BMW is slowly preparing for the end of a very important era. The current M3 G80 is heading toward the end of production after nearly seven years on the market.
Despite the heated reaction caused by its controversial front grille when it first appeared, the G80 has become one of the most successful modern cars from BMW M. Today, its reputation has improved dramatically, and many enthusiasts now view this generation as one of the strongest modern M cars BMW has built.
When the G80 debuted in 2020, it arrived as the performance peak of the already much-improved G20 generation 3 Series. The new M3 brought serious speed, a sharper chassis, and impressive everyday usability.
It also managed to connect old-school BMW character with modern technology, which is one of the reasons its reputation has grown so much over time.
Production Is Coming To An End
BMW M product planning specialist Scott Stirling has confirmed to BimmerLife that the current M3 is approaching the end of its production run after this model year. Scott Stirling, BMW product planning specialist for the 3 Series, 4 Series, and X3, confirmed the information to BimmerLife.
According to Stirling, that is exactly why the CS Handschalter project became a kind of final opportunity to create a special version of the car before production ends.
BMW Blog reports that G80 M3 production is expected to end in February 2027. That will close one of the most important chapters in the modern history of BMW M.
The timing also shows how carefully BMW is preparing the transition into the next generation of performance cars.
The Next M3 Will Start With Electricity
The German company is preparing a completely new strategy for the successor. The battery-electric M3 is expected to arrive first, during 2027.
A combustion-powered successor is expected to follow later, although its final hybrid setup has not been officially detailed. BMW appears to be using the same approach planned for the next 3 Series and i3, where electric versions arrive before models with combustion engines.
Current information suggests that a combustion-powered M3 successor could arrive well after G80 production ends, leaving the electric M3 to lead the next phase first. That means fans of traditional gasoline-powered M cars still have some time with the current model before electrification takes the main role.
For many BMW enthusiasts, that makes the remaining production period feel especially important.
Other G8x Models May Stay Longer
There are still no official details about the end of production for the rest of the G8x family. The M4 Coupe and Cabrio could remain in production longer than the sedan, although BMW has not released full official timing for the rest of the G8x family.
The Touring, which received the M treatment later than the others, is likely to stay available the longest. That model has become extremely popular among enthusiasts.
Its strong appearance at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring has added even more attention. Because of that, there is growing speculation that BMW could prepare a special final edition for the wagon.
There is also interest in the possibility of an M4 CS Handschalter with a manual transmission. Stirling said such a car is “theoretically possible,” but BMW would first need to convince headquarters in Germany that enough global demand exists.
The G80 Changed Its Reputation Completely
Looking back at the entire G80 era, it is hard to ignore how much the car’s reputation changed. A model that was once heavily debated because of its design is now being prepared for farewell as one of the most important modern M cars.
With its turbocharged inline six engine, rear or all wheel drive, and available manual transmission, the M3 G80 kept much of the analog character that many performance sedans have lost.
That matters even more at a time when electrification is quickly changing the performance car world. The G80 became more than another generation of a famous badge.
It may be remembered as one of the last traditional M3 generations before electric and electrified performance take a leading role in BMW M history.
This article originally appeared on Autorepublika.com and has been republished with permission by Guessing Headlights. AI-assisted translation was used, followed by human editing and review.