BMW has finally relented, and with the 2025 Z4 M40i, it will finally bring a manual gearbox to the table. The six-speed stick shift will be available in worldwide from March 2024, and will be offered to North American customers too. With the “Handschalter” package (yup, that’s German for “hand shift”), owners will be treated to other unique elements, including different suspension settings, wheels, paint colors, and interior trims.
They say it’s better late than never, and for lovers of the row-your-own gearbox option, the manual Z4 has taken its sweet time to come to fruition — five years since the G29 Z4 first launched and two years after Toyota introduced it to the BMW’s Supra cousin.
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As you’d expect, the manual gearbox is slower to accelerate than the eight-speed automatic. But with the manual doing the 60 mph (96 km/h) sprint in 4.2 seconds versus the 3.9 seconds it takes for the auto, we doubt anyone is going to be complaining.
Top speed remains limited to 155 mph (249 km/h) from the 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six engine. Power and torque remain the same, too, with the Z4 M40i producing 382 hp (387 PS / 285 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm), respectively.
But BMW is making a lot of noise over how their engineering team has made sure that this transmission is perfectly suited to the Z4, delivering the “mechanical feel for which BMW manuals have been praised,” with M-specific parts used in its construction — interpret that as the company making it clear that this isn’t a clone of the Supra’s manual ‘box.
However, gone are the days of the automatic box being the more expensive option. Now, to have the privilege of deciding which gear your new Z4 is in, you’ll have to fork out an extra $3,500. Additionally, it’ll only be available on the six-cylinder M40i. The entry-level Z4 sDrive30i will remain auto-only in North America.
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Still, at least you’re getting more than just a manual transmission for your money. Those who opt for the six-speed manual Z4 will get unique chassis tuning as a reward for choosing three pedals over two. This comprises model-specific programming for the traction control and differential, unique auxiliary springs front and rear, a reinforced anti-roll bar clamp, and reconfigured damper and sport steering settings.
On both the visual and performance side of things, ticking the manual gearbox option will also add staggered-sized rims, a first for the Z4. The bi-color M-light alloys are 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear, which should have a discernable impact on the car’s handling.
Having the 2025 BMW Z4 M40i with the “handschalter” also grants you access to a choice of metallic paint at no extra cost. The San Remo Green metallic and Frozen Deep Green metallic paint options will only be available for the six-speed manual, the latter at a $2,950 premium. Complimenting the paintwork are red brake calipers and extended Shadowline — or, in other words, trim accents with high-gloss black.
Finally, the manual package includes an interior upgrade, with the ability to ditch the synthetic Sensatec leather for the real-deal Vernasca cowhide at no extra cost. There are five shades to choose from, plus an Alcantara and leather option.
