2025 BMW Z4 M40i 6-Speed

The history of roadsters from BMW is built on a passion for sporty driving pleasure and success on the race track. It stretches all the way back to the company’s earliest days as a carmaker and endures in modern form in the shape of the BMW Z4.

An inline 6-cylinder engine, manual gearbox, and rear-wheel drive defined the driving experience in the original BMW 328, which capped its debut public appearance in 1936 with victory in the Eifelrennen race at the Nürburgring. In later generations, evolutions of this arrangement have continued to power the brand’s roadsters; the BMW Z1, which was unveiled in 1987 after being developed as an innovation testbed by BMW Technik, and the BMW Z3 presented in 1995. And the first two generations of the BMW Z4 also embodied the same recipe for delivering exhilarating driving pleasure under open skies.

A classic combination: six cylinders and a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The 3-liter unit in the BMW Z4 M40i owes its free-revving performance, instantaneous power delivery, and silky smoothness to the latest M TwinPower Turbo technology. With 382 hp on tap between 5,800 and 6,500 rpm, and of 369 lb-ft of torque available between 1,800 and 5,000 rpm, the engine generates impressive acceleration throughout the rev range.

Now, in addition to the familiar 8-speed Steptronic transmission, the task of transmitting that power to the road can be handled by a 6-speed manual gearbox developed specifically for the BMW Z4 M40i. It is a BMW modular transmission that has been modified for the B58B30O1 engine’s output, incorporating M-specific components for the gear set and shafts. The outer shift mechanism comprising the shift lever, its guide, and the connection to the transmission, has been specially engineered for use in the BMW Z4 M40i and delivers the mechanical feel for which BMW manuals have been praised. The direct flow of power between engine and transmission combined with the driver’s central involvement in gear changes reinforces the visceral bond between driver and vehicle. A precisely defined shift action enables the gears to be changed swiftly and intuitively.

The manual-equipped BMW Z4 M40i can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph.

Refined chassis tuning, mixed-size wheels for the first time on the BMW Z4.

Variable sport steering, M Sport brakes, an M Sport differential at the rear axle, and adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers all remain standard equipment on the Z4 M40i regardless of the gearbox chosen. However, those who opt for the manual gearbox benefit from unique chassis tuning intended to sharpen responses and elevate the overall driving experience. Exclusive chassis technology created for the manual option includes unique auxiliary springs at the front and rear axles and a specially reinforced anti-roll bar clamp fitted at the front. Both the mapping for electronic control of the rear dampers and the software for the variable sport steering have been reconfigured. Finally, the traction control and M Sport differential incorporate model-specific control logic.

For the first time, staggered-size wheels and tires are fitted to the Z4 M40i when the manual gearbox is chosen. The new bi-color M light-alloy wheels in a double-spoke design measure 19 inches at the front axle and 20 inches at the rear. Previously reserved for high-performance models from BMW M GmbH, this setup enables optimum transfer of drive power to the road while providing a progressive and predictable transmission of lateral forces in hard cornering.

Individual colors and trim set the special edition Z4 apart.

In addition to the manual gearbox, the refined chassis tuning, and the combination of 19-inch and 20-inch M light-alloy wheels, the “Handschalter” package also adds distinct design features to the exterior of the BMW Z4 M40i as part of the deal. They include Extended Shadowline black high-gloss exterior trim on the exterior mirror caps, badging, and specially designed flaps for managing the airflow around the rear wheel arches, as well as red callipers for the M Sport brakes.

Included in the price of the package is the customer’s choice of metallic paints including San Remo Green metallic, which is offered only on the manual version. Also available exclusively on the manual-equipped Z4 M40i is BMW Individual Frozen Deep Green metallic, offered at a special package price.

Inside, customers who opt for the manual transmission can also choose from five shades of  Vernasca leather upholstery at no additional charge, including Cognac with unique black M piping complemented by interior trim in black high-gloss. Black Alcantara combined with Black Vernasca leather with blue contrast stitching is also available as part of the package.

Package contents:

• 6-speed manual transmission
• Vernasca leather upholstery in choice of five shades
  • Cognac/Black with Black M piping unique to manual version
  • Black Alcantara / Black Vernasca leather combination or Black SensaTec also available
• Metallic paint in choice of seven shades or Alpine White non-metallic
  • San Remo Green metallic only available on manual transmission version
  • Exclusive BMW Individual Frozen Deep Green metallic available for $2,950
• 19-inch front / 20-inch rear wheel and tire packgae
• Extended Shadowline trim and mirror caps in black high-gloss
• Unique chassis tuning

Base MSRP for Z4 M40i $65,300, plus $995 destination (2023)
Package MSRP:  $3,500

The M Sport Package now standard on the Z4 sDrive30i includes design elements that emphasize roadster’s width and powerful stance. They include the three-section air intakes in the front apron familiar from other M models, distinctive side-sill contouring and a rear apron with bold edging at either side. The side air intakes – which guide the oncoming air to the air curtains, reducing turbulence in the wheel arches – have been restyled. And detail updates have been made to the design of the BMW kidney grille, with a horizontal inner structure adding to the impression of width at the front.

Exclusive 19-inch M light-alloy wheels, three new exterior colors.

Newly optional are 19-inch M light-alloy wheels designed exclusively for the BMW Z4. The V-spoke design, Jet Black matte finish and diamond polished rim edge are at once striking and sophisticated. The 19-inch M light-alloy wheels are fitted with 255/35 ZR19 tires at the front and 275/35 ZR19 tire at the rear.

The range of optional exterior paint finishes for the BMW Z4 has been revised, and now includes Thundernight metallic, Portimao Blue metallic, and Skyscraper Grey metallic for the first time.

Also new to the options list are the M Shadowline Lights, which may be specified with the optional Adaptive LED Headlights. The headlights’ dark inserts imbue the front of the Z4 with a discreetly sporting aura and compliment the optional Extended Shadowline Trim.

Classical sports car cockpit with M-specific touches.

The design of the BMW Z4 interior is defined by a driver-focused cockpit layout, sport seats with integral head restraints, clear, forward-facing lines, and minimal decorative surfaces. With the addition of the M Sport Package as standard, the interior of the BMW Z4 sDrive30i now includes an M leather steering wheel, M Sport seats, M pedals, an M driver’s footrest, and a dashboard upholstered in SensaTec.

Specifications. (2023)