The BMW M3 has defined the compact sports sedan for almost four decades. But in 2025, the G80 M3 line -up looks different than many purists could expect. The automatic competitive models dominate the sales diagrams and XDRIVE all -wheel drive ensures the bladder acceleration times. But tacitly at the base of the line -up is something special: the last remaining manual transmission M3.
In this review we take a particularly striking example-a 2025 BMW M3 sedan in Dark Emerald Metallic-Genauer to see whether this six-speed M3 of the true enthusiast and possibly the last of its kind.
A manual transmission in 2025
At a time when almost every rival broke off the stick, BMW continues to offer a manual transmission in the standard M3. The reasoning is not about performance figures. With 473 hp and rear-wheel drive, the M3 manual on paper is slower than its counterpart. But that misses the point. The six-speed gearbox makes driving the M3 a deliberate and more committed process. Every shift, every clutch press, connects the driver directly to the S58 Twin turbo inline-Six. It is an experience that reminds her of why the M3 became a symbol primarily – not because it was the fastest car in a straight line, but because it was most rewarding.
The window sticker -ceiling
The example we tested is not just a basic car. Thanks to a careful mix of performance and luxury options, the Monroney sticker is 101,875 US dollars. So it adds:
- RRP: 76,000 US dollars
- Dark Emerald Metallic Paint: $ 4,500
- Kyalami Orange/Black Leder Interior: $ 2.550
- Carbon package ($ 15,300): includes M carbon bucket seats, M-carbon ceramic brakes, M-Alcantara steering wheel, M-Driver package, BMW curved display with HUD and 19/20-in-in-case spoke wheels
- Park aid package: $ 700
- Executive Package: $ 1,400 (heated steering wheel, complete LED headlights with curve function, power tailgate)
- M Shadowline Lights: $ 250
- Goal & handling: $ 1,175
- Total: $ 101,875
This is a serious figure for a “base” M3, but it shows how customizable the G80 platform remains. From the outrageous Kyalami orange seats to the shimmering dark Emerald metallic paint, this is a specification that feels brave both unique and unapologist table. But it is expensive.
Will there be a new manual M3?
BMW has not confirmed whether the next generation M3 maintains a manual transmission. With electrification and software -powered performance on the horizon, writing can already be on the wall. This not only makes the current G80 manual a further variant, but also a collector’s piece at the end of an era for sports sedans. For enthusiasts, the decision depends on what is more important: direct speed or more rich driving experience. The competitive model with XDRIVE can publish faster numbers, but the manual car is that that remains real for the DNA of the M3.
Take a look at the complete assessment
We put this exact car in our latest YouTube video and examined how the manual transmission on the street feels, how it stacks against the competitive models and why BMW has kept the stick alive when so many rivals went away.
