“I can’t wait for these to hit the used market in a few years,” was my initial thought, reveling in the smooth upshifts of the new BMW Z4 M40i. However, reality quickly set in. The manual-equipped 2025 Z4 M40i isn’t likely to depreciate into my price range anytime soon. In fact, it’s poised to become a sought-after future classic, making its current value a potential investment in driving pleasure.
The current generation Z4 initially received a mixed reception. Early reviews highlighted its enjoyable driving dynamics, but opinions were divided on its aesthetics, and many considered it pricey. Enthusiasts yearned for a manual transmission, recognizing the chassis and powertrain’s potential for engaging driving. However, with Z4 sales figures lagging and rumors of discontinuation circulating early in its life cycle, a manual option seemed improbable. Until BMW surprised everyone.
When BMW announced the manual transmission for the Z4 M40i, a personal favorite among modern BMWs, I was ecstatic. I anticipated a fantastic driving experience, but what I discovered was even better: the 2025 BMW Z4 M40i with a manual gearbox is arguably the best BMW you can buy today.
The Basics: Z4 and Supra Synergy
The BMW Z4 shares its foundation with the Toyota GR Supra, a result of a collaborative effort between the two automakers. While not simply a convertible Supra, the Z4 M40i shares the same chassis and powertrain as the Supra 3.0, albeit with distinct BMW-tuned steering and suspension. Recent mid-cycle updates to both models have further accentuated the unique driving characteristics of each.
Despite its Life Cycle Impulse (LCI), the Z4’s exterior remains largely unchanged. It retains its distinctive insect-like headlights, elongated hood, prominent kidney grilles, and truncated rear. While subjective, in a BMW lineup increasingly characterized by polarizing designs, the Z4 stands out as a relatively handsome and unique offering, especially appealing in the optional Frozen Deep Green metallic paint, though personally, Thundernight Metallic purple would be my preferred choice.
Inside, the Z4’s cabin is a refreshing reminder of BMW’s past strengths in interior design. It’s a straightforward, functional space prioritizing driver engagement over technological gimmicks. All essential controls are intuitively placed and easily accessible. The seats are both comfortable for long journeys and supportive during spirited driving. The overall build quality exudes durability, promising years of rattle-free enjoyment. The Cognac and black two-tone interior of the test car complemented the exterior paint beautifully.
Driving the BMW Z4 M40i MT: A Masterclass in Engagement
The driving experience of the Z4 M40i manual is where BMW’s engineering prowess truly shines. The B58 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine is a benchmark powerplant – effortlessly powerful, remarkably smooth, and producing a delightful mechanical soundtrack, amplified in the open-top Z4. While the B58’s excellence is well-established, the manual transmission is the revelation here. Historically, BMW manuals have been criticized for their rubbery feel and vague shifts. While the clutch in the Z4 retains a somewhat springy character, the gear shifts are significantly improved, offering a more precise and engaging experience than previous BMW manuals I’ve encountered. The combination of the B58 and the manual gearbox is simply exhilarating.
Driving a lightweight, two-seat convertible with a potent six-cylinder engine, three pedals, and a manual shifter is a pure joy, and the Z4 M40i excels in this formula. The steering, while still slightly lacking in ultimate feedback, is well-weighted, and the front end response is impressively sharp. The car’s compact dimensions and the sensation of sitting directly over the rear axle create an incredibly connected driving experience, allowing you to feel every nuance of the car’s movements. While other excellent convertible sports cars exist, the Z4 M40i possesses a unique, almost old-school hot-rod character, capable of easily breaking rear-wheel traction on demand.
The Z4’s suspension also deserves high praise. My preferred driving mode, a customized Individual setting with Comfort suspension and Sport settings for other parameters, proved ideal for diverse driving conditions. Despite its low stance and large 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, the Z4 delivers a surprisingly comfortable ride, even on rough road surfaces.
