650HP And Pure Madness: Inside The BMW M2 CS Stage 3’s Savage Transformation

The 2020 BMW M2 CS is a statement of power and precision in a compact package. A love letter to purists, a middle finger to compromise, and a machine that stands as one of the last truly analog sports cars in an era increasingly dominated by electrification and digital detachment. 

But when equipped with the elusive Stage 3 Package, the M2 CS transforms from a brilliant driver’s car into something approaching automotive nirvana. This is the story of a car that doesn’t just push boundaries; it obliterates them.

Consider this a rapturous reminder of what the M2 CS Stage 3 Pkg is, what it means, and where to get it right now.

What Is Stage 3 Package In BMW M2 CS?

The Stage 3 M2 CS is the ultimate evolution of BMW’s compact monster, born from tuners exploiting the S55 engine’s hidden potential. The term "Stage 3" originated in the aftermarket world, defining builds with hybrid turbos, forged internals, and full fueling/cooling overhauls, pushing 600-700HP while retaining street manners. 

Early adopters like G-Power and Manhart proved the S55 could handle extreme power, but WG Motorworks and DME Tuning refined it into turnkey packages. 

The M2 CS, with its factory carbon roof and adaptive suspension, became the perfect donor; light, rigid, and begging for more. Today, Stage 3 represents the last raw, turbocharged M car before electrification takes over.

The 2020 BMW M2 CS itself is a high-performance, limited-edition model, but there isn't an official "Stage 3 Package" from BMW for it. However, aftermarket tuning companies offer Stage 3 tuning packages for the BMW M2 Competition, which shares the same S55 engine as the M2 CS. 

For example, WG Motorworks provides a Stage 3 tuning package that boosts the M2 Competition to 650HP, including upgrades like hybrid turbochargers, ECU tuning, charge coolers, and exhaust modifications. 

The Heart Of the Beast: S55 Power And Stage 3 Enhancements  

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The WG Motorworks Stage 3 Package for the BMW M2 Competition is a no-compromise, track-focused assault on the limits of the S55 engine.

At the core of the M2 CS lies BMW’s revered S55 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six, borrowed from the F80 M3/M4 but massaged to deliver 444 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque in factory spec. That alone is enough to make it a legend, but the Stage 3 Package elevates it to near-mythical status.  

The Stage 3 treatment typically includes an upgraded turbocharger setup, high-flow fuel injectors, a reinforced cooling system, and a full titanium Akrapovič exhaust. The result is typically a staggering 550+ horsepower with torque figures cresting 500 lb-ft, all while maintaining BMW’s exacting reliability standards. 

The turbos spool with near-instantaneous response, eliminating traditional turbo lag and delivering a relentless surge of power from 3,000 RPM all the way to the 7,600 RPM redline.  

The WG Motorworks Stage 3 Package for the BMW M2 Competition is a no-compromise, track-focused assault on the limits of the S55 engine. 

At its core lies a custom hybrid turbocharger setup, paired with forged internals (rods, pistons, and crankshaft) to handle the relentless 650HP and 550 lb-ft of torque. A high-capacity fuel system (including upgraded injectors and LPFP) ensures precise delivery, while a full titanium Valvetronic exhaust eliminates backpressure and shaves weight. 

Cooling is critical, so WG integrates an enhanced CSF radiator, auxiliary oil cooler, and charge air interchiller to combat heat soak. The ECU is recalibrated via BM3 or MHD software, sharpening throttle response and optimizing boost curves. 

A carbon-fiber driveshaft and Drexler LSD put power down efficiently, while KW Clubsport 3-way coilovers and monoball bushings transform the chassis into a razor-sharp weapon. This is more engineering brutality than just tuning.

The soundtrack is equally intoxicating. The Akrapovič system ditches the factory mufflers in favor of a lighter, freer-flowing arrangement that unleashes a symphony of mechanical fury, crackling overrun on downshifts, a deep, metallic growl under load, and an ear-splitting wail at full throttle. 

2020 BMW M2 CS Stage 3 Chassis And Suspension: Rigidity Meets Agility  

The M2 CS was already a chassis virtuoso, but the Stage 3 Package takes it further with adjustable Öhlins coilovers, reinforced monoball bushings, and a carbon-fiber strut brace. The suspension tuning is telepathic, offering razor-sharp turn-in while maintaining just enough compliance to keep the car planted over rough surfaces.  

