2025 BMW Z4 M40i Handschalter
Photography: David Lewis Taylor
If you don’t know how to drive a manual, my advice is simple: Go learn. There’s a special joy in shifting through the gears—a sensation every driving enthusiast should experience. I’m fortunate to have that thrill in the 2025 BMW Z4 M40i ‘Handschalter’ (German for ‘hand shift’). I put my Z4 M40i with its 6-speed manual to the test on the winding roads of CA-1, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, heading toward the majestic redwoods and Andrew Molera State Park, and Pfeiffer Beach some of the best hiking trails in the country.
The pairing of the 6-speed manual gearbox with BMW’s 382-hp TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine is a match made in heaven. It’s at the core of an enticing package that underscores the Z4 M40i’s dedication to delivering an exhilarating, open-top driving experience. This manual-equipped beauty can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, reaching an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. But honestly, I was far too immersed in the pure joy of the drive to check the numbers. All I know is that I was having far too much fun.
The precise control you feel with each shift enhances the dynamic performance of this roadster. The responsiveness of the manual transmission offers a connection to the car that’s hard to find in modern automatics. On the winding roads, the Z4 M40i felt alive—eager to tackle each curve while effortlessly blending power and grace. The freedom of driving this manual, with the top down and the engine roaring, is simply unmatched.
Let’s talk more specifics: the Z4 M40i, regardless of gearbox choice, comes equipped with impressive standard features like variable sport steering, M Sport brakes, an M Sport differential at the rear axle, and adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers. However, opting for the manual gearbox adds another layer of refinement with unique chassis tuning that sharpens the car’s responses and elevates the overall driving experience on winding roads.
This exclusive chassis technology for the manual model includes specially designed auxiliary springs at both the front and rear axles, along with a reinforced anti-roll bar in the front. Additionally, the electronic control mapping for the rear dampers and the software governing the variable sport steering have been recalibrated. The traction control system and M Sport differential also feature model-specific control logic, ensuring that the manual version delivers a driving experience that is truly a cut above.
Let’s talk more specifics: the Z4 M40i, regardless of gearbox choice, comes equipped with impressive standard features like variable sport steering, M Sport brakes, an M Sport differential at the rear axle, and adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers. However, opting for the manual gearbox adds another layer of refinement with unique chassis tuning that sharpens the car’s responses and elevates the overall driving experience on winding roads.
This exclusive chassis technology for the manual model includes specially designed auxiliary springs at both the front and rear axles, along with a reinforced anti-roll bar in the front. Additionally, the electronic control mapping for the rear dampers and the software governing the variable sport steering have been recalibrated. The traction control system and M Sport differential also feature model-specific control logic, ensuring that the manual version delivers a driving experience that is truly a cut above.
For the first time, the Z4 M40i equipped with the manual gearbox comes with staggered-size wheels and tires. The new bi-color M light-alloy wheels, featuring a double-spoke design, measure 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear. Previously reserved for high-performance BMW M models, this setup ensures optimal power transfer to the road while delivering progressive and predictable lateral force transmission during hard cornering.
BMW’s history of roadsters is deeply rooted in a passion for sporty driving pleasure and racing success. This legacy stretches back to the company’s earliest days as a carmaker and continues today with the modern BMW Z4, where tradition meets cutting-edge performance. Build your own.
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