Thanks for this video dude! I’m shopping between the two and this is really the only video that gives a first hand comparison. Hope you’re enjoying your M40i!
We must have similar taste. I saw your original video and really liked white with magma red interior. Went and test drove a 30i and knew that was it. I’m not a track guy so that had plenty of power for me. I took delivery last June of my 2023 after a two month wait. It is the most fun car I have ever had and I have no regrets not going for the 40i. By the way, my second choice was the blue with cognac interior, but still a 30i. And my neighbors like the quieter 30i as well.
Very happy ti hear that you are enjoying your Z4. That’s always the most important thing. 30i is more than enough oomph for most people and there’s nothing wrong with that at all. The Z4 is a beautiful car and its rarity on the road makes for a fun driving experience.
@@user-ff6be2uz9r I got the Dynamic Handling Package and the 19” wheels with high performance summer tires. All definitely worth it. Gives upgraded discs and calipers and dynamic driving modes that you can really feel the difference.
I drove the 30i recently on a vacation through the California coast and can’t really imagine a need for much more speed, I was stunned with how fast the 4 cylinder was. It sounds good and moves like a rocket. Far faster than any of the older i6 bmws I’ve had. I’ll just say it was more than adequate to fly through the coastal roads at speeds I probably won’t disclose here. Proper handling car too, best possible California sports car I can think of
Yep.. no arguments with anything you just said! I won’t disclose how fast I’ve gone and honestly it wasn’t all on purpose. Just so easy to get up to high speeds without even trying. Sounds like you had a good time with the Z4! For sure the decision to go with the M40i is a purely emotional standpoint.
Thundernight is SUCH a FANTASTIC color. I didn't opt for it because I was afraid the color was too far out of my comfort zone. Even portimao blue (I love it) is not a color that I'm typically looking at putting on my car so this was also out of the norm. Luckily... I just LOVE it ...
Kids in particular seem to go nuts over the purple color. Purples and blues are my favorite colors and you picked the right blue. Would have been my choice if thundernight metallic wasn't an option. @@SoA-Horseman
@@SyhnSeer My 30i was white only because I couldn't get the darker blue that was only available on a 30i without the sport package and the Misano was too "highlighter" for me. I agree.. this is a perfect shade of blue for me as well. Plus... blue is my favorite color and I'm retired US Air Force and it's pretty close to our blue too. :P
Thank you for your service! I was in the Army... aviation, in the '90s. I got the same soft top as yours for exactly the same reasons. Enjoy your ride, I'm enjoying mine!@@SoA-Horseman
Hey there just ordered my 2025 in thunderbolt as well, wondering what color you went with on inside, I wanted white but got scared so went with black. Mine is almost built so should have it in a few weeks.
Yeah to each their own. Not sure I would really call it a “sports car” though and I think I even corrected myself in the vid. Though I can drive a stick shift…. It’s not my favorite, and a certain medical condition could make it difficult at a moment’s notice as a daily driver. If it were a once in a blue moon type car, then fine.
@@SoA-Horseman your points are valid, I have had manuals since 1987 and anything else feels boring to me. I remember the pain when i had three tears in my right rotator cuff in 2020. I managed, but there were times i thought about an auto. My surgeon tried to tell me to stop driving manuals, I replied, when my arm falls off. Lol . I get it though, manuals are old tech and not ideal in many cases. My wife, also 55, is just like me, but recently mentioned, she was ready to move on from manuals. Her next car will not have a stick…. I still see the Z cars as spots cars, since the Z3 came out in 95. Either way, I love your new ride, best of luck with it.
Nice! I love the color. I have Mediterranean blue (2020 30i). I love the GRUMBLE of the 40i, but heck, I'm getting old and the 30i is sporty enough for me. I imagine the stiffer ride is due to the heavier engine. But, I get it... The 40i is brutal and it sounds brutal. If money didn't matter, I'd go for it. In real world driving, where I live, I can't get on it in sport plus for more than a few seconds, and I love my 30i, but like I said, I get it. A BRUTAL 2 seconds would be very fun! Anyway, I love your car, buddy. Happy for you!
