BMW M3 Final Model Year: BMW M3 Faces The End As 2027 Becomes Final Model Year
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The current generation BMW M3 is officially nearing the end of its life. BMW has now confirmed that the 2027 model year will be the last for the sixth generation M3, which means the iconic sports sedan will not return for 2028 in its current form.
That news does not exactly come as a shock. BMW already hinted at it earlier when the company revealed the new M3 CS Handschalter for North America. That car was described as a proper sendoff for the G80 generation, and now we know why.
BMW Confirms 2027 Is The Last Year For The G80 M3
BMW Product Planning Specialist Scott Stirling confirmed the timeline during an interview with BimmerLife. He also played a key role in getting approval for the M3 CS Handschalter project.
The special edition joins a small group of North America focused BMW M cars, including:
| Special Edition Model | Generation |
|---|---|
| BMW M3 CS Handschalter | G80 |
| BMW M3 Lime Rock Edition | E92 |
| BMW M3 Lightweight | E36 |
BMW insiders also claim that production for the current M3 could end in February 2027. While BMW has not officially confirmed that exact date, reports suggest the next generation model will not arrive until sometime in 2028.
Next Generation BMW M3 Will Move Production Out Of Munich
The upcoming gasoline powered M3, internally called the G84, will reportedly move production from Munich to Dingolfing. That makes it the first petrol powered M3 ever built outside Munich.
BMW is clearly entering a new chapter here. The brand wants to balance performance with stricter emissions rules, changing buyer demand, and electrification.
And yes, enthusiasts already know what that usually means.
Less manuals. More technology. More weight. Probably more screens too.
BMW Will Sell Both Electric And Petrol M3 Models
BMW is not killing the M3 name itself. Instead, the company plans to offer both electric and combustion versions.
An electric M3, known internally as the ZA0, is already on the way. BMW has teased it several times, and it sounds wild on paper. The car is expected to feature:
- Quad motor setup
- Over 100 kWh battery pack
- Simulated gear shifts
- Artificial V10 inspired sound effects
- Much higher output than current electric BMW sedans
Meanwhile, the next petrol powered M3 will continue with a turbocharged inline six engine. BMW executives have already confirmed that it will use a “new type” of six cylinder engine. Reports also suggest mild hybrid technology will become part of the package to meet future emissions standards in Europe.
Manual BMW M3 Could Soon Disappear Forever
This is the part that hurts for hardcore enthusiasts.
The next generation M3 is expected to come only with an automatic transmission and xDrive all wheel drive. If that happens, the current M3 CS Handschalter will effectively become the last manual rear wheel drive M3.
BMW M boss Frank van Meel recently explained why manuals are slowly disappearing. According to him, gearbox suppliers no longer see enough demand to justify developing completely new manual transmissions.
Modern automatic gearboxes also help manufacturers improve:
- Fuel efficiency
- Emissions performance
- Torque handling
- Regulatory compliance
From a business perspective, the decision makes sense.
From an enthusiast perspective, it feels like watching your favourite local food place turn into a luxury café.
There Is Still Time To Buy A Manual M3
The good news is that buyers still have some time left.
BMW will begin production of the M3 CS Handschalter in July, although numbers remain very limited. Canada will reportedly receive only 40 units.
Pricing in the United States starts at:
| Model | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| BMW M3 CS Handschalter | $108,450 |
| Standard BMW M3 | $80,650 |
That also means regular manual M3 models could remain available for orders until late 2026, depending on production schedules.
BMW M2 And M4 Will Keep Manuals Alive For A Little Longer
BMW is not completely abandoning manual gearboxes yet.
Current reports suggest the BMW M2 and BMW M4 could survive until closer to the end of the decade with manual transmission options still available.
So if you still want a proper three pedal BMW M car, there is still a small window left.
Just do not wait too long.
Because the industry is changing fast, and cars like the current M3 are slowly becoming part of automotive history rather than the future.
Sources and References
- BMW USA M3 Sedan Official Page
Official US BMW M3 page with specs, trims, pricing, and configurations. - BMW USA M3 Technical Highlights
Official technical specs page covering engine, transmission, drivetrain, and performance details. - BMW Canada M3 Sedan Official Page
Official BMW Canada M3 page with Canadian market specs and manual transmission details. - BMW Canada M3 Technical Data
Official Canadian technical data page with horsepower, torque, acceleration, and drivetrain information. - BMW Australia M3 Sedan Official Page
Official Australian BMW M3 page with local specifications and model information. - BMW Australia M3 Technical Data
Australian technical specifications page covering performance and dimensions. - BMW M Official Global Website
Official BMW M division website with M car lineup, history, and performance updates. - BimmerLife
BMW enthusiast publication featuring M car news, interviews, and updates. - Car and Driver BMW M3 Coverage
US focused BMW M3 reviews, comparisons, and road tests.
BMW M3 FAQ
Updated for US, Canada, and AustraliaIs 2027 the final model year for the current BMW M3?
Yes. BMW has confirmed that 2027 will be the final model year for the sixth generation M3, which is the G80. The current car is not expected to return for the 2028 model year.
Why is the BMW M3 CS Handschalter such a big deal?
The M3 CS Handschalter is important because it serves as a special North America sendoff for the current M3 generation. It is also one of the last manual, rear wheel drive M3 variants, which makes it especially significant for enthusiasts.
Will the next BMW M3 still have a manual transmission?
That looks unlikely. Reports suggest the next M3 will move to an automatic transmission and xDrive all wheel drive. If that happens, the manual M3 CS Handschalter may become the last three pedal M3 of this generation.
What engine will the next petrol BMW M3 use?
The next petrol powered M3 is expected to keep a twin turbo inline six layout. BMW has also said it will use a new type of six cylinder engine, with mild hybrid technology likely added to help meet stricter emissions rules.
Will BMW offer an electric M3 too?
Yes. BMW is preparing an electric M3 under the ZA0 codename. It is expected to use a quad motor setup, a battery pack of more than 100 kWh, and simulated gear shifts, along with artificial performance sounds.
Where will the next gasoline BMW M3 be built?
The next gasoline powered M3, known internally as the G84, is expected to move production from Munich to Dingolfing. If that happens, it will become the first petrol M3 built outside Munich.
Are the BMW M2 and M4 still expected to offer manuals?
For now, yes. Current reports suggest the BMW M2 and BMW M4 could stay in production with manual options until closer to the end of the decade, so the manual BMW M cars are not gone just yet.
How much does the M3 CS Handschalter cost in the US?
In the United States, the M3 CS Handschalter starts at $108,450 before options. A standard M3 starts at $80,650, so buyers still have a less expensive entry point if they want the car without the CS badge.
