BMW surprised and delighted its hardcore U.S. fans with the M3 CS Handschalter, combining performance-oriented goodies like titanium exhaust parts and carbon-ceramic brakes with a genuine three-pedal setup and manual gearbox. Ever since the E36 M3, North America hasn’t often received special M3 variants, but this CS model flipped the script, being only available on this side of the Atlantic.

Add in the manual transmissions available in the rowdy old V-10-powered M5 and M6, and there is some exciting precedent here. Munich’s product planners are nothing if not logical, but when it comes to either high performance or ultra-luxury, they are willing to bend the rules a little. The U.S. being such a large and important market for M cars, BMW is willing to listen to its customers a little more seriously.

The M5 Touring’s Success

Speaking to Michael Keller, BMW NA’s VP of product management, Bimmerlife.com posed a question about how the M5 Touring’s success might affect future product decisions. At the time of writing, the wagon variant of the M5 has a nearly 50/50 take rate compared to the sedan. That is a remarkable figure for a body style that many automakers have declared dead in North America.

If BMW is willing to give U.S. M customers manual transmissions, could there also be something in the works for wagon enthusiasts?

“We are seeing continuous demand,” Keller replied. “We also saw customers petitioning on M3 Touring, bringing it to the U.S. There is momentum in the market.”

What This Means for the Future

Keller hedged his bets, noting that these are indications for further internal discussion, not trends that BMW intends to chase after. However, he did add: “We will look into Touring concepts where it makes sense for the U.S. market, because at the moment we are quite happy with the M5.”

That is not a confirmation. But it is also not a denial.

Mainstream wagon offerings are not likely to return to the U.S. in the near future. The closest might be the new Audi Allroad, bound for these shores next year. However, when it comes to performance, Mercedes-AMG has long found success with the E63 wagon on U.S. soil, and the RS6 Avant has also received a warm welcome.

These are bigger wagons, more in line with the M5 Touring already. But BMW has a history of producing 3-series wagon variants, and there are plenty of fans who would jump at the chance for an M3 Touring over an X3M.

The M3 Touring Question

Don’t expect an M3 Touring Handschalter; let’s not get greedy, but a fast 3-series wagon in the U.S. market clearly is not completely out of the question.

The success of the M5 Touring has opened a door. The customer petition for the M3 Touring has proven that demand exists. And BMW’s willingness to bring the M3 CS Handschalter exclusively to North America shows that the brand is paying attention to what its enthusiasts actually want.

Model Take Rate Status

M5 Touring ~50% Available now, exceeded expectations

M3 Touring Unknown Under consideration, customer petition exists

M3 CS Handschalter N/A Exclusive to North America

BMW is listening. The M5 Touring’s success has proven that American buyers are not afraid of wagons; they just want them to be fast, luxurious, and fun to drive. The M3 Touring would check all those boxes.

Nothing is confirmed. But the fact that BMW is even talking about it is a win for wagon enthusiasts everywhere.