Thank you, and honestly I agree with you. The 30i is enough and at a great price! All the style, still get the sporty feel and all the luxury!! Going for the M40i is just a little extra for those that really care for that kinda stuff. It’s superficial, for sure, can’t even deny that. So happy to hear that you love your ride. Z4 is a fantastic car.
I have an s30i (which I absolutely love) since 3 years but my San Francisco red m40i I will arrive in April. Took the same wheels. I had doubts about those but after seeing them on yours, I'm sold! Congratulations on your new car!
Nice! Congrats! It says Fuel Cell on the inside OO9096-29. I picked these up in the Orlando Airport cause I left my other ones at TSA security lol. I had PRK and since then I can’t really be outside without them so I just grabbed something that had that whole wrap around. They do work great!
I would say that it would take some additional care in its maintenance. Garaging, or having a top over it would be recommended. Treating the top to be hydrophobic and never putting the top down when wet. I’m in central Texas, so I can’t tell you exactly how it would fare, but with the right care, I think you’d be alright.
Horseman, thanks for the video. Question? On your 3.0 you didn't have the Msport package which comes with the upgraded suspension. Now that you have it, is it a major difference between having it and without when comparing the suspensions? I'm looking for a pre owned (not sure if it will be a 3.0 or 4.0) and there are many great selections available. However, a lot are without the msport package and other packages as well. I'm seeking feedback if its worth waiting for one with the Msport package even though it may have higher mileage and/or cost? Intended driving will be daily commutes splitting hwy and backroads about 30 miles each way. Also, from your ownership experience, are there any recommended must have and you can live without packages/options. Thanks!
I actually DID have the M Sports package, you can tell by the front end, the steering wheel and the flared brake vents. In 2021 the adaptive suspension came as its own package to which I did not opt into because of the $2500 price tag it came with. Though the adaptive suspension is no longer an option, I do have the upgraded suspension that is is definitely a little stiffer, but not horribly more noticeable. Still handles like a charm, but you feel a bit more bumps.
Don’t get the wireless charger, not worth money at all. Remote start is awesome! Heated steering wheel is great! Driving and parking assist packages are fantastic. For cosmetic purposes, the M Sports Package is a must. Harmon Kardon sound…. Hugely debatable.
I do have the M40i - it’s a beautiful engine but I remember the 4 cylinder when I drove it seemed more responsive right from the start and the car felt more nimble - I will never use the power that gathers like a storm in my B58 engine but the car is a looker and if you are not one who likes too much attention ( like my wife ) this is not the car for you. When I drive my older 3 series - no one pays any attention to me - when I take the Z4 out for a drive - I become a little James Bond - people compliment me all the time - somehow I believe they are sincere and I also feel that it is not a snobbish car ( maybe because it’s not as large and in your face as other exotics ? ) it truly is a good looking vehicle and I do have the Misano Blue with white leather seats - the prices are coming down on Auto trader so many people can get to own one. I remember coming to a traffic stop and in the opposite direction facing me was this nice looking girl in her Red Z4 - we couldn’t stop smiling at each other . ( I don’t think my wife would have liked that too much )
My sentiments exactly. I wanted something that didn’t beg too much attention but stood out amongst the crowd. Something unique on the road and around where I am it’s a rare sight to behold.
I very much appreciate your comparison comments between the S30i and M40i variants of the Z4. I also valued your comparison of the standard black top verses the material quality of the optional "silver/black" top material. In describing your pretty much base spec S30i, I wonder if that vehicle had had the optional Dynamic Handling Package along with Premium package, might that have been the sweet spot? A combination of lighter weight, $10k less purchase cost, likely lower cost insurance for nearly the same "real world" (not race track) performance but loosing only the more aggressive exhaust note. I'm leaning more in that direction having had made a similar decision choosing a 230i xDrive over the M240i xDrive some years ago. If you HAD configured your S30i with that higher trim level and Dynamic Handling Package...would you still have felt the desire for the upgrade?
