2024 M3 CS Convinces Porsche 911 Carrera S Owner to Return to BMW

Gearheads agree that BMW M owners who eventually want an upgrade will buy a Porsche. Moving to an Audi RS model or a Mercedes-AMG unit simply doesn't make sense for most of these car enthusiasts. Such direct and obvious rivals must create a fantastic performance car to convert M adepts.

However, someone upgraded from BMW M to Porsche. But they decided to come back to the Bavarian way of motoring! And – get this – there's nothing controversial about this decision. Some might even find it inspiring!

The reconverted BMW M customer got the knack for Bavarian motoring thanks to a 3 Series F30. Shortly after, the virus spread to their mind, and not one but two M3 F80s became the obvious choice for enhanced driving companions. One of the units even received special treatment and ended up looking like a menace.

But owning cool and performance-oriented sedans isn't always practical for large families. Hence, an X5 G05 was a natural addition to the family garage. Shortly after, the X5 got replaced by a spanking-new X7 G07 M60i because who doesn't like the idea of a luxurious V8-powered three-row SUV, right?

Buying the right stuff

But since the X7 took over family hauling duties and nobody complained about commuting any longer, the M fanatic found themselves in a pickle. The M3 F80 was getting kind of old, and the new model didn't have quite the same good-looking attire. The beaver-teeth grille was just too much of a change from the kidney-bean one. The next best and (somewhat) obvious choice? Porsche. So, they bought a rear-wheel-drive 911 Carrera S.

But this person wasn't your average temporary car enjoyer. The first M3 F80 was a 2015 model-year unit finished in Silverstone (liquid-y-looking metal-like grey) put through quite the diet. But even though the upgrading program was costly, they decided to move on to the facelifted version of the sedan. They got a 2018 M3 F80, which, in under two months, would become one of the most liked builds among Bimmer fans.

That model was wrapped in a self-healing satin black paint protection film, nearly transforming it into a murdered-out M3. But the owner liked how the 20-inch HRE Classic 300 wheels with a frozen polished clear face rim finish and Iconix lug nuts looked on their build and didn't go for the Batman spec.

The car also boasted an OEM-sourced GTS hood and steering wheel, carbon fiber roof, splitters, and engine cover. The splurging continued with many M Performance additions for the cabin and the vehicle body. Then, an Akrapovic exhaust system, new coilovers, an Eventuri intake system plus charge pipes, a Gintani crank hub upgrade, and new brakes were installed.

The owner also put the carbon structure cloth seats inside, something they had wanted to do for a long time. And, yes, it was a manual! This person enjoyed modifying their car and indeed loved driving it.

Finding one's balance

But when you reach a car goal and feel like a certain mission is finally being accomplished, the mind forces you to move on to something else. So, the BMW M fan decided to keep exploring beyond the brand after nearly three years spent with the vehicle that ended up with the "Satin Black F80" nickname.

They searched for something better and bought a Porsche, which only strengthened the stereotype of BMW M customers becoming patrons of the Stuttgart-based automaker. No blaming here. We get it. This is the way for many desiring a more intense motoring experience, and we will not disagree.

Similar to the modified 2018 M3, the Porsche 911 (992) had a black-on-black look and sported, you guessed it, HRE wheels. This person liked maintaining some balance for their vehicles' exterior looks.

According to them, the Porsche supplied a more refined driving experience through better handling and overall improved dynamics. The powerplant wasn't too different from the BMW's. Both vehicles hid a three-liter six-cylinder engine under the hood. But Porsche put it in the rear of the car, while the Bavarians chose the in-line layout and installed it in the front. Both vehicles were rear-wheel drive, with the 911 coming on top for factory power output – it had just 12 hp more.

Seeing the change

But after two years of driving what they called a "well-balanced sports car," an unexpected thing was about to happen – returning to BMW M. The gearhead admitted that the styling of the M3 G80 wasn't to their taste, but when the opportunity to own an M3 CS presented itself… He wasn't able to say no.

This vehicle is in a league of its own at this point in time. The Audi RS 4 sedan is nowhere to be found, while the Mercedes-AMG C 63 has gone on the plug-in hybrid route. Affalterbach's engineers put a two-liter gas-powered engine in it, replacing the mighty and unelectrified V8. BMW's unmolested 543-hp six-cylinder powerplant is not only larger but also known to be reliable and ready to absorb some upgrades without eating itself after a pull. Plus, it makes some charming sounds when pushed to the limit.

However, the pointy all-wheel-drive four-door sedan could be more impressive on paper. It may be weather-proof, made in Munich, and have a rear-wheel-drive mode, but it only adds 40 hp more than the M3 Competition G80 and shaves off around 75 lb of weight. It does "all" that in exchange for a $36,000 price hike that does not include carbon ceramic brakes and potential dealer "market adjustments."

The enhanced and limited-edition (how limited exactly is anyone's guess) M3 doesn't even go under the three-second threshold for a zero to 60 mph (97 kph) run. The 2023 M3 CS feels more like a luxurious lapping machine than a track-focused monster. But is it capable? Of course! Maybe just not $120,000 capable.

Be it as it may, the former M fanatic-turned-Porsche-owner decided to make the switch. All it took was a dealer calling with a proposition and the fact that four doors are better than two. Joking aside, the practicality aspect, the hunt for new experiences, and the "CS" badge were the three aspects that convinced this person to return to BMW.

Surprising many in the community, the gearhead said they were happy with the eight-speed automatic gearbox despite them being known for loving manuals. But they have plans to modify this remarkable machine. First is the paint protection film, which may be glossy instead of satin this time. That might be the best decision to keep the vehicle's look closer to factory specification. Then, they'll go for an adjustable spring kit, spacers, and maybe even an exhaust system upgrade. The latter has yet to be decided on.

More than meets the eye

For now, however, the M3 CS owner says they feel the power boiling under the hood, even though the break-in period hasn't ended. They anticipate that the BMW will be faster than the rear-wheel-drive 911 S and praise the stock suspension setup on Bimmerpost. They also underline the interior look, categorized as simply "WOW." It seems like the pair is getting along rather well. But there's another point to this extraordinary experience.

This person is privileged enough to own and modify such cool and fast cars. However, beyond the means to acquire such machines and a clear interest in the automotive world lies something else – the passion for motoring.

This gearhead's story is a great example for many who are discovering the car universe today. Someone with enough resources gets to try out some of the best vehicles that are now in production. And they do it without turning the ownership experience into annoying content for social media or overpaying. This joy has been missing from the car community for quite some time, and it's great seeing it return.

Finally, the driver admits they might return to Porsche after the M3 CS novelty wears off. They want a GT3 but will settle for a Targa GTS if dealers insist on absurd amounts of money over MSRP.

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