Even with the soft top up during heavy rain, the Z4 remains a pleasant space. During an unexpected torrential downpour on a long drive home, the Z4’s sound insulation proved surprisingly effective, allowing for comfortable cruising while enjoying podcasts via Apple CarPlay.
Highs and Lows: Balancing the Appeal
One of the Z4 M40i’s significant strengths is its addictive power delivery. BMW claims a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds for the manual version (3.9 seconds for the automatic), but the numbers are secondary to the visceral experience. The car delivers strong acceleration, accompanied by a fantastic engine note, all while offering the satisfaction of manual gear changes. Beyond performance, the Z4 is also a refined convertible. The power-operated soft top retracts in a quick 10 seconds and can be operated at speeds up to 30 mph. Wind noise with the top down and windows up is minimal, making highway cruising enjoyable. The trunk space is also surprisingly generous for a compact convertible.
However, some minor drawbacks exist. The digital instrument cluster remains a point of contention. It’s criticized for being both visually unappealing and functionally confusing, a trait shared with some of BMW’s newer digital displays. The clutch, while improved, still exhibits a somewhat vague engagement point and excessive springback. However, after driving both the manual Supra and the Z4, acclimation is possible. Price is another factor. At an as-tested price of $77,470, the Z4 M40i is pricier than more powerful and faster competitors like the BMW M2, Chevrolet Corvette, and Ford Mustang Dark Horse.
Features, Options, and Competition: Navigating the Market
The Z4 M40i comes well-equipped as standard, befitting its top-tier status in the Z4 range. Adaptive suspension, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and an M Sport rear differential are all included. The base price for the four-cylinder Z4 sDrive30i starts at $54,595.
Being a BMW, optional extras are plentiful and can quickly inflate the price. The Frozen Deep Green metallic paint adds $2,950, the Premium Package is $1,250, and even a wireless charging pad is a $200 option. Crucially, the manual transmission is bundled within the $3,500 “Handschalter Package.”
In the premium, rear-wheel-drive, two-seat roadster segment, the Z4’s competition is limited. Key rivals include the Porsche 718 Boxster and Chevrolet Corvette Convertible. The Boxster starts at a higher price point and comes standard with a four-cylinder engine. The Corvette Convertible, while also starting pricier than a base Z4 M40i, does not offer a manual transmission. For those seeking a traditional front-engine roadster experience, the Z4 stands out as a compelling choice. While the Mazda MX-5 offers a more affordable alternative, it compromises on performance and luxury.
Fuel Economy: Surprisingly Efficient
Sports cars like the Z4 are often weekend toys rather than daily commuters. However, fuel efficiency remains a consideration. The BMW Z4 M40i manual achieves surprisingly respectable EPA fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, outperforming both the Boxster and Corvette in official figures. Real-world driving may yield slightly lower figures, as observed during the test drive.
Value and Verdict: A Future Classic in the Making
Objectively, the Z4 M40i might not be the most pragmatic value proposition in its segment. For similar money, the Porsche Boxster offers arguably superior sports car performance. However, purchasing a Z4 is often an emotional decision driven by personal preference. And if the Z4 resonates with you, its on-paper value becomes less relevant. Furthermore, considering the automotive landscape’s shift towards electrification, the Z4 M40i manual presents a potentially strong case for future appreciation. Manual, rear-wheel-drive sports cars are likely to become increasingly desirable among enthusiasts in the used market as electric and hybrid vehicles dominate new car sales. The Z4, with its convertible top, adds another layer of appeal. The 2025 BMW Z4 M40i possesses all the hallmarks of a future classic, a car that will evoke admiration from car enthusiasts for years to come.
Even in the present, the 2025 BMW Z4 manual is an exceptional sports car. It delivers a uniquely engaging driving experience, arguably the best in the current BMW lineup and a worthy successor to BMW’s driving legacy, rivaling even the acclaimed M5 CS in terms of driver involvement and sheer enjoyment.
| 2025 BMW Z4 M40i “Handschalter Package” Specs |
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| Base Price (as tested) |
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| EPA Fuel Economy |
| Quick Take |
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