The current BMW M3 G80 generation is set to wrap production in February 2027. That leaves an 18-month gap before the combustion-engine replacement is ready, and the electric version of the next-generation M3 enters production before the petrol car does.
The news was reported by BMW Blog, which cited consistent insider information. Neither BMW nor a local spokesperson has formally confirmed the timeline, but the production schedule details are consistent with known BMW factory retooling plans at its Dingolfing facility in Germany.
For buyers currently considering the M3 in Australia, the implications are direct: if you want the last-ever manual-transmission M3, you are now working against the clock.
What Ends in February 2027
The G80-generation BMW M3 is one of the most critically acclaimed performance sedans of the modern era. In Australia, it is offered with two powertrain configurations: a 353kW version paired with a six-speed manual and rear-wheel drive, and a 390kW Competition with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The M3 CS pushes output to 405kW and comes exclusively with the automatic and all-wheel drive setup.
When production ends in February 2027, all three configurations disappear simultaneously.
In July 2026, BMW introduces updated M Ignite precombustion technology to the M3 and M4 to meet Euro 7 compliance, with the M2 following in August. That makes the remaining months of 2026 essentially the last window to order a standard G80 before the model heads into its final production run.
What Comes Next and When
The replacement for the G80 is the G84 generation, expected to take the M3 onto BMW's Neue Klasse platform. The new M3 will be produced alongside an electric version, based on the BMW i3 that has already been publicly shown.
Production of the electric M3 is expected to begin during 2027, with the petrol version following later. Factory retooling at Dingolfing creates the 18-month gap between the G80's end and the combustion G84's production start.
That 18-month gap is not trivial for buyers. Australian deliveries typically follow European production by several months. If the G84 petrol M3 begins production in late 2028, Australian buyers may not see deliveries until mid-to-late 2029 at the earliest.
The Manual Is Gone With the G80
The G84-generation BMW M3 is expected to be offered with an automatic transmission only, leaving the G80 as the definitive last M3 available with a true manual gearbox.
BMW M chief Frank Van Meel has previously confirmed that the era of manual-equipped M cars is coming to an end. North American buyers will receive a final manual M3 in the form of the M3 CS Handschalter, which combines the lightweight CS treatment with rear-wheel drive and a traditional gearbox for the first time. Australia will not receive that specific model.
What Australia currently offers is a six-speed manual paired with rear-wheel drive in the 353kW standard M3. That is the car. When G80 production ends, that powertrain combination ends with it.
For buyers who place significant value on driver engagement through a proper manual transmission, the current G80 M3 is not just the best option available now. It is the last opportunity in the M3 lineage to own that combination from the factory.
What It Costs to Act Now
The Australian BMW M3 in six-speed manual rear-wheel drive specification is positioned at the entry point of the M3 range, with the Competition and CS commands occupying higher price territory. Pricing in the current market puts the standard M3 against rivals including the Mercedes-AMG C63, Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, and Kia EV6 GT in raw performance terms.
EOFY conditions in June typically create opportunity to negotiate on stock units across most premium brands. The M3 is no exception. Dealers who know the model's production clock is ticking may be motivated to move stock that would otherwise sit as the model transitions out.
The electric M3 will feature simulated transmission behaviour, with paddle shifters and power delivery programming designed to mimic a traditional gearbox feel. How convincingly it replicates the experience of a real manual through a corner is an open question. The answer will not exist until the car arrives. For buyers who do not want to find out, the G80 M3 manual is the answer that already exists, and exists for only a few more months.
Carseekers can help you understand pricing across BMW M3 stock and what alternatives exist if you are working within a specific budget window before end of financial year.
Considering finance for your next car? Loanseekers can help you explore car loan options.
The finer details
Your questions answered.
When does BMW M3 G80 production end?
The current G80-generation BMW M3 is reported to wrap production in February 2027. BMW has not formally confirmed the timeline, but the schedule is consistent with known factory retooling plans at BMW's Dingolfing facility. After production ends, there will be an approximately 18-month gap before the next petrol M3 enters production.
Will the next BMW M3 have a manual gearbox?
No. The G84-generation BMW M3 is expected to be automatic-only, making the current G80 the last M3 generation to offer a traditional manual transmission. BMW M chief Frank Van Meel has confirmed that manual-equipped M cars are being phased out. North America will receive a final M3 CS Handschalter model, but Australia is not included.
Is there a BMW M3 electric version coming to Australia?
Yes. BMW is developing an electric M3 based on the i3 EV platform that has already been revealed. Production of the electric M3 is expected to begin in 2027, before the petrol replacement model. The electric M3 will feature simulated transmission behaviour with paddle shifters designed to mimic a traditional gearbox feel.
How long before a new BMW M3 arrives in Australia after the G80 ends?
The gap between the G80's production end in February 2027 and the start of the petrol G84's production is approximately 18 months. Adding typical Australian delivery lead times of several months, buyers may not see the combustion G84 M3 in Australian showrooms until mid-to-late 2029 at the earliest. The electric version would likely arrive before the petrol replacement.
Is now a good time to buy a BMW M3 in Australia?
EOFY conditions in June 2026 create an opportunity to negotiate on existing G80 stock. The model's approaching production end means the window for purchasing a six-speed manual M3 new from BMW is closing. Buyers who want a manual M3 should act within the current model year rather than waiting, as no manual will be available in the next generation.
What are the alternatives to the BMW M3 in Australia in 2026?
Key rivals to the BMW M3 in Australia include the Mercedes-AMG C63, which has moved to a four-cylinder PHEV powertrain, and the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio with its naturally aspirated V6. For buyers open to electric performance, the Kia EV6 GT offers comparable straight-line speed at a significantly lower price point. None currently offer a manual gearbox in performance sedan form.
