Introducing the BMW Z4 Handschalter, a new arrival that exemplifies exhilarating open-top driving pleasure. For the first time, the range topping BMW Z4 M40i (fuel consumption combined: 34.0 – 35.3 mpg; CO₂ emissions combined: 198 – 191 g/km in WLTP cycle) will be available with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The new engine/transmission pairing forms the core element of an enticing equipment package designed to place greater emphasis than ever on the two-seater’s unwavering focus on delivering an exhilarating open-top driving experience. The Handschalter Pack brings retuned chassis technology and mixed-size M light-alloy wheels measuring 19 inches in diameter at the front axle and 20 inches at the rear. Exclusive design features for both the exterior and interior are also included.

Muscular roadster proportions with M-specific design features; two seats and a classic soft-top roof; a free-revving six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, sending its power to the road through the rear wheels: this formula has seen the BMW Z4 M40i establish itself as the archetypal purist’s sports car. Adding to this driving experience is the manual gearbox, deftly harnessing the 340hp output from the straight-six engine.

The BMW Z4 M40i Handschalter is available to order at BMW Retailers across the UK from today, with the first deliveries starting in spring 2024.

*All figures relating to performance, fuel consumption and emissions are provisional. All the stated technical data including fuel consumption, electric range and emissions figures relate to the offering in the German market. Dimensions and measurements refer to vehicles with basic configuration in Germany. These may vary depending on the wheel/tyre size and items of optional equipment selected. **Electronically limited. 

The BMW roadster: giving a successful tradition a modern twist.

The history of roadsters from BMW is closely intertwined with a passion for sporty driving pleasure and abundant success on the racetrack. It stretches all the way back to the company’s early days as a carmaker and sits in its modern form in the shape of the BMW Z4.

A six-cylinder in-line engine, manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive also defined the driving experience in the BMW 328, which capped its debut public appearance in 1936 with victory in the Eifelrennen race at the Nürburgring. In more recent times, updated versions of this same powertrain arrangement have also made frequent appearances in the brand’s roadsters. This is true of both the BMW Z1, which was unveiled in 1987 after being developed as an innovation testbed by BMW Technik, and the BMW Z3 presented in 1995. And the first two model generations of the BMW Z4 also embraced the same recipe for delivering exhilarating driving pleasure under open skies.

Exclusive combination: six cylinders and a six-speed manual gearbox. 

The pairing of a straight-six engine with a six-speed manual gearbox means the new BMW Z4 M40i represents a unique proposition in this segment – and also a highly exclusive set-up within the BMW product portfolio. In fact, the only models in the current range available with this drive configuration are high-performance sports cars from BMW M GmbH. But now a BMW M Performance model is set to join them with the arrival of the BMW Z4 M40i Handschalter.

The 3.0-litre unit in the BMW Z4 M40i owes its familiar free-revving performance, instantaneous power delivery and silky smoothness to the latest M TwinPower Turbo technology. The engine’s special characteristics include a forged crankshaft, weight-optimised pistons and a water-cooled exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head. A twin-scroll turbocharger supplies the six combustion chambers with compressed air, whose temperature is regulated by means of an indirect intercooler. The package of drive unit technologies also comprises High Precision Injection operating at pressures up to 350 bar, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-VANOS fully variable camshaft timing.

With peak torque of 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) that can be summoned between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm, the engine generates compelling pulling power. Its maximum output of hp is on tap from 5,000 – 6,500 rpm.

In this special model, the task of transmitting power to the road is handled by a six-speed manual gearbox developed exclusively for the BMW Z4 M40i. It is a BMW modular transmission incorporating M-specific components for the gear set and shafts that has been modified for the straight-six engine’s output. The outer shift mechanism, comprising the shift lever, its guide and the connection to the transmission, has likewise been custom made for the BMW Z4 M40i Handschalter Pack – and delivers the unrivalled shift feel for which BMW models are renowned. The direct flow of power between engine and transmission combined with the driver’s central involvement in gear changes reinforces the emotional bond between driver and vehicle. A precisely defined shift action enables the gears to be changed swiftly and intuitively.

When power is relayed via the six-speed manual gearbox, the six-cylinder in-line engine propels the BMW Z4 M40i to 62 mph from rest in 4.6 seconds. The sprint from 0 to 62 mph takes 4.5 seconds on models with the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. Although by default the Steptronic Sport transmission will select the gears automatically, it also lets the driver control gear selection manually if desired. The shift paddles on the steering wheel are designed to allow spontaneous interaction with the drive system.

Refined chassis tuning, mixed-size wheels for the first time on the BMW Z4. 

