New 2025 BMW Z4 M40i Handschalter G29
BMW has announced the Z4 Handschalter (Manual Switch), with the range-topping M40i model available for the first time with a six-speed manual gearbox. The Handschalter Pack brings retuned chassis technology, new wheels, and exclusive design features for both the exterior and interior.
Under the bonnet sits the B58 twin-scroll turbo straight-six making 340hp from 5000-6500rpm and 369lb ft of torque from 1600-4500rpm. The six-speed manual gearbox has been developed exclusively for the 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 Z4 M40i Handschalter Pack. With the manual gearbox, the Z4 M40i Handschalter sprints from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, just 0.1 seconds slower than with the eight-speed Steptronic Sport gearbox.
Standard equipment for the 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. To achieve sharper handling characteristics, the development team also equipped the traction control and M Sport differential with model-specific control logic. Meanwhile, the new M alloy wheels in a double-spoke design with a black high-gloss finish measure 19” across up front and 20” at the rear.
On the outside, there’s 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 calipers for the M Sport brakes. A new exterior colour also forms part of the Handschalter Pack’s specification, Frozen Deep green metallic, 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.
Inside, the Handschalter Pack includes M-specific design features supplemented by several exclusive details. For instance, there is an M gear lever with a model-specific sleeve. There’s also Vernasca leather trim in Cognac with black M piping complemented by interior trim strips in black high-gloss. The Z4 M40i Handschalter is available to order at BMW retailers across the UK now, with the first deliveries starting in spring 2024.