The adaptive dampers, now recalibrated for Stage 3 duty, provide three distinct modes—Comfort, Sport, and Track—but even the softest setting is noticeably more aggressive than stock. 

Switch to Track, and the M2 CS hunkers down, transforming into a track weapon that feels like it’s on rails. The steering, already one of the best hydraulic setups in modern BMWs, becomes even more direct, with weighting that’s heavy but never numb.  

Then there’s the braking system. The standard M2 CS comes with iron rotors and six-piston calipers up front, but the Stage 3 cars often upgrade to carbon-ceramic discs for reduced unsprung weight and fade-free performance. 

The pedal feel is firm, progressive, and perfectly modulated. No vague initial bite. Just immediate, confidence-inspiring stopping power.  

2020 M2 CS Stage 3 Transmission: The Last Stand Of the Manual (And A DCT That Shifts Like Lightning)  

One of the M2 CS’s greatest strengths is that BMW offered it with both a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). 

The manual is a delight; a precise, mechanical linkage with a short throw and a clutch that’s heavy but communicative. It’s a dying breed, and in Stage 3 guise, it feels even more special, with a revised flywheel and reinforced synchros to handle the extra power.  

But the DCT is where things get truly brutal. In its most aggressive setting, shifts are sub-100-millisecond quick, slamming through gears with the ferocity of a race car. The transmission software is recalibrated in Stage 3 to hold gears longer, downshift more aggressively, and resist the factory’s tendency to upshift prematurely. The result is a gearbox that feels alive and anticipating your every move.  

Aerodynamics And Weight Reduction: Form Follows Function  

The 2020 M2 CS was already more aggressive than the standard M2 Competition, with a carbon-fiber roof, hood, and rear spoiler shaving weight while improving aerodynamics. 

The Stage 3 Package takes this further, often adding a larger front splitter, a Gurney flap on the rear wing, and underbody diffusers to increase downforce without resorting to excessive drag.  

Inside, the rear seats can be deleted (a common Stage 3 option), shedding an additional 50+ pounds and shifting the weight distribution even further toward the ideal 50:50 balance. The cabin remains driver-focused, with M Sport bucket seats wrapped in Alcantara, a thick-rimmed steering wheel, and a no-nonsense digital instrument cluster.

2020 M2 CS Stage 3 Driving Experience: Pure, Unfiltered Joy  

The magic of the 2020 M2 CS with Stage 3 isn’t just in the numbers. It’s in how it makes you feel. The throttle response is instantaneous, the chassis rotates eagerly on lift-off oversteer, and the grip from the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires is tenacious. 

This is a car that begs to be driven hard, rewarding precision with unshakable poise and punishing sloppiness with a quick, but always controllable, snap of oversteer.  

On a winding back road, the M2 CS feels alive, communicating every nuance of the pavement through the seat, wheel, and pedals. 

On track, it’s even more devastating; a car that flatters amateur drivers while still having enough depth to challenge professionals. The balance is near-perfect, with just enough rear bias to make power slides accessible but not so much that it becomes unruly.  

Where To Get The 2020 BMW M2 CS Stage 3 Package

The M2 CS is already a masterpiece of precision engineering, but the aftermarket tuning world offers near-limitless potential for those who crave more—more power, sharper handling, and a more visceral driving experience. 

Among the elite names in BMW performance, WG Motorworks, Bulletproof Automotive, dAHLer Tuning, and DME Tuning bring unique approaches to unlocking the M2 CS’s full capabilities.  

1. WG Motorworks Stage 3: The Apex Of Forced Induction Mastery  

For those chasing uncompromising power, WG Motorworks’ Stage 3 package is the gold standard, transforming the M2 CS into a 650HP track monster. 

At the heart of this build is a custom hybrid turbo system, featuring billet compressor wheels and reinforced journal bearings to sustain relentless boost pressure. 

The forged internals (including Carrillo rods, Mahle pistons, and a balanced crankshaft) ensure the S55 can handle the increased stress, while a high-flow fuel system (upgraded DI injectors and a dual-fuel pump setup) prevents lean conditions under extreme loads.  

Thermal management is critical, so WG integrates a CSF triple-pass radiator, an auxiliary oil cooler, and an interchiller system to keep intake temps ice-cold even during extended track sessions. The ECU is remapped via BootMod3 or MHD, fine-tuning boost curves, ignition timing, and VANOS profiles for explosive response. 

