Displaying that BMW nonetheless provides a shift, the Z4 M40i lastly will get a much-deserved handbook gearbox for the 2025 mannequin 12 months. Forward of its imminent market launch, the luxurious roadster returns in a batch of contemporary photos highlighting the important change applied contained in the cabin. Nonetheless rocking the previous-generation iDrive and bodily buttons, the M Efficiency open-top sports activities automobile will get a stick shift accompanied by a clutch pedal.

Seeing as how rowing your individual gears is unfortunately a dying artwork, we’re one of many final BMW vehicles to supply a handbook transmission. The 6MT’s gradual demise isn’t just as a result of clients are inclined to choose the comfort of an automated. Electrification is inevitable, forcing the engineers to focus solely on two pedals. As driver help and security programs get extra subtle, there’s an elevated want for ATs to make all of the software program and {hardware} work at their full potential.

However we could also be getting forward of ourselves. BMW will not be solely launching a six-speed Z4 M40i but it surely’s additionally preserving the clutch pedal within the M2 in addition to the bottom M3 and M4. The 2025MY roadster is happening sale quickly and also you’ll be paying an additional $3,500 over the equal convertible with the eight-speed automated transmission. If that sounds a bit steep, there are extra goodies past the do-it-yourself gearbox.

The so-called Handschalter (German for “hand shift”) bundle will get you staggered wheels with a brand new two-tone set measuring 19 inches entrance and 20 inches rear. To sweeten the pot, the Z4 M40i on this specification advantages from bespoke chassis tuning, a bolstered entrance anti-roll bar clamp, retuned rear dampers, and new software program for the variable steering system.

The automobile highlighted right here by BMW USA has Vernasca leather-based upholstery with a Cognac look and black M piping mixed with a shiny black trim. There are 4 different shades of this leather-based, whereas the San Remo Inexperienced metallic exterior paint is just supplied on the Z4 M40i with a handbook as a no-cost possibility. Do you have to wish to spend extra, the Particular person Frozen Deep Inexperienced goes to value $2,950. No matter physique coloration, all vehicles come fitted with the Prolonged Shadowline trim that blacks out sure components.

We’re anticipating the six-speed handbook to be obtainable for simply two years since sources near BMW declare the G29 will exit of manufacturing in March 2026.

[Photos: BMW USA]