If you love the thrill of shifting gears yourself, you’ll be happy to hear that the 2025 BMW Z4 M40i is finally available with a 6-speed manual transmission. This is the first time the current generation of the Z4, which debuted in 2019, offers a manual option for the US market. The manual gearbox is part of a special package called the Handschalter, which means “hand shift” in German. The package also includes unique chassis tuning, staggered wheels, exclusive colors, and interior trims. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what the Handschalter package offers and how it compares to other manual roadsters in the segment.
What is the Handschalter package?
The Handschalter package is a $3,500 option that can be added to the Z4 M40i, which is the top-of-the-line model in the Z4 lineup. The Z4 M40i is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine that produces 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The engine is the same as the one found in the Toyota GR Supra, which is the Z4’s platform sibling. However, after strong demand from enthusiasts, the Supra got a manual option a year earlier, in 2023.
The manual transmission in the Z4 M40i is the same as in the Supra, but BMW says that each car has different tuned linkages and bushings. The manual Z4 also has a different final drive ratio than the automatic version, which improves acceleration and responsiveness. According to BMW, the manual Z4 M40i can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, which is only 0.1 second slower than the automatic version.
But the Handschalter package is not just about the manual gearbox. It also comes with a number of performance and cosmetic enhancements that make the BMW Z4 M40i more appealing to purists. Here are some of the highlights of the package:
- An electronically controlled M differential that improves traction and stability by distributing torque between the rear wheels.
- A retuned steering system that provides more feedback and precision to the driver.
- An adaptive M suspension that adjusts the damping force according to the driving situation and the selected driving mode. The suspension is also lower by 10 mm than the standard Z4 suspension, which lowers the center of gravity and improves handling.
- A set of mixed-size M light-alloy wheels that measure 19 inches at the front axle and 20 inches at the rear. The wheels have a Y-spoke design and are finished in Orbit Grey. The tires are Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, which are high-performance summer tires that offer excellent grip and steering response.
- A choice of two exclusive exterior colors: San Remo Green and Frozen Deep Green Metallic. The former is a metallic green that is only available on the manual Z4, while the latter is a matte green that is part of the BMW Individual program and costs an extra $2,950. Both colors contrast nicely with the black soft-top roof and the black mirror caps.
- A carbon fiber interior trim adds a sporty touch to the cabin. The trim is paired with black leather seats with blue contrast stitching. The seats also have the M logo embossed on the headrests. The manual Z4 also has a leather-wrapped M steering wheel with shift paddles, which can be used to control the rev-matching function. The rev-matching function automatically blips the throttle during downshifts, smoothing out the gear changes and enhancing the driving experience.