The BMW Z4 M40i Is Finally Getting A Stick Shift Option

For its 2025 model year update, BWM has finally offered the Z4 with a stick-shift option

Five years after making its global debut, BMW has finally offered the Z4 roadster with a manual gearbox. This stick-shift option will be part of the new ‘Handschalter’ package (German for “hand shift”), which will be offered worldwide specifically to the top-spec Z4 M40i, starting in March this year.

This is such a big revelation for BMW fans and car enthusiasts alike, as they have been longing for a stick-shift option for this beloved roadster for years. Prior to this announcement, the only way for you to get a Z4 with a stick-shift was by getting its Japanese twin, the Toyota GR Supra.

This six-speed manual gearbox will be offered alongside the standard ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission, with both units mated to the Z4 M40i’s 3.0-litre inline-six turbocharged B58 engine rated at 382 HP and 500 NM.

While providing drivers with a more fun driving experience, the stick shift option did sacrifice some straight line performance, as its 0-96 KM/H (60 MPH) sprint time has increased to 4.2 seconds, compared to the 3.9-second time recorded on the automatic unit. V-Max figures, fortunately, remain unchanged at 249 KM/H.

While sacrificing some straight-line performance, the stick-shift option promises to further enhance the Z4's already stellar driving dynamics

Straight-line performance aside, BMW has insisted that this stick-shift option is more than just a simple gearbox swap job. The Bavarian marque claims that it has used some M-specific parts for this new six-speed unit, which has also been fine-tuned to suit the Z4’s driving dynamics – indirectly implying that this is not the same unit used on its Japanese twin.

Besides the stick-shift option, the ‘Handschalter’ pack will also add several cosmetic add-ons to the new Z4 M40i. Key highlights include the new M-light alloy bi-colour wheels measuring 19-inch at the front and 20-inch at the rear, red-hued brake callipers, special metallic paint options like the San Remo Green and Frozen Deep Green, as well as the Shadowline gloss black trim accents.

On board, said package grants the Z4 M40i the more refined Vernasca cowhide leather upholstery instead of the standard Sensatec synthetic leather ones. Available in five colours, customers can also add some Alcantara trims to this plush leather material.

The BMW Z4 M40i's 'Handschalter' pack will be made available globally from March 2024 onwards

Offered at an extra cost of $3,500 for the US market, the 2025 MY BMW Z4 M40i is set to get this stick-shift option later in March this year, where it will be made available globally. As for now, the ‘Handschalter’ won’t be offered to the baseline Z4 sDrive30i model, at least for the American market.