BMW Addresses Biggest Complaint About Z4 Roadster for 2025
Quick question: what’s the No.1 thing that’s missing on the BMW Z4? Forget about storage capacity or customization options. The answer is obviously a manual transmission. Making matters worse is that its top competitor, the Porsche 718 Boxster, offers one.
Well, we’re happy to report that things will change for 2025.
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Two years after a similar move by the Toyota GR Supra, which is built on the same platform and uses the same engines, the Z4 will finally be available with a six-speed manual transmission, but only with the 382-horsepower, six-cylinder engine in M40i trim.
BMW says the outer shift mechanism comprising the shift lever, its guide and the connection to the transmission has been specially engineered for use in the Z4 M40i and delivers the mechanical feel for which BMW manuals have been praised. The car accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds.
Even better: the manual gearbox is a no-cost option, so you won’t have to pay a price for skipping the eight-speed Steptronic transmission.
The manual-equipped 2025 BMW Z4 M40i also benefits from unique chassis tuning as well as mixed-size M light-alloy wheels measuring 19 inches at the front axle and 20 inches at the rear—a first for the Z4. Those wheels are governed by a recalibrated variable sport steering and M Sport rear differential, not to mention M Sport brakes.
On the outside, you can recognize the new model with special badging and specially designed flaps for managing the airflow around the rear wheel arches. It also comes with a choice of two new body colours including San Remo Green Metallic (offered on all variants of the Z4 in Canada) and BMW Individual Frozen Deep Green Metallic (exclusive to the M40i).
For the cabin, customers can select from five shades of Vernasca leather. Cognac with unique black M piping is exclusive to the six-speed manual transmission.
Canadian pricing for the 2025 BMW Z4 will be announced at a later date. The worldwide launch is scheduled to begin as early as next month. And if it can make you feel even better, BMW M boss Frank van Meel promised back in November 2022 that the automaker will continue to offer a manual at least until 2030.