Last updated August 4, 2026
The BMW M3 lineup starts with the base model, the rear-wheel-drive choice for drivers who want a manual transmission and the most hands-on experience. Competition adds more power and an automatic while keeping rear-wheel drive, and Competition xDrive adds rear-biased all-wheel drive for stronger traction. The Frozen Limited Edition and Lime Rock Park Edition are collectible V8 coupes with different personalities: Frozen emphasizes distinctive finishes and a richer cabin, while Lime Rock has a stronger track-day theme. The limited-production CS sits at the top as the lighter, sharper, more track-focused four-door M3.
The Core Model trim level, represented by the base M3, is the driver-involvement choice built around a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive.
Best for: Drivers who want a practical performance car with traditional hands-on control.
Highlights
The Performance trim level, known as Competition, trades the manual for quicker automatic shifts and more power while keeping rear-wheel drive.
Best for: Drivers who prioritize acceleration and quick shifts but still want rear-wheel-drive handling.
Highlights
Adds more power and a quick-shifting automatic in place of the Core Model’s manual, while retaining rear-wheel drive.
4 in stock
The All-wheel Drive trim level, known as Competition xDrive, is the traction-focused regular M3 with a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system.
Best for: Drivers who want strong launches and added wet-weather grip without losing the M3’s rear-driven character.
Highlights
Adds rear-biased all-wheel drive and selectable drive modes over the rear-wheel-drive Competition, along with a higher current output.
1 in stock
The Special Editions trim level includes the Frozen Limited Edition and Lime Rock Park Edition, two collectible V8 coupes that pair classic M3 character with distinct factory themes.
Best for: Enthusiasts seeking a rare coupe, with Frozen favoring visual exclusivity and Lime Rock favoring track-day character.
Highlights
This is not a conventional upgrade from Competition xDrive. It shifts from modern all-wheel-drive speed to limited-run, manual V8 coupe character; Frozen adds distinctive cabin and exterior finishes, while Lime Rock adds lighter exhaust and carbon aerodynamic pieces.
0 in stock
The Top Tier trim level, known as CS, is the limited-production M3 that moves the four-door formula closer to a road-and-track car through less weight and sharper tuning.
Best for: Drivers who want a more focused M3 for fast road and track use without giving up rear seats and sedan practicality.
Highlights
Moves beyond special-edition collectibility with a lighter, sharper sedan setup, all-wheel-drive traction, CS-specific suspension tuning, and a more track-focused cabin.
0 in stock| Feature | Top Tier | Core Model | Performance | All-wheel Drive | Special Editions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | base13 in stock | Competition4 in stock | Competition xDrive1 in stock | Frozen Limited Edition, Lime Rock Park Edition0 in stock | |
| Recognized trim name | CS | base | Competition | Competition xDrive | Frozen Limited Edition; Lime Rock Park Edition |
| Transmission | Automatic | 6-speed manual | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | Manual |
| Driven wheels | M xDrive all-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-biased all-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Engine and listed output | Higher-output twin-turbo inline-six | 473-hp twin-turbo inline-six | 503-hp twin-turbo inline-six | 523-hp twin-turbo inline-six | Naturally aspirated V8 |
| Defining focus | Lighter, sharper road-and-track setup | Hands-on driver involvement | Rear-drive speed and quick shifts | Acceleration and added traction | Collectible V8 coupe character |
| Distinctive chassis or body hardware | CS suspension tuning; carbon bucket seats | Adjustable adaptive suspension | Adjustable adaptive suspension | Selectable drive modes | Competition suspension; carbon roof |
| Production character | Limited-production model | Regular M3 | Regular M3 | Regular M3 | Limited-run editions |
In the 2021-and-newer G80 generation, the standard M3 is the driver-focused version. It combines a 473-hp twin-turbo six-cylinder engine, six-speed manual, and rear-wheel drive with adaptive suspension, strong brakes, and an active rear differential.
In the G80 generation, the M3 Competition is the more powerful automatic rear-wheel-drive model. It uses a 503-hp twin-turbo six-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic while keeping the adjustable suspension and active rear differential found in the standard M3.
Since its 2022 arrival, the Competition xDrive has been the traction-focused regular M3. It pairs an automatic transmission with rear-biased all-wheel drive. Refreshed versions produce 523 hp and provide 4WD, 4WD Sport, and 2WD settings.
In the G80 generation, the standard M3 has 473 hp, a six-speed manual, and rear-wheel drive. The Competition raises output to 503 hp and substitutes a quicker-shifting eight-speed automatic, but it remains rear-wheel drive.
The key difference is traction. The G80 Competition sends its 503 hp to the rear wheels, while the Competition xDrive uses rear-biased all-wheel drive. Refreshed xDrive models also make 523 hp and are the quickest regular M3 sedans.
Look for the G80 M3 Competition. It combines an eight-speed automatic with rear-wheel drive, sitting between the manual standard M3 and the all-wheel-drive Competition xDrive.
The Competition xDrive is the regular G80 trim aimed at that need. Its rear-biased all-wheel-drive system provides more traction than the rear-drive M3 and Competition, while selectable modes let the car retain a more rear-driven feel.
Yes. In the newer three-trim lineup, the standard M3, Competition, and Competition xDrive all have adaptive suspension, an active rear differential, and strong six-piston front brakes. Their main differences are transmission, output, and which wheels receive power.
The CS badge identifies a limited-production, more track-focused M3. The 2018 and 2024 versions both added power, reduced weight, and sharper chassis tuning. The 2024 sedan uses 543 hp, all-wheel drive, an automatic transmission, carbon bucket seats, and exposed carbon-fiber pieces.
The G80 M3 CS starts with the Competition xDrive formula, then adds more power, less weight, CS-specific suspension tuning, carbon bucket seats, and additional carbon-fiber parts. It is more focused on fast road and track driving but still has four doors and usable rear seats.
Both are limited 2013 V8 coupes with a manual transmission, carbon roof, and Competition Package suspension hardware. The Frozen emphasizes distinctive factory trim and a richer leather cabin. The Lime Rock adds a lighter exhaust, carbon aerodynamic pieces, and a more track-focused cockpit.
The 2013 Frozen Limited Edition adds lowered Competition Package suspension, adjustable dampers, a carbon-fiber roof, extended leather with contrast stitching, carbon-look cabin trim, and gloss-black exterior details. Its focus is exclusivity rather than extra engine output.
The 2013 Lime Rock Park Edition is a manual-only V8 coupe with lowered Competition Package suspension, adjustable dampers, a lighter exhaust, a carbon roof, carbon aerodynamic pieces, cloth-and-leather seats, and an Alcantara steering wheel. It leans more toward track-day use than the Frozen edition.
No. On G80 models, Competition is a full trim with more power and an automatic transmission. On older M3s, the Competition Package was a group of handling upgrades, including lowered suspension and specially tuned adjustable dampers. Some limited editions included that package.
Not in every setting. Newer Competition xDrive models provide 4WD, a sportier 4WD Sport mode, and a 2WD mode. The system normally emphasizes rear-wheel behavior, while the rear-drive setting is intended for experienced drivers.