Hey thanks for the comment. What sold me more on the M40i was the B58 engine, throatier exhaust and the M badge. I had the premium package and the M Sport package, but one thing that kept bothering me the more and more involved I got with the car community was explaining it was a 4-banger. So to answer your question, if I got every single option available to the 30i, I probably still would have gone for the M40i. I even tried to go with a 4k mile M40i from CarMax, but it was just outside my budget at the time. Tbf, the portimao blue is much more my style and I appreciate the color much more than the flat white as well. I love that I now have the M40i as it feels like more of an accomplishment.
@@SoA-Horseman Yes...the S30i vs M40i decision is a tough one for sure....right brain/left brain...and it doesn't help (me!) that we're already spoiled with the B58 / ZF 8sp in our '23 x3 M40i 😀
Ooooo that’s even tougher. As I say in the video. If you have the means, then it’s a no-brainer, but that doesn’t mean that the S30i isn’t enough of a great car where you won’t have fun with it unless you get the M40i.
Trunk Emblems can be found here: ind-distribution.com/products/bmw-g29-z4-trunk-emblem-gloss-black The ///M Fender badges can be found here: ind-distribution.com/products/bmw-m-fender-emblem-set-gloss-black?_pos=2&_sid=0914fba6c&_ss=r As far as installation, the auto salon I took my car to for Paint Protection Film and Ceramic also agreed to do the re-badging.
I should take delivery of my MG Cyberster dual motor EV convertible roadster with 536 hp (0-60 in 3.2 seconds) next month. I'm looking forward to engaging in some comparisons with the Z40i. Should be fun. Oddly both cars share the same top as MG sources the top and mechanism directly from BMW.
How did you get that remote startup? Has to be an aftermarket thing.? And it's the first time i hear M40i is bumpier than the sdrive 30i. The M40i has maybe a slightly higher spring rate in the front to cope with the higher engine weight but It should be hardly noticeable. I bet it's the tires that make it more bumpy because the conti's SC6 is more firm than the Michelin Pilot Super sports. I don't get why BMW doesn't use the Sport Contact 7 because that's a much better tire and has the best grip...it's a pity they wear so fast... 😒
Remote start is an option when you buy. Hand remote and app can do the start. I am sure tires may have something to do with it, but M40i has a stiffer suspension than the 30i. Z4 used to have an adaptive suspension option. Also had an option with the 30i for the M sports suspension that I didn’t take for the 2021.
@@SoA-Horseman well that's the reason.. The non-adaptive sport suspension has firmer springs than the adaptive MSport suspension.. I tested both and was also stated in the info sheet that went to the dealers with the introduction.
That's a fair question! I live in an area that has alot of construction so I have a full frontal PPF, ceramic on the rest. PPF for entire car is very expensive. Ceramic protection helps with UV, Bird poop and even small scratches from cleaning, for instance.
30i owner here... in 'the blue', with all the black stylings, 19's, blue callipers, every single package available (took the car from 45k to 61k), remapped to 320 bhp (cost me 300 bucks)... would i swap? no for one reason; the additional cost for extra p's isn't worth it. and yes for one reason; the badge (lol). also the 30i is 130kg / 290lbs lighter than the 40i, so a stage 1 remap leaves you 62bhp short with plenty of weight saving to even further eat into the power difference. lastly, in manual, in the 30i, if you know what you're doing, you can burble it at will... to finish, as some have said, in the UK we have a 20i, that's 2.0 litre non turbo and 197 bhp. even stock, still a magnificent machine. let's be honest, anyone who has a Z4 G29, at any power level, knows how amazing the car is... safe driving everyone, and great video (EDIT - blimey, i didn't realise the UK m40i was only 335 bhp! therefore i think mine would take a gutless UK variant. how odd)
I wanted the S2000 so much back in the day because of the intro to Tekken 2 on the PS2. Had a chance to test drive one, but at the time I wasn’t too familiar with stick shift. You won’t regret an M40i and with a manual transmission I think you’ll have a blast!
