For long-time BMW enthusiasts seeking a final, high-performance car, the market presents a challenging landscape. Many, like myself, have a history with the brand, having owned iconic models from the E36 M3 to the more recent M2. Initially, the dream was to land a Porsche 997 series 911 GTS or the coveted BMW G82 M4 Competition. However, Porsche prices have skyrocketed, and the G82 M4 Competition, due to ongoing market anomalies, often exceeds its original MSRP, pushing it beyond a reasonable $79,000 budget. This price inflation makes the G82 M4 Competition, despite glowing owner reviews highlighting its advancements over the F82 generation, financially out of reach for many, potentially for another year or more.
This market reality brings the 2018 BMW M3 CS into sharp focus as a compelling alternative. Praised by automotive journalists and owners alike, the F80 M3 CS consistently emerges as the pinnacle of the F80 generation, lauded as superior to even the M4 CS and a truly exceptional vehicle in its own right. The dilemma then shifts to body style preference. Historically, coupes have been the favored choice – the E36 M3, E46 M3, 335iX, and M2 were all coupes. While a G82 M4 Competition coupe remains financially unattainable, a pristine 2018 M3 CS sedan is within immediate reach. Aesthetically, the M3 CS sedan holds its own, arguably even surpassing the F82 M4 coupe in visual appeal.
For those in a similar position, the question arises: Is a near-mint 2018 M3 CS the absolute best performance car obtainable in the mid to high $70,000 range today? Owner experiences and expert reviews strongly suggest that it might very well be.