Compact proportions, minimised weight, a low centre of gravity and virtually perfect 50:50 weight distribution are the defining elements of a BMW Z4 vehicle concept honed precisely to deliver agility and dynamic performance. The extremely rigid body and chassis structure and excellent aerodynamic attributes also help to mould the sports car character of the Z4. The roadster’s chassis design, combining a double-joint spring strut front axle with a five-link rear axle, produces a compelling and harmonious blend of dynamism and ride comfort.

The standard equipment roster for the BMW Z4 M40i includes variable sport steering, M Sport brakes and an M Sport differential at the rear axle along with adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers, whose software has undergone extra fine-tuning for the Handschalter Pack. The exclusive chassis technology aboard the special model features bespoke auxiliary springs at the front and rear axles. A specially reinforced anti-roll bar clamp is also fitted at the front, while both the mapping for electronic control of the rear dampers and the software for the variable sport steering have been newly adjusted. In order to achieve sharper handling characteristics that will be appreciated by driving purists, the development team also equipped the traction control and M Sport differential with model-specific control logic.

Another new feature on the chassis side relates to the wheel sizes, as different-size wheels are being fitted to the model year 2024 BMW Z4 M40i for the first time. The new M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design with a Black high-gloss finish measure 19 inches in diameter at the front axle and 20 inches at the rear. Previously reserved for high-performance models from BMW M GmbH, this pairing enables optimum transfer of drive power to the road – especially in conjunction with rear-wheel drive – together with highly effective transmission of lateral control forces when cornering hard.

Handschalter Pack with individual exterior features. 

In addition to the six-speed manual gearbox, the refined chassis tuning and the combination of 19-inch and 20-inch M light-alloy wheels, the Handschalter Pack also adds individual design features to the exterior of the BMW Z4 M40i. These give the roadster a sharper look that underlines its more rounded sports car character, while also complementing the familiar M exterior features for optimising airflow and aerodynamic balance. They include the M High-gloss Shadowline trim with extended features – which also incorporates the model badging on the front side panels and the vehicle’s rear end – as well as the exterior mirror caps painted in Black high-gloss, specially designed flaps for streamlining the airflow in the area around the rear wheel arches and red brake callipers for the M Sport brakes.

A new exterior colour also forms part of the Handschalter Pack’s specification, Frozen Deep Green metallic finish, exclusively available in the Z4 family on this model.

The soft-top roof of the BMW Z4 is also available in an Anthracite Silver effect finish as an alternative to the standard black colour for all model variants. It is electrically operated and can be opened or closed in the space of ten seconds at the touch of a button, even while travelling at speeds up to 31 mph. A wind deflector, seat heating and two-zone automatic climate control also form part of standard specification on all variants of the roadster. The standard storage package.

Exclusive interior appointments for the Handschalter Pack . 

The interior of the BMW Z4 has been crafted for the enjoyment of unfettered driving pleasure in a space with a modern and sophisticated sports car feel. The driver-centric cockpit design and model-specific sport seats with integral head restraints both help to achieve this goal. The cabin combines clean lines that seem to surge forward with trim surfaces concentrated in just a few areas.

The Handschalter Pack includes M-specific design features for the interior supplemented by a number of exclusive details. For instance, there is an M gearshift lever with model-specific sleeve on the centre console that is used to control the special model’s six-speed manual gearbox. The Vernasca leather trim in Cognac with black M piping – also exclusive to the BMW Z4 M40i Pure Impulse – exudes a blend of sumptuous elegance and sporting flair. It is complemented by interior trim strips in Black high-gloss.

Pure driving pleasure meets intuitive operation and state-of-the-art driver assistance systems. 

The familiar driver focus of BMW models and the ergonomically enhanced interior design aimed at providing an engaging driving experience also come together with the BMW iDrive display and control/operation system in the BMW Z4. This system combines with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional fitted as standard in all BMW Z4 model variants to ensure intuitive vehicle operation and intelligent connectivity. It comprises a fully digital instrument cluster with customisable graphics and a control display with touchscreen operation – both with a screen diagonal of 10.25 inches – as well as the Controller on the centre console and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. The BMW Maps navigation system, a hard-drive-based multimedia system, smartphone integration and a WiFi hotspot are also part of the BMW Live Cockpit Professional package. The Hi-Fi speaker system, a hands-free facility with USB interface and an alarm system are also fitted as standard, while the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System with 12 speakers can be added as an option.

The BMW Z4 additionally offers customers a selection of driver assistance systems that are carefully geared to the enjoyment of pure driving pleasure. Front collision warning with brake intervention, Lane Departure Warning with lane return and the Speed Limit Info function with no-overtaking indicator all come as standard. Features to be found on the options list include Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, the Lane Change Warning system, Rear Collision Prevention and Crossing Traffic Warning, along with the Parking Assistant, Reversing Assist Camera and the Reversing Assistant. The BMW Head-Up Display – also available as an option – projects driving-related information onto the roadster’s windscreen.