Sounds like the sdrive30 is a much better value. For $27k you bought more power, going from adequate to very good, and a good feeling about spending more.
Honestly, the 30i is more than "adequate". It will get up and go and shred the official 0-60 times. It's just that the M40i is crazy powerful. The difference is more like "awesome" and "OMG".
@@SoA-Horsemani disagree. Don't let people tell you x is better than y (your hearts desire) because of a mere $30k. You got it because you wanted it. When else you would you get it? When you're dead😂😂. No the 30i is never a better value when you want a m40i. As a matter of fact right as I said you only live once you said the same words at 15:34. Plus cognac and Portimao is such a classic combo. People will be oggling at YOU in expensive restaurants. I had a black z4 m40i and miss it. I think white is far too bland for the shapes and angles this car has
@@haldriver1378it's ok. Look if we were discussing only momentary wise than something cheaper that gets you what you want is better. But if youre heart like mine wants a true sports GT or even track car feeling, I'm not getting a 30i to save a couple bucks. Money isn't more important than satisfying what you wish. It's better to have than wjsh you had. That's probably why horseman got the 40i. Years of looking at 40i owners on the forums takes it's tolkc
Of course the 30i with 255HP is more than enough if you do not care much about the pure power and sound of the inline-6.. Outside the USA they also sell the 20i, which has the same engine as the 30i but with less power (197HP).. The 30i is the mid-level model (outside the USA)..
Precisely, which is why I say that my reasoning - logic - for upgrading was more superficial than anything logical or objective. :D Thanks for sharing the info.
@@SoA-Horseman I wouldn't call it superficial.. You drive these type of cars because you want to enjoy them.. Having a great sounding inline-6 engine with also more power to enjoy makes sense.. I'm happy others also still have that need, otherwise everybody would drive the same old practical boring SUV (most people do already).. I'm driving a 2014 E89 Z4 35is (in Valencia Orange) myself.. Tuned to 405HP and 603Nm, and no limiter anymore so I can go 300+ km/h on the German Autobahn..🤘Great car the 35is, but I'm now looking into buying a more recent G29 Z4 M40i (probably why your video popped up for me).. In my country buying one new is no option for me because of to much tax.. A new Z4 M40i is +/- 105k Euro here (+/- $ 114.000 USD), so I have to go used.. Hope the LCI 2023 models become available and drop in price fast, cause I want one in that new purple color..
NGL, I did test drive the 430i and the M440i. I have one child so it made things a little easier and we also have a family car. There was room to have a toy. ;)
@@SoA-HorsemanI have a model 3 and a Hyundai Ioniq 5 right now so going to get rid of the Tesla and get a Z4 or M440i! I have two boys (10 and 14) and I hate to leave them at home on fun weekends with the wife.
It’s a tough choice. My wife is the one that feels left out as I am in there with my son more often than anything. I go to a local cars and coffee with him where we have a lot of fun going on backroad drives to the event and spend a lot of time enjoying shows.
Nice video, but it is not really much of an upgrade to be honest. And in many aspects the 30i is BETTER than the 40i. It is lighter and has a better weight distribution. That means it should handle better at cornering and at braking, and will consume less fuel and tires..... The acceleration upgrade is not that much, especially for us in EU where the M40i only gets 340ps for some reason. Basically the feeling of balance the inline 6 has and the better sound are the only things that are better in the M40i, for all other things the 30i is better. As for the ride quality, the added weight of the 40i and also the 19inch wheels you use are responsible for it. Personally i would get the 18inch wheels, they would be more comfortable, less costly, and safer on wet surfaces too.... In any case, if the upgrade makes you happy, then all is well. Getting a M40i is an emotional purchase after all, not a logical one, or else we would be driving Toyotas.
