The BMW Z4 Handschalter brings the handbook again to the roadster one ultimate Time together with a number of vital tweaks.
Say howdy to the 2025 BMW Z4 M40i “Handschalter” (German for “hand shift”), the brainchild of a small skunkworks crew inside BMW that had one objective – to make the Z4 a driver’s automotive. However the Z4 Handschalter isn’t simply handbook transmission Z4 as we all know it. The automotive has been delicate however importantly tweaked with chassis modifications and a brand new wheel and tire set-up that evokes the M3 and M4.
The Z4 Handschalter is all in regards to the inline six and handbook custom in roadster type. It began with the race successful BMW 328 in 1936 and was then recaptured with the 1978 Z1 – itself a product of a skunkworks crew identified on the time as BMW Technik. After than got here the sequence manufacturing of the 1995 Z3 and eventually two generations of the Z4.
The Tweaks that Introduced the BMW Z4 Handschalter to Life
Underneath the hood of the BMW Z4 M40i is the acquainted 3.0L with 382 hp between 5,800 and 6,500 rpm, and of 369 lb-ft of torque accessible from 1,800 and 5,000 rpm. This takes the Z4 M40i to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and tops out an electronically restricted 155 mph. We’ve lengthy beloved this engine and it’s free-revving nature completely matches the management a handbook provides you.
The brand new 6-speed handbook gearbox was developed particularly for the BMW Z4 M40i. Extra particularly it’s a BMW modular transmission (equipped by Getrag) that has been altered for the B58B30O1 engine’s output. Key to this are the M-specific parts for the gear set and shafts. The outer shift mechanism comprising the shift lever, its information, and the connection to the transmission, has been specifically engineered to be used within the BMW Z4 M40i and reportedly delivers mechanical much like the perfect BMW manuals of the latest previous. We’ll discover out for ourselves later this 12 months.
Why is the handbook so vital for driving involvement? It’s a query that any handbook driver doesn’t want answered. However for others it’s fairly easy. The direct circulation of energy between engine and transmission mixed with the driving force’s central involvement in gear modifications reinforces the bond between driver and automobile. In different phrases the driving force has extra direct management over the automotive by way of the clutch, accelerator and equipment lever making a bond that even the perfect manually managed automatics can’t match. The important thing output in all of that is driver engagement and (dare we are saying it) enjoyable.
Refined chassis tuning and a New Wheel and Tire Set-up
Shifting on to the chassis – variable sport steering, M Sport brakes, an M Sport differential, and adaptive M suspension all come commonplace on the Z4 M40i it doesn’t matter what transmission you select. Nevertheless those that choose the BMW Z4 Handschalter get distinctive chassis tuning supposed to sharpen responses and elevate the general driving expertise. Unique chassis expertise created for the handbook choice contains distinctive auxiliary springs on the entrance and rear axles and a specifically strengthened anti-roll bar clamp fitted on the entrance. Mapping for digital management of the rear dampers and the software program for the variable sport steering have been reconfigured accordingly. BMW additionally recalibrated the traction management and M Sport differential with logic that permits for extra wheel slip and even the power to float.
As a part of the Handschalter package deal there are additionally staggered-size wheels and tires . The brand new bi-color M light-alloy wheels in a double-spoke design measure 19 inches on the entrance axle and 20 inches on the rear. Beforehand reserved for high-performance fashions from BMW M GmbH, this setup allows optimum switch of drive energy to the street whereas offering a progressive and predictable transmission of lateral forces in arduous cornering.
BWM Z4 Handschalter Distinctive Colours & Trim
The Handschalter package deal additionally provides a handful of design options to the outside of the Z4 that outline it as distinctive. This contains prolonged Shadowline black high-gloss exterior trim on the outside mirror caps and badging. BMW additionally added specifically designed flaps for managing the airflow across the rear wheel arches as a result of bigger tire and wheel measurement. Lastly the Handschalter package deal comes with purple callipers for the M Sport brakes.
Included within the value of the package deal is the selection of metallic paints together with San Remo Inexperienced metallic, an unique coloration for the BMW Z4 Handschalter. Additionally accessible solely on the Handschalter package deal is BMW Particular person Frozen Deep Inexperienced metallic, supplied at a particular package deal value.
Contained in the Z4 Handschalter has 5 shades of inside leather-based at no cost together with Cognac with distinctive black M piping complemented by inside trim in black high-gloss. Black Alcantara mixed with Black Vernasca leather-based with blue distinction stitching can be accessible as a part of the package deal.
Early Verdicts
BMW supplied a couple of journalists early prototype drives and the reward has been resounding. Many have commented on the sharper steering and the elevated communication by way of the wheel. The revised suspension appears to supply each improve management and really feel whereas nonetheless being snug over damaged pavement. Most significantly those that have pushed the Z4 Handschalter and the handbook Supra have come away with the identical conclusion – BMW’s model of the handbook is best.
The BMW Z4 Handschalter Package deal will likely be accessible starting with March manufacturing for $3,500. And sure, this would be the final handbook roadster to come back from BMW.
The BMW Z4 Handschalter Picture Gallery
