Manual transmission option added to the BMW Z4 M40i as part of the new Handschalter Pack
Purists rejoice: the BMW Z4 M40i is now available with a manual gearbox for the first time with the introduction of the Handschalter Pack, an optional equipment package that brings the car’s total price to £60,675. The new car is available to order now with first deliveries due to start in the spring.
BMW is keen to point out the new car’s links to similarly configured cars from the past, citing a rear-drive, six-cylinder, manual-transmission lineage that spans decades – but the Z4 itself hasn’t had a manual six-cylinder option since the last-generation car bowed out in 2016. The current Z4’s closely related Toyota Supra cousin gained a specifically developed six-speed manual gearbox option in 2022.
Along with its six-speed manual gearbox, the Handschalter Pack (literally ‘manual switch’) also brings some chassis improvements, lightweight staggered 19- and 20-inch alloys and some light styling upgrades to the standard M40i, which itself also gains staggered alloy wheel sizing for 2024.
As with the standard car, the Handschalter is powered by BMW’s 335bhp B58 straight six. Performance figures for the Handschalter don’t lag too far behind those for the standard car: 4.6 seconds from 0-62mph for the six-speed manual, 4.5 for the eight-speed automatic. Top speed is limited to 155mph on both.
Exterior tweaks unique to Handschalter Pack cars include Shadowline exterior trim elements and aero parts, red brake callipers and an exclusive paint finish named Frozen Deep Green metallic, as seen in these images. Underneath, a reinforced anti-roll bar clamp at the front is joined by bespoke auxillary springs front and rear, plus unique mapping for the electronic rear dampers and variable steering. The car’s traction control and electronic rear diff have also been tweaked “to achieve sharper handling characteristics that will be appreciated by driving purists”, BMW says.
The Handschalter Pack is topped off with some special interior trim elements: Vernasca leather in Cognac (as also offered on Pure Impulse models) is joined by high-gloss trim strips and a model-specific centre console to house its new-found gearlever.
