The End of an Era: BMW M3's Manual Transmission and Gas-Powered Future in Question

A Crossroads for the Ultimate Driving Machine

The Current Generation's Sunset: G80 M3 Production Ceases in 2027

Production of the present G80-generation BMW M3 is scheduled to wrap up in February 2027. This signifies an impending pause in the availability of the gasoline-powered M3, as its successor will not emerge until mid-2028. This temporary absence from the market is a noteworthy development for BMW aficionados.

Farewell to the Stick Shift: Manual Transmission Discontinued for G84 M3

Further reshaping the M3's identity, reports confirm that the upcoming G84-generation M3 will no longer feature a manual gearbox option. This decision marks 2027 as the final opportunity for driving enthusiasts to acquire a new M3 equipped with a manual transmission, a feature long cherished by the brand's loyal followers.

The Interregnum: A Gap in Gasoline M3 Availability

Following the cessation of G80 production in early 2027, an approximately 18-month interval will transpire without a new gasoline-powered M3 being rolled off the assembly lines. While such gaps have occurred historically, this particular pause precedes a fundamental shift in the M3's offerings.

Embracing Electrification: The Advent of the iM3

During the period when the conventional M3 is off-cycle, BMW is poised to introduce a high-performance, M-badged variant of its electric i3 sedan. This new model, anticipated to be dubbed the iM3, is slated for production in 2027, signaling BMW's commitment to integrating its performance heritage with its electric vehicle strategy. This move suggests a dynamic evolution in the brand's performance division.