BMW G80 M3: years, specs and history (2021–present)

BMW G80 M3 at a glance

BMW G80 M3 history

BMW introduced the 2021 M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe together, calling them the sixth generation of the M3 and the second of the M4. Global market launch was set for March 2021 with rear-drive cars only: the 473-hp M3 with a 6-speed manual and the 503-hp M3 Competition with an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic, priced from $69,900 and $72,800 plus $995 destination.

The engine is the S58 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six: 473 hp at 6,250 rpm and 406 lb-ft in the base car, 503 hp and 479 lb-ft in the Competition. The sedan grew 4.6 inches in length and 1.8 inches in wheelbase over the F80, and BMW gave curb weights of 3,840 lb (M3) and 3,890 lb (M3 Competition).

M xDrive all-wheel drive became available on the Competition from the 2022 model year. The 2025 update raised the Competition xDrive to 523 hp and added a curved display and revised lights, and limited CS models followed in 2024 (all-wheel drive, 543 hp) and, for 2027, the North America-only manual, rear-drive M3 CS Handschalter.[1],[2],[3],[4],[5]

Body styles and chassis codes

BMW G80 M3 specs by variant

US-market output, gearboxes, BMW-claimed 0–60 mph times, weight and launch MSRP for every BMW G80 M3 variant we could source.[1],[2],[3],[4],[5],[6],[7]

0–60 mph figures are BMW-claimed unless marked † (instrumented magazine test). "—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source. MSRP is US base price at launch, excluding destination. Many BMWs are electronically limited to 130 or 155 mph; see trim notes.

Compare every generation side by side on our BMW M3 specs page or with the BMW trim comparison tool.

Competition packages and special editions

• M3 Competition xDrive (2022–present)All-wheel-drive Competition, launched at $76,900 plus $995 destination; 523 hp from the 2025 update.
• M3 CS (2024)543 hp, all-wheel drive, BMW-claimed 0–60 mph in 3.2 s, M Driver’s Package standard (188 mph). $118,700 plus $995 destination.
• M3 CS Handschalter (2027)North America-only send-off for the G80: the only M3 CS with a manual, rear-wheel drive and 473 hp, about 75 lb lighter than a standard M3 per BMW. $107,100 plus $1,350 destination.

Sources:[2],[4],[5]

What changed from the F80 M3

1. EngineThe S55 (425 hp, 406 lb-ft) was replaced by the S58: 473 hp in the base car and 503 hp / 479 lb-ft in the Competition.
2. GearboxesThe 7-speed M DCT was dropped. The base car keeps a 6-speed manual; Competition models use an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic.
3. DriveM xDrive all-wheel drive became available on the Competition from 2022 — the first all-wheel-drive M3.
4. Size4.6 inches longer, 0.4 inch wider and on a 1.8-inch-longer wheelbase than the F80 sedan.
5. AccelerationBMW claims 4.1 s (manual) and 3.8 s (Competition) to 60 mph, and 3.4 s for the Competition xDrive.

Sources:[1],[2]

BMW G80 M3 known issues and recalls

• Automatic transmission control unit oil leak (2023)

  NHTSA recall 23V-821 · 2023

  A 2023 recall across many BMW models, including the M3, concerns transmission oil that can leak into the automatic transmission's control unit. That can seize the transmission gears and cause a sudden loss of drive. Dealers inspect and repair affected transmissions.[8]

NHTSA recall check by model year: 2021 · 2022 · 2023 · 2024 · 2025 · 2026. Recalls apply by VIN, so confirm completed work for the specific car.

Symptoms and what to check for each item are on our BMW M3 and M4 known issues page.

What to check before you buy a BMW G80 M3

• Confirm the exact variant — M3, M3 Competition or M3 Competition xDrive — from the VIN; output, gearbox and drivetrain all differ.
• Check for the M Driver’s Package on the build record; it raises the top-speed limiter from 155 mph to 180 mph on standard cars and leaves no visible trace.
• On a 2023 car, check recall 23V-821 (automatic transmission control unit) by VIN.
• M Carbon bucket seats and M Carbon ceramic brakes are expensive options that can be retrofitted or imitated; the factory build record settles it.