 CS Owners, Or Those Who Have Experience With The Car

[TWO-BMW]

I'm currently in the market to purchase what will be my last higher end performance oriented car. I've been a BMW guy for many years. I've owned an E36 M3, an E46 M3, a 335iX, an M2, etc. I came into this thinking either a BMW M car, or possibly a 997 series Porsche 911 GTS would be my most wished for options. But Porsche prices have gone completely insane, bordering on ludicrous.

In a a perfect world, for my remaining option, I would choose to buy a used 2021 G82 M4 Competition. However, the world is less close to perfect than ever, and COVID issues, staff shortages and chip issues have created a scenario where 21 M4 Competitions are going for more than they cost new, sometimes much more. With a max budget of $79k, it's just not happening. That was really my first, and most desirable option. The owners here that I've discussed it with who went from F82-G82 can't say enough about how much better the new car is in so many ways. But again, given current prices, it could be a year to eighteen months before those they drop to my budget limit.

So, my second best option, more and more, seems to be a 2018 BMW M3 CS. Across the board, qualified reviewers around the world and owners have continually pointed out the 2018 M3 CS as clearly the best car from the F80 class, notably superior to the M4 in any guise (even the M4 CS), and simply a fantastic car.

What I am struggling with is that I have always been a coupe guy. The E36 M3, a 335iX, E46 M3, and a M2 were all coupes. I could afford to buy a mint 2018 M3 CS right now. I cannot come close to being able to afford the clearly brilliant 2021 G82 M4 Competition so my coupe option is out. I will say that the M3 CS is a great looking car, sedan or not. IMO, a better looking car than the F82 M4 coupe.

Any thoughts you, as owners, or previous owners have on the matter would be greatly appreciated. I am right in thinking that a near mint 2018 M3 CS is probably the most car for mid to high 70's that can be bought?

[Clark_Kent]

I had an M3 CS and it's far and away the best variant in the F series lineup. While I loved my M3 CS, I also prefer sedans. If you are partial to the coupe, why not try to source a M4 CS?

[TWO-BMW]

Originally Posted by Clark_Kent

I had an M3 CS and it's far and away the best variant in the F series lineup. While I loved my M3 CS, I also prefer sedans. If you are partial to the coupe, why not try to source a M4 CS?

I appreciate the perspective. I could probably manage a M4 CS, but that car has not been reviewed nearly as well as the M3 CS.

[RugbyBro]

Originally Posted by TWO-BMW

I appreciate the perspective. I could probably manage a M4 CS, but that car has not been reviewed nearly as well as the M3 CS.

The 4CS is dynamical the same as the 3CS, if not a hair better due to lighter weight. Here are some in your price range:

https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/WBS3S7C53KAC09586
https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/WBS3S7C56KAC09355
https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/WBS3S7C52KAC09403
https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/WBS3S7C57KAC09705
https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/WBS3S7C53KAC09653

Keep in mind, these things aren’t exactly flying off lots so the list isn’t going to be the sell. Also those last 3 don’t have exec pack (ikon lights) so you could probably talk them down a bit because of that

[spidy512]

Go for it.

I am also a sedan over coupe guy, but I did have an M240ix for a year, and loved it. I convinced myself during that ownership I didn't need four doors anymore, until I got my current f80. I LOVE having the extra set of doors. Less weight alone is probably my fav pro about the front doors of the four door. I found the doors of the M240ix to be SILLY heavy, and if I wasn't careful they would fly open on me when the road was pitched the right way. I was very lucky many times there was no car to smack into when that happened. That does not happen in this car. I also love the back seat "storage" for quick trips to the store, etc.

I do think the 4 door version of this chassis is far and away the better looking of the two. Especially in the colors the CS came in.

With all of that said, this is of course a subjective question. SO be prepared for arraignments on both sides.

As far as the G82, I especially find it to be less attractive then the G80. Again, four door guy, but the g82 looks like a giant whale to me vs. the sedan. And although the pig snout and the baboon butt are growing on me, I still find the F80/82 way more appealing at the moment.

Good luck!
josh

PS, FWIW, my 75 yo Dad has a M4C, and absolutely loves it.

[TWO-BMW]

Originally Posted by RugbyBro

The 4CS is dynamical the same as the 3CS, if not a hair better due to lighter weight. Here are some in your price range:

https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/WBS3S7C53KAC09586
https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/WBS3S7C56KAC09355
https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/WBS3S7C52KAC09403
https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/WBS3S7C57KAC09705
https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/WBS3S7C53KAC09653

Keep in mind, these things aren’t exactly flying off lots so the list isn’t going to be the sell. Also those last 3 don’t have exec pack (ikon lights) so you could probably talk them down a bit because of that

Thanks. I would actually wish for the exec pack for the heads up display. I've gotten spoiled having it in my X3 m40i.