Which was really one of the things I alluded to in the video. 30i is enough, however there are superficial reasons that someone would want to go for an M40i and not taking it to the track.
Beginning of the video: The bad habit of the visually irrelevant author presenting himself in the foreground for minutes and blocking the view of the car is obviously indispensable in this video too.
Hey aren't you the guy on the forum? I can't say who I am due to privacy however my recent post mentions privacy but shh. Hey I love ur color. Instant classic. My first z4 m40i was bsm and red, I used to hate black on BMW cuz u had the m235i and white hid the awkward lacking lines and shapes of that car, but my friend crashed and totalled my black z4 and I got a white one, and tbh im missing the black. Hands Down colors make the angles and shape pop out much more on the z4, white is actually too bland on it. I'm happy for you dude you graduated to such a classic luxurious color combo. I'm definitely jelly. Though I have an alpine white with red, m8 style kidney grills, black M mirrors, and some red rim protectors and black wheels. I still get daily compliments, but when you pull up to a nice restaurant with me, people will look at my car like I'm some young sports racer lol while they'll look at you as some classic rich man. Not that we should care what others think lol but I just love PB + cognac + red brakes + black trim
Heya! Yeah I’m the guy from the forums. ;) We forum rats have a tendency to run into each other on other social media platforms. I agree .. color makes a huge difference in accentuating the lines and angles of this beautiful car. Alpine white didn’t quite do that nearly as much as PB here and I am so happy I went with this color. I had a fear that the color would be too far out of my comfort zone, but nope!!! Sorry to hear about your black one!!!!
@@SoA-Horseman yea it helped me stopped my bad habit of letting people use my car. I was too nice lol and always felt bad to say no. But each time they'd scratch my paint or make a trash of it. It's like they can't show any respect and only let their jealousy run their entire experience. "Oh well if I'm just gonna be ALLOWED to drive this nice car I wish I had, I'll make sure to return it in a way to ruin his day", like some people take your kindness and pay you back with hatred. Such insecurity.
Indeed. I don't even like my wife driving my car. I'm too over protective hahaha! It sucks that some people just wanna watch the world burn. Narcissism at its best.
Love that comment. I concur with your color analysis. I'm 61 and prefer a more sophisticated and mature color concept. I own an M40i in Glacier Silver Metallic, although Black is my favorite, lol.
Thanks for this video dude! I’m shopping between the two and this is really the only video that gives a first hand comparison. Hope you’re enjoying your M40i!
Honestly…. I’m loving it! Glad that the video can give you information for a more informed decision.
Enjoyed your review! Totaled my S30i…..replaced it with an M40i, which will arrive in couple of days…..I’m stoked!!!
Oof sorry to hear about your 30i
Can't wait to hear your 1 year review of the M40i!
Yeah I’ll for sure also out out a 1 year video. Five months in and so far so good!!!
I was wondering about this. Thanks for your insight
We must have similar taste. I saw your original video and really liked white with magma red interior. Went and test drove a 30i and knew that was it. I’m not a track guy so that had plenty of power for me. I took delivery last June of my 2023 after a two month wait. It is the most fun car I have ever had and I have no regrets not going for the 40i. By the way, my second choice was the blue with cognac interior, but still a 30i. And my neighbors like the quieter 30i as well.
Very happy ti hear that you are enjoying your Z4. That’s always the most important thing. 30i is more than enough oomph for most people and there’s nothing wrong with that at all. The Z4 is a beautiful car and its rarity on the road makes for a fun driving experience.
Did you get the premium package and do you think it’s worth it?
@@user-ff6be2uz9r I got the Dynamic Handling Package and the 19” wheels with high performance summer tires. All definitely worth it. Gives upgraded discs and calipers and dynamic driving modes that you can really feel the difference.
