In a surprising move to cater to automotive enthusiasts, BMW has announced a significant update to its Z4 roadster lineup for the 2025 model year. The iconic BMW Z4 M40i, the Company’s sole true roadster, is set to revive the manual transmission, a feature that had been absent in recent years.
This decision follows the successful integration of a manual option in the Toyota Supra, a sibling model sharing the same platform and power plants with the Z4. Despite the modest sales figures of the Z4, with only 1883 units sold in 2023, BMW aims to inject a sense of fun and driver engagement into the roadster, showcasing its commitment to the enthusiast community.
Performance Upgrades and Model-Specific Transmission
Under the hood, the 2025 BMW Z4 M40i will boast a powerful 382-horsepower turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The headline, however, is the introduction of a 6-speed manual transmission tailored specifically for the roadster. BMW emphasizes that this manual gearbox is optimized for the Z4, featuring a model-specific design to enhance the driving experience.
Despite a slight compromise in drag times, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds (0.3 seconds slower than the automatic counterpart), the manual option is expected to resonate with driving enthusiasts who value the tactile connection with their vehicle.
BMW CEO Reveals 2025 BMW Z4 M40i Shock The Entire Industry
Dynamic Changes and Pricing Details
Beyond the manual transmission, BMW is implementing dynamic changes to the Z4 for 2025. The Z4 M40i will adopt a staggered wheel setup, with 19-inch wheels at the front and 20 inches at the rear, accompanied by unique auxiliary springs and a reinforced anti-roll bar clamp. The curb weight of 3500 pounds is a reminder that the Z4 isn’t as feather-light as some of its predecessors but remains a testament to BMW’s commitment to the roadster legacy.
The revamped Z4 lineup maintains standard features such as variable sport steering, M Sport brakes, an M Sport differential, and adaptive M suspension. Exterior styling and interior appointments remain largely unchanged, with an option for manual transmission models to be customized with unique colors and leather trim. Referred to as the 2025 BMW Z4 M40i “Handschalter” (German for hand shift), the addition of the manual transmission comes with a price tag of an extra $3500.
While the official pricing for the 2025 BMW Z4 M40i has yet to be disclosed, based on the 2024 starting price of $67,295, prospective buyers can anticipate a figure north of $70,000 when the model hits the market in March. BMW’s dedication to preserving the driving experience, rooted in their historic roadster lineage, remains evident with the introduction of the manual transmission in the 2025 Z4 M40i.