So you feel the M4 CS is in the same class as the M3 CS? I've not read anything that rated it as well.

[TWO-BMW]

Originally Posted by spidy512

Go for it.

I am also a sedan over coupe guy, but I did have an M240ix for a year, and loved it. I convinced myself during that ownership I didn't need four doors anymore, until I got my current f80. I LOVE having the extra set of doors. Less weight alone is probably my fav pro about the front doors of the four door. I found the doors of the M240ix to be SILLY heavy, and if I wasn't careful they would fly open on me when the road was pitched the right way. I was very lucky many times there was no car to smack into when that happened. That does not happen in this car. I also love the back seat "storage" for quick trips to the store, etc.

I do think the 4 door version of this chassis is far and away the better looking of the two. Especially in the colors the CS came in.

With all of that said, this is of course a subjective question. SO be prepared for arraignments on both sides.

As far as the G82, I especially find it to be less attractive then the G80. Again, four door guy, but the g82 looks like a giant whale to me vs. the sedan. And although the pig snout and the baboon butt are growing on me, I still find the F80/82 way more appealing at the moment.

Good luck!
josh

PS, FWIW, my 75 yo Dad has a M4C, and absolutely loves it.

Good for your dad. I'm 67, so that really brings a smile to my face. And yes, the G80's are an acquired taste, especially the pig snout. Thank god it's at least blacked out in the Comps.

No question the M3 CS is better looking, and I find it especially stunning in that Frozen Blue paint!

[RugbyBro]

Originally Posted by TWO-BMW

Thanks. I would actually wish for the exec pack for the heads up display. I've gotten spoiled having it in my X3 m40i.

So you feel the M4 CS is in the same class as the M3 CS? I've not read anything that rated it as well.

Yes absolutely the same class, everything I’ve seen on the 4CS has been rave reviews. The only consistent knock I’ve read is the price (same with 3CS). As F80/F82 we’re the first of the modern CSs, they were slept on and scoffed at for the 30k+ premium. However, as BMW continues to release successful CS cars, the CS name plate will continue to build its pedigree. Some other important things you get in the 4CS are: GTS seat upholstery, legit GTS taillights, and GTS lightweight door cards. You also get a lighter weight infotainment setup. So 4CS probably leans a little further into the “track day special” feel than 3CS even though they have the same dynamics.

I owned a 3CS briefly and it was leagues above my base M4 from a stock setup perspective. Turn in (on stock alignment) was amazing relatively speaking, power delivery was smoother, steering was on par with GTS steering, and the suspension tuning was significantly better.

[bsmf8x]

I love coupes and I'm a coupe guy with a f82 m4

Some of the few sedans I'd consider

-amg gt63
-m8 gc
-rs7
-f80 m3

The 1 reason I like the f80's and would accept the sedan version is the flares

The f80 m3 has one of the thickest wide body rear flares ever put on a car

Makes it ok that it doesn't have the sleek look of the coupe

Also m3cs>m4cs cuz it has a lot of the features they unnecessarily dropped on the 4. Get the m3cs.

[HarryTee]

I personally prefer the looks of the M4CS to the M3CS, as I've always been a coupe guy.
In trying out the M4CS, I however find that the front storage space is severely limited: after the central console storage is taken away, you've still got the storage in the door-cards for M3CS. There is no such luck in the M4CS. I don't need a lot of storage space, and the tiny storage space in the M3CS is enough to satisfy me.
The lack of front storage space in the M4CS may be a non-issue for some people, however.

[TWO-BMW]

Originally Posted by RugbyBro

Yes absolutely the same class, everything I’ve seen on the 4CS has been rave reviews. The only consistent knock I’ve read is the price (same with 3CS). As F80/F82 we’re the first of the modern CSs, they were slept on and scoffed at for the 30k+ premium. However, as BMW continues to release successful CS cars, the CS name plate will continue to build its pedigree. Some other important things you get in the 4CS are: GTS seat upholstery, legit GTS taillights, and GTS lightweight door cards. You also get a lighter weight infotainment setup. So 4CS probably leans a little further into the “track day special” feel than 3CS even though they have the same dynamics.

I owned a 3CS briefly and it was leagues above my base M4 from a stock setup perspective. Turn in (on stock alignment) was amazing relatively speaking, power delivery was smoother, steering was on par with GTS steering, and the suspension tuning was significantly better.

Very helpful info. Thank you. Especially the part where you noted that "You also get a lighter weight infotainment setup. So 4CS probably leans a little further into the “track day special” feel than 3CS even though they have the same dynamics.". Due to the cost of insurance, this car won't be tracked. The M3 may make better sense in that regard.