Bro deserves a lot of views and subscribes
I really love your high quality content and voice
Dunno bout any of that but I’ll take it!
Can we get a video where you explain the detailed interior or how the bmw connects with the phone and stuffs
A breakdown of the interior and all its features? I think thats possible. ;)
I have the footage…. Just a matter of getting the video together.
I have 2022 M40i with that white on Magma, optioned out. Amazing car, damn fast.
Great video - thanks for sharing.
I drove the 30i recently on a vacation through the California coast and can’t really imagine a need for much more speed, I was stunned with how fast the 4 cylinder was. It sounds good and moves like a rocket. Far faster than any of the older i6 bmws I’ve had.
I’ll just say it was more than adequate to fly through the coastal roads at speeds I probably won’t disclose here. Proper handling car too, best possible California sports car I can think of
Yep.. no arguments with anything you just said! I won’t disclose how fast I’ve gone and honestly it wasn’t all on purpose. Just so easy to get up to high speeds without even trying. Sounds like you had a good time with the Z4!
For sure the decision to go with the M40i is a purely emotional standpoint.
I've had my '24 Z4 M40i for a month and a half now. (thundernight metallic). It's the most wonderful car I've owned. A dream to drive.
Thundernight is SUCH a FANTASTIC color. I didn't opt for it because I was afraid the color was too far out of my comfort zone. Even portimao blue (I love it) is not a color that I'm typically looking at putting on my car so this was also out of the norm. Luckily... I just LOVE it ...
Kids in particular seem to go nuts over the purple color. Purples and blues are my favorite colors and you picked the right blue. Would have been my choice if thundernight metallic wasn't an option. @@SoA-Horseman
@@SyhnSeer My 30i was white only because I couldn't get the darker blue that was only available on a 30i without the sport package and the Misano was too "highlighter" for me. I agree.. this is a perfect shade of blue for me as well. Plus... blue is my favorite color and I'm retired US Air Force and it's pretty close to our blue too. :P
Thank you for your service! I was in the Army... aviation, in the '90s. I got the same soft top as yours for exactly the same reasons. Enjoy your ride, I'm enjoying mine!@@SoA-Horseman
Hey there just ordered my 2025 in thunderbolt as well, wondering what color you went with on inside, I wanted white but got scared so went with black. Mine is almost built so should have it in a few weeks.
No way on earth would i get a sports car without a manual gearbox…. Nice looking car
Yeah to each their own. Not sure I would really call it a “sports car” though and I think I even corrected myself in the vid. Though I can drive a stick shift…. It’s not my favorite, and a certain medical condition could make it difficult at a moment’s notice as a daily driver. If it were a once in a blue moon type car, then fine.
@@SoA-Horseman your points are valid, I have had manuals since 1987 and anything else feels boring to me. I remember the pain when i had three tears in my right rotator cuff in 2020. I managed, but there were times i thought about an auto. My surgeon tried to tell me to stop driving manuals, I replied, when my arm falls off. Lol . I get it though, manuals are old tech and not ideal in many cases.
My wife, also 55, is just like me, but recently mentioned, she was ready to move on from manuals. Her next car will not have a stick…. I still see the Z cars as spots cars, since the Z3 came out in 95. Either way, I love your new ride, best of luck with it.
Love the upgrade, as well as the color. Still Hopeful to get one in 2024 or 2025. 😊
Hope that you do. If so, please revisit this and let me know!
Yep...I understand that the end of G29 Z4 production is March 2026....
Nice! I love the color. I have Mediterranean blue (2020 30i). I love the GRUMBLE of the 40i, but heck, I'm getting old and the 30i is sporty enough for me.
I imagine the stiffer ride is due to the heavier engine. But, I get it... The 40i is brutal and it sounds brutal. If money didn't matter, I'd go for it.
In real world driving, where I live, I can't get on it in sport plus for more than a few seconds, and I love my 30i, but like I said, I get it. A BRUTAL 2 seconds would be very fun!
