2025 BMW Z4 M40i | Handschalter Has Arrived!

Handschalter. Excuse my poor pronunciation but that’s supposed to be German for manual switch or more appropriately here, hand shift. It’s also the name BMW has given to the new manual transmission package available for the first time on the Z4 M40i – the highest performing Z4 in the 2-model range – the one with the turbocharged inline 6. Priced at $3,500 and replacing the 8-speed auto, this 6-speed, specifically tuned for the Z4’s engine characteristics, brings a 3rd pedal to the party and a slick shifting, mechanical linkage to the 3.0-liter engine. Additionally, it bundles in M Sport brakes and a bit more.

MSRP as-tested: $78,200

About TestDriveNow:

2025 BMW Z4 M40i

TestDriveNow

[goldpony]

Creative camera angle mounting the gopro on the outside of the car at 3:34! I still watch all of your reviews. Well done sir!

[thismanagain]

You're a good example that you CAN review a vehicle in about 5mins! Nice car BTW.

[jazzjokesjalopies]

Still enjoy my 2003 z4 manual with straight 6. Reliable fun. 😊

[michaelgarvin]

A BMW with a 6 speed manual and a nice sound!! A good review Steve 👍👍

[luvhuangwen]

Gotta love that stick and real sound, in the world of EV

[kennethjackson]

I’ve driven the auto… and it was an amazing roadster…. Can’t imagine how good the manual version is!!! 😊

[cristianoveglio]

I got the M40i automatic for Christmas, I'm really happy!

[kencoleman]

Always love your take, Steve, along with such great camera work and driving footage. You are THE ONE YouTuber whose videos I wish lasted longer!
😁🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🏅

[kencoleman]

Even with its compromises, this is THE ONE that makes me want to go crazy and raid my retirement to possess! You can't put a price on happiness, but now I know what pure, unadulterated joy would cost me. 😁
🌞 💙 🤍 ✨️ ✨️ ✨️ ✨️

[joachimlotz]

Hey Steve, good speaking german... 😉👍I know it's a long time ago 😜

[Jasonv]

My 2009 BMW 128i convertible with 117, 500 miles is fun to drive, although I wish it was a manual. I won’t say it’s totally reliable but hopefully I have fixed all the major issues so far. BTW, there should be a class action lawsuit over the transmissions. When manufacturers don’t want you to change the transmission fluid because it’s supposed to last the life of the car and it has issues before 100K miles that’s a huge problem. I ended up putting Lubeguard Instant Shudder Fix in the transmission it has fixed it for the most part.

[jkoysza]

Mercifully, BMW did not try to apply that obscene large grille to it. The Z4 is a sharp car externally and with the manual shift it would be great fun.

[DavidSchleifstein]

I wasn't originally a fan of how large the latest Z4 has become, but I have to admit that seeing it in this color combo and hearing that B58 engine growl definitely does it for me. Now the hypothetical question would be San Remo Green or Frozen Deep Green? Hmm... 🤔

[Acejustforalaugh]

You need a little more fineness in your shifting your gears. 😊

[svenreil]

The Matte Green is not exclusive, you can have it with the regular Z4 M40i, it is included to the Handschalter without paying extra.

[InvestBetter.]

This car for enthusiasts is all about where you are coming from
I own a C7 Z06 7-speed, so this would be a major step down for me
If you are driving enthusiast in a Toyota 86 or GTI, this is a worthy step up.
Glad BMW is still offering manuals, but it seems Toyota adding one to the Supra forced their hand

[tallen]

Just how I'd want it, save for the paint. Green? Absolutely! Matte? No.

Although I wish it could be had with a tan soft top!

[superioraddo]

Wow that’s cool but it’s sit very low I think

[carlos]

It is a Z(ed) 4 not C4… 😂 the later is a Corvette…

[Digiphex]

Matte green is the worst exterior I think I have ever seen on any car. On the positive side, the display looks far better than the current lineup of BMW with a giant cheap screen tossed up on the dash with a stand on the back. Compared to a Boxter it is very overstyled though.