Next-Gen BMW M3 Ditches Manual Transmission, Moves Production to Dingolfing; Current Model Ends in 2027

Production of the sixth-generation BMW M3 (G80) will end in 2027, with no 2028 model year planned. The final current-generation M3 is expected to roll off the assembly line in February 2027. The next-generation combustion-engine M3 (codenamed G84) is slated for launch around 2028 and will be produced for the first time at BMW’s Dingolfing plant, shifting production away from the Munich facility. It will continue to use a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine but will only be offered with an automatic transmission and all-wheel drive—manual transmission will no longer be available. Meanwhile, the all-electric M3 (codenamed ZA0) has been added to BMW’s production schedule and is expected to enter production at the Munich plant in 2025. It will feature a four-motor layout and an M-specific battery pack with a net capacity exceeding 100 kWh, delivering more power than the i3 50 xDrive’s 463 horsepower. The EV will also include simulated V10 engine sound and simulated gear-shifting functions. According to BMW M Division executives, developing a new manual transmission will become increasingly difficult due to shrinking market demand and declining supplier interest. Although manual transmissions remain available for now, they may not survive into the next decade. Current M2 and M4 models are expected to stay in production until the late 2020s, allowing enthusiasts to purchase rear-wheel-drive BMW performance coupes with manual gearboxes for several more years.