Anyway, I love your car, buddy. Happy for you!
Thank you, and honestly I agree with you. The 30i is enough and at a great price! All the style, still get the sporty feel and all the luxury!! Going for the M40i is just a little extra for those that really care for that kinda stuff. It’s superficial, for sure, can’t even deny that. So happy to hear that you love your ride. Z4 is a fantastic car.
I have an s30i (which I absolutely love) since 3 years but my San Francisco red m40i I will arrive in April. Took the same wheels. I had doubts about those but after seeing them on yours, I'm sold! Congratulations on your new car!
I'm getting the 6MT in the same color. Looks great! (P.S. What model Oakleys are those? Need that kind of side glare protection in a roadster).
Nice! Congrats! It says Fuel Cell on the inside OO9096-29. I picked these up in the Orlando Airport cause I left my other ones at TSA security lol. I had PRK and since then I can’t really be outside without them so I just grabbed something that had that whole wrap around. They do work great!
Great vid! when you were showcasing the exhaust sounds though, it would have been super helpful if there wasn't any background music playing.
I'll keep that in mind. Felt that the music was low enough for ya'll to get a good feel for how it sounded, but it's fair feedback.
They look good in White or Blue to me both those colors are the best looking
How would it fair in a rainy state? Worried about caring for the soft top. Also does it have soft close door and power trunk?
I would say that it would take some additional care in its maintenance. Garaging, or having a top over it would be recommended. Treating the top to be hydrophobic and never putting the top down when wet.
I’m in central Texas, so I can’t tell you exactly how it would fare, but with the right care, I think you’d be alright.
Horseman, thanks for the video. Question? On your 3.0 you didn't have the Msport package which comes with the upgraded suspension. Now that you have it, is it a major difference between having it and without when comparing the suspensions? I'm looking for a pre owned (not sure if it will be a 3.0 or 4.0) and there are many great selections available. However, a lot are without the msport package and other packages as well. I'm seeking feedback if its worth waiting for one with the Msport package even though it may have higher mileage and/or cost? Intended driving will be daily commutes splitting hwy and backroads about 30 miles each way. Also, from your ownership experience, are there any recommended must have and you can live without packages/options. Thanks!
I actually DID have the M Sports package, you can tell by the front end, the steering wheel and the flared brake vents. In 2021 the adaptive suspension came as its own package to which I did not opt into because of the $2500 price tag it came with.
Though the adaptive suspension is no longer an option, I do have the upgraded suspension that is is definitely a little stiffer, but not horribly more noticeable. Still handles like a charm, but you feel a bit more bumps.
Don’t get the wireless charger, not worth money at all.
Remote start is awesome!
Heated steering wheel is great!
Driving and parking assist packages are fantastic.
For cosmetic purposes, the M Sports Package is a must.
Harmon Kardon sound…. Hugely debatable.
What’s worth waiting for a good one to wait for with some mileage would be an M40i.
I do have the M40i - it’s a beautiful engine but I remember the 4 cylinder when I drove it seemed more responsive right from the start and the car felt more nimble - I will never use the power that gathers like a storm in my B58 engine but the car is a looker and if you are not one who likes too much attention ( like my wife ) this is not the car for you. When I drive my older 3 series - no one pays any attention to me - when I take the Z4 out for a drive - I become a little James Bond - people compliment me all the time - somehow I believe they are sincere and I also feel that it is not a snobbish car ( maybe because it’s not as large and in your face as other exotics ? ) it truly is a good looking vehicle and I do have the Misano Blue with white leather seats - the prices are coming down on Auto trader so many people can get to own one. I remember coming to a traffic stop and in the opposite direction facing me was this nice looking girl in her Red Z4 - we couldn’t stop smiling at each other . ( I don’t think my wife would have liked that too much )
My sentiments exactly. I wanted something that didn’t beg too much attention but stood out amongst the crowd. Something unique on the road and around where I am it’s a rare sight to behold.