[IB M]

Do it!! You can't go wrong with the 3CS. The F platform is the perfect Goldilocks size for 4 doors. Get the 4CS if you want a coupe, the Melbourne red with CCBs is gorgeous.

I prefer the F to the G for design looks, size, DCT, cable actuated e-brake and associated rear caliper design and analog gauges.

[1FZFE]

I own an M3 CS and semi-regret not getting the M4 CS for the OLED lights and compacted fiber door cards, both pretty unique items in the automotive landscape even in 2022. I also came quick to realize that I prefer the lower, wider and sleeker look of the M4.

Regardless of my rather ambivalent driving experience behind the wheel of the enlarged G80 Comp with the dope rear floating calipers mind you, it will never be on the next buy radar as the park-look-back quotient has been deep-6'ed by the oddity of not just the grill, but overall quirky design. I just wish my car had adaptive cruise as I use this feature often in my other vehicle.

F8x CS is at the top of the M range of all time in my opinion. It's going to age like fine wine.

Good luck in your search.

[Wanted_M]

I luv my 4CS but I'm biased 2 doors >4 lol.
I thought not having center console or regular door panels will be a bummer but how much shit do you want to carry, you adapt!! To me is more tailored for weekend tracking/canyon carving but with some creature comfort as a Clubsport. If you like the 3CS go for it, either way you're winning and acquiring a nice ride.

Be advised, the 4CS HIFI stereo is not bad at all but better than GTS but not as good as Harman.
No comfort entry, side door pockets or dual AC zones.

[spidy512]

Originally Posted by bsmf8x

The 1 reason I like the f80's and would accept the sedan version is the flares

The f80 m3 has one of the thickest wide body rear flares ever put on a car

This! times a billion....

The flares make me look back like 5 times when I walk away. Epic hips from every angle....

josh

[Clark_Kent]

Originally Posted by TWO-BMW

I appreciate the perspective. I could probably manage a M4 CS, but that car has not been reviewed nearly as well as the M3 CS.

It's essentially the same car save for a few immaterial items. No need to split hairs. I've never read any reviews or heard the M3CS is materially better than the M4CS.

[Maitre_Absolut]

Originally Posted by Clark_Kent

It's essentially the same car save for a few immaterial items. No need to split hairs. I've never read any reviews or heard the M3CS is materially better than the M4CS.

the only difference is really about value, limited production 3CS vs unlimited 4CS so prices for M3 version are generally higher. Same car

[dezzracer]

Originally Posted by TWO-BMW

I appreciate the perspective. I could probably manage a M4 CS, but that car has not been reviewed nearly as well as the M3 CS.

Seemed like the opposite to me when M3 CS was released. . M4 CS got lots of love but I haven't seen a lot of magazine reviews on the M3CS. I have one by the way and of course love it. Yes, they seem to be going in the 75 to 80 range for a nice one and I would say that would be money well spent. Considering you find the color that you want. I'm a coupe guy too but man those hips on the M3. Also find it's pretty convenient to have rear doors. I say go for it. You will be not be disappointed. They are pretty rare too. Only 1200 made and only 550 came to U.S.

[11LMBiSTT]

Originally Posted by dezzracer

They are pretty rare too. Only 1200 made and only 550 came to U.S.

I remember reading 607 came to the US. But by now probably 550 or so left.

[nickl630]

Originally Posted by 11LMBiSTT

I remember reading 607 came to the US. But by now probably 550 or so left.

Yep, I believe SMB was the most common color @ 209 of the 607.

[SYT_Shadow]

I currently have a M3 CS and have owned it since 2019. It is a fantastic car, the ultimate expression of the F8X generation that is completely daily-driveable and has serious performance chops.

I would not hesitate

[Humdizzle]

im usually a 2 door guy... but the f80 looks better than the f82 to my eyes in terms of proportions and fender flares. i never use the back seats except for groceries... the bags are more secure in the rear footwells than sloshing around in the trunk when you take a corner fast lol.

but yeah the M4cs and M3cs are basically the same thing. Reviewers probably like the 3 more because sedans are dying out and you get creature comforts back in the 3. And the weight savings attempts in an M4cs make alot of people roll their eyes a bit since a base 2015 M4 with a manual is lighter by 50 pounds.

the M3cs is likely the stronger value holder. The performance differences are negligible and the 4 doors means guys can justify it to their wife/family. and its rarer.

have you considered a used GTR? prices are a bit nutty but on paper its basically a g82 x drive. 3800+ pounds, awd, twin turbo 6, dct trans is better than the zf8. looks ALOT better than the G8x in my opinion.