Released in iRacing’s 2021 Season 3 build (June 8, 2021), the BMW M2 CSR marked the arrival of BMW’s compact sports coupe in a dedicated customer racing specification. Developed as part of BMW’s commitment to grassroots motorsport, the M2 CSR brought the balance of a club racing package to the sim, designed for accessibility, training, and close competition.
Under the hood, the M2 CSR runs a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six producing around 365 horsepower. With a curb weight of about 3,405 pounds, it offers plenty of speed for developing drivers while still maintaining forgiving handling traits. BMW Motorsport built the CSR package using lessons learned from the larger M4 GT4, adding FIA-approved safety equipment, a racing splitter and wing, and specially tuned ABS to deliver a true entry-level racer.
For iRacers, the BMW M2 CSR was a welcome addition because it slotted into the TCX class and the M2 CS Racing Cup, bridging the gap between road cars and higher-level GT4 machinery. It became instantly popular in grassroots leagues, track-day style events, and competitive club racing thanks to its stability, approachable learning curve, and wheel-to-wheel racing appeal.
As free base content, the M2 CSR was automatically added to every iRacing member’s garage upon release, ensuring all drivers could take it to the track from day one.