To put this power down effectively, a Drexler limited-slip differential and a carbon-fiber driveshaft minimize drivetrain loss, while KW Clubsport 3-way coilovers and monoball control arm bushings ensure razor-sharp turn-in and mid-corner stability.

2. Bulletproof Automotive: The Carbon-Fiber And Aero Specialists  

Drivers who worship weight reduction and aerodynamic efficiency, Bulletproof Automotive delivers an obsessive focus on carbon fiber and track-ready enhancements. 

Their full aero package includes a Vorsteiner GTS front splitter, an M Performance-style rear diffuser, and a swan-neck rear wing for balanced downforce. Underneath, a Titan Motorsports titanium exhaust sheds weight while amplifying the S55’s snarl.  

Bulletproof Automotive is just as serious with suspension upgrades: Öhlins R&T coilovers with remote reservoirs offer adjustable damping for street and track, while Fall Line Motorsports monoball kits eliminate rubber bushings for telepathic steering feedback. 

For those chasing lap times, AP Racing Pro 5000R brakes with 6-piston calipers and J-hook rotors provide fade-free stopping power.

3. dAHLer Tuning: Plug-and-Play Power With European Refinement  

Swiss tuner dAHLer takes a more refined approach, offering a 510HP plug-and-play tune that retains OEM reliability while extracting serious performance. Their smartphone-adjustable ECU remap allows drivers to switch between stock and tuned profiles on the fly, optimizing for fuel quality or track use.  

dAHLer also offers a valved stainless-steel exhaust with a Bluetooth-controlled bypass, delivering a subdued tone for daily driving and a race-ready roar at the push of a button. 

For suspension, their H&R VTF adjustable springs maintain ride comfort while lowering the center of gravity for improved cornering.

4. DME Tuning: Precision ECU Optimization  

DME Tuning’s Stage 1 and 2 packages are ideal for those who want power without invasive modifications. Their OBD-II flash tunes push the M2 CS to 480HP (Stage 1) or 520HP (Stage 2) by optimizing boost pressure, fuel mapping, and throttle response. 

A high-flow air filter and catless downpipes are recommended for Stage 2 to unlock a more aggressive powerband and sharper turbo spool.  

DME’s software also includes launch control refinement, burble map customization, and top-speed limiter removal, making it a favorite for enthusiasts who want a factory-like experience with extra punch.  

Which Path Is Right For You?

• WG Motorworks is for the hardcore—those who demand race-spec power and chassis tweaks.  
• Bulletproof Automotive excels in lightweight aero and track-focused suspension.  
• dAHLer offers a balanced, tech-forward approach with smartphone tuning.  
• DME is the go-to for hassle-free ECU upgrades.  

No matter the choice, the M2 CS, in the right hands, can be transformed from a brilliant sports car into an absolute weapon. The only question is how far do you want to go?

2020 BMW M2 CS Stage 3 Package For Sale

Internet search return listings for used 2020 BMW M2 CS models without specifically mentioning a Stage 3 Package. That said, you can find M2 CS models for sale on platforms like Cars.com, Edmunds, and TrueCar. Prices range from $73,157 to $91,829, depending on mileage and condition. 

The WG Motorworks Stage 3 Package (650HP) costs £5,720–£8,100 (approximately $7,800–$11,000).

The best course of action for those searching for a Stage 3-tuned M2 CS is to check with performance tuning shops or private sellers who have modified their M2 CS. 

So, how much is the M2 CS Stage 3 Package?

Since BMW does not offer an official Stage 3 package, aftermarket tuners provide custom solutions that can range from $10,000 to $25,000 or more. 

For example, the WG Motorworks Stage 3 Package (650HP) costs £5,720–£8,100 (approximately $7,800–$11,000) (turbo exchange required).

For reference, the base price of the 2026 BMW M2 CS is $99,775, meaning a fully tuned Stage 3 version could push the total cost well beyond $120,000. If you're considering a Stage 3 build, you want to consult with reputable tuners to tailor the package to your performance goals.

2020 F87 M2 CS Legacy: The Last Of Its Kind?  

In an era where BMW is shifting toward hybrid powertrains and autonomous driving aids, the M2 CS with Stage 3 Package feels like a relic, a final, glorious celebration of internal combustion, manual transmissions, and unfiltered driver engagement. 

For those lucky enough to own one, the M2 CS Stage 3 is a time capsule. A reminder of what driving used to be, and what it still can be when engineers prioritize passion over pixels. It’s raw, it’s loud, it’s demanding, and it’s utterly magnificent.