In a world where manuals are slowly dying off…the BMW Z4 adds the option!
It’s been a few years since its initial debut, but notable changes are afoot for the 2025 BMW Z4 lineup. Most importantly for die-hard enthusiasts out there, the Z4 is actually bringing back the option to row your own gears after nearly a decade off the menu (since the E89-generation Z4 went out of production). That said, as there usually is whenever I talk about manual transmissions these days…there is a catch.
While BMW did not announce the full price walk for the 2025 model year just yet, we did specifically get more information on this package. Going the manual route will cost you an extra $3,500, but you’ll get the same 6-speed transmission that’s in the Supra (as you probably guessed), plus you can refer to it as BMW’s codename as the “Handschalter” package, or “hand shift”, if you really want to make some new friends at parties. The catch is that it is only an option on the 382-horsepower, 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six-equipped M40i trim. So, for those folks who wanted to perhaps get a less expensive Z4 by pairing the 2.0-liter with a manual…sorry, it’s still 8-speed only for you.
The $3,500 package isn’t just about the manual transmission, if you think that premium is a bit steep. You do also get a staggered wheel setup with 19-inch wheels at the front and 20-inch wheels at the rear. San Remo Green is only offered with the manual package, though you can also choose another hue called Frozen Deep Green. Finally, on the performance front, BMW retunes the steering calibration and adaptive suspension specifically for this package.
As for when you can get it, the updated 2025 BMW Z4 will kick off in March. We’ll also have more complete pricing around that time, though it’s not likely the Z4 M40i’s base price will move too much from the current $67,295 mark. Factor in the Handschalter package, and you’re looking at a manual roadster for around $71,000, barring any additional options.
