The BMW Z4 M40i may soon be available with a six-speed manual transmission, according to unnamed sources.
BMW currently only offers the roadster with an 8-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels. It is a good transmission but BMW is thought to be bowing to pressure from the U.S. market in readying a stick shift for the flagship Z4.
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BMW Blog reports that the six-speed manual will arrive when BMW introduces a mild mid-life cycle update for the sports car later this year. The German automaker apparently has the impetus to offer the Z4 M40i with a manual now that the Toyota Supra 3.0, complete with the same chassis and engine, is offered with a six-speed.
Further details about the vehicle aren’t known but it could serve as a fitting send-off to the Z4 as it likely won’t survive beyond mid-2025 before being axed in favor of BMW’s planned fleet of electric vehicles.
As a reminder, the Z4 M40i is driven by a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine pumping out 382 hp and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque, all of which is sent to the rear wheels. While we’ve yet to put the manual Supra 3.0 through its paces, most reviews have been positive, noting that the inclusion of the six-speed adds to the overall experience of the car and makes it a far better driver’s car. A Z4 M40i with a manual would likely be just as fun to drive.
