Back in December, we reported on an exciting revelation emerging for enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the 2025 BMW Z4: the introduction of a manual transmission option. This addition marks a welcomed change to the Z4 roadster, offering drivers a more engaging and dynamic driving experience. However, this manual transmission isn’t merely a standalone feature; it’s part of a comprehensive package that includes various other improvements.

One notable aspect of this announcement is the pricing structure. The manual transmission option will come at an additional cost of $3,500 on top of the base price of the Z4 M40i, which hasn’t been officially disclosed yet. This pricing strategy differs from that of Toyota, which offers a manual transmission option for its version of the Z4, the Supra, at no extra charge. Despite this contrast, both the Z4 and Supra reserve the manual transmission exclusively for their turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engines.

Anticipating the price point for the 2025 Z4 with the manual transmission, it’s expected to surpass $70,000, considering the 2024 model’s starting price just over $67,000 with destination fees. However, the additional cost is justified by the array of enhancements accompanying the manual transmission option. BMW has meticulously fine-tuned various aspects of the Z4 M40i, including its suspension, steering, limited-slip differential, and traction control settings, to optimize performance and driving pleasure. Moreover, the transmission itself has undergone tweaks tailored to BMW’s specifications, distinguishing it from Toyota’s iteration.

The driving experience in the manual Z4 M40i surpasses expectations, delivering heightened fun and engagement on the road. Despite a slight increase in the 0-60 mph time from 3.9 seconds to 4.2 seconds, the overall driving dynamics make this tradeoff negligible. Beyond performance enhancements, visual modifications distinguish the manual Z4 M40i, featuring staggered wheels with 19-inch units at the front and 20-inch at the rear, along with standard black mirror, grille, and badge trims. Unique paint options, such as San Remo Green and Frozen Deep Green, along with exclusive interior selections, further differentiate this model.

Excitement surrounding the updated Z4 is mounting as it approaches its full launch in March. With pricing details expected to be unveiled closer to the launch date, anticipation continues to build for enthusiasts eager to experience the exhilarating blend of performance and craftsmanship that defines the 2025 BMW Z4 with a manual transmission.

Specifications

Z4 M40i 6-speed manual

Body

No. of doors/seats
2 / 2

Length / Width / Height (in)
170.7 / 73.4 / 51.3

Wheelbase (in)
97.2

Track, front / rear (in)
62.8 / 62.6

Ground clearance (in)
4.7

Turning circle (ft)
36.1

Curb weight (lbs)
3,514

GVWR (lbs)
4,068

Luggage capacity (cu ft)
9.9

Engine

Config. / no. cylinders / valves
Inline / 6 / 24

Engine technology
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, TwinScroll turbocharger, high precision injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing

Capacity (CC)
2,998

Stroke / bore (mm)
82.0 / 94.6

Compression ratio (:1)
10.2

Max output (hp @ RPM)
382 @ 5,800-6,500

Max torque (lb-ft @ RPM)
369 @ 1,800-5,000

Driving Dynamics and Safety

Suspension, front
Double-joint spring strut axle in lightweight aluminum-steel construction, hydraulically damped torque strut bearing

Suspension, rear
Five-link axle in lightweight aluminum-steel construction

Brakes, front
Vented disc brakes, four-piston fixed calipers

Brakes, rear
Vented disc brakes, single-piston floating calipers

Driving stability systems
Standard: DSC incl. ABS and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control), ASC, CBC (Cornering Brake Control), DBC (Dynamic Brake Control), Dry Braking function, Start-Off Assistant, Active M Differential

Safety equipment
Standard: Airbags for driver and front passenger, side airbags for driver and front passenger, head airbags for front seat, 3-point inertia-reel belts with seat belt stopper, belt tensioner and belt force limiter, crash sensors, tire pressure display

Steering
EPS with Servotronic, variable sport ratios

Steering ratio overall (:1)
15.1

Tires front / rear (std)
255/35 R19 96Y XL / 285/30 R20 99Y XL

Rims, front / rear (in) (std)
9.0J x 19.0 / 10.0J x 20.0

Transmission

Type
6-speed manual

Gear ratios
I
:1
4.11

II
:1
2.32

III
:1
1.54

IV
:1
1.18

V
:1
1.00

VI
:1
0.85

R
:1
3.73

Final drive

:1
3.46

Performance

Acceleration 0-60 mph (sec)
4.2

Top speed (mph)
155