I very much appreciate your comparison comments between the S30i and M40i variants of the Z4. I also valued your comparison of the standard black top verses the material quality of the optional "silver/black" top material. In describing your pretty much base spec S30i, I wonder if that vehicle had had the optional Dynamic Handling Package along with Premium package, might that have been the sweet spot? A combination of lighter weight, $10k less purchase cost, likely lower cost insurance for nearly the same "real world" (not race track) performance but loosing only the more aggressive exhaust note. I'm leaning more in that direction having had made a similar decision choosing a 230i xDrive over the M240i xDrive some years ago. If you HAD configured your S30i with that higher trim level and Dynamic Handling Package...would you still have felt the desire for the upgrade?
Hey thanks for the comment. What sold me more on the M40i was the B58 engine, throatier exhaust and the M badge. I had the premium package and the M Sport package, but one thing that kept bothering me the more and more involved I got with the car community was explaining it was a 4-banger.
So to answer your question, if I got every single option available to the 30i, I probably still would have gone for the M40i. I even tried to go with a 4k mile M40i from CarMax, but it was just outside my budget at the time. Tbf, the portimao blue is much more my style and I appreciate the color much more than the flat white as well. I love that I now have the M40i as it feels like more of an accomplishment.
@@SoA-Horseman Yes...the S30i vs M40i decision is a tough one for sure....right brain/left brain...and it doesn't help (me!) that we're already spoiled with the B58 / ZF 8sp in our '23 x3 M40i 😀
Ooooo that’s even tougher. As I say in the video. If you have the means, then it’s a no-brainer, but that doesn’t mean that the S30i isn’t enough of a great car where you won’t have fun with it unless you get the M40i.
Hello. Can you share where you got the glass black badging please? Also any info on the install? Thank you!
Trunk Emblems can be found here: ind-distribution.com/products/bmw-g29-z4-trunk-emblem-gloss-black
The ///M Fender badges can be found here: ind-distribution.com/products/bmw-m-fender-emblem-set-gloss-black?_pos=2&_sid=0914fba6c&_ss=r
As far as installation, the auto salon I took my car to for Paint Protection Film and Ceramic also agreed to do the re-badging.
Thank you very much! @@SoA-Horseman
Chat which one's straight up better ? As in if I pay more, what all am I getting more
I should take delivery of my MG Cyberster dual motor EV convertible roadster with 536 hp (0-60 in 3.2 seconds) next month. I'm looking forward to engaging in some comparisons with the Z40i. Should be fun. Oddly both cars share the same top as MG sources the top and mechanism directly from BMW.
NGL, I had no idea MG was still around! Only ever see their oooold little convertibles hanging around here and there.
@@SoA-Horseman resurrected by SAIC in China. Quite a departure from MG of yesteryear. 😉
How did you get that remote startup? Has to be an aftermarket thing.?
And it's the first time i hear M40i is bumpier than the sdrive 30i. The M40i has maybe a slightly higher spring rate in the front to cope with the higher engine weight but It should be hardly noticeable. I bet it's the tires that make it more bumpy because the conti's SC6 is more firm than the Michelin Pilot Super sports. I don't get why BMW doesn't use the Sport Contact 7 because that's a much better tire and has the best grip...it's a pity they wear so fast... 😒
Remote start is an option when you buy. Hand remote and app can do the start. I am sure tires may have something to do with it, but M40i has a stiffer suspension than the 30i. Z4 used to have an adaptive suspension option. Also had an option with the 30i for the M sports suspension that I didn’t take for the 2021.
@@SoA-Horseman well that's the reason.. The non-adaptive sport suspension has firmer springs than the adaptive MSport suspension.. I tested both and was also stated in the info sheet that went to the dealers with the introduction.
Can I have your hat? I need that to complete my looks! Also, wish BMW will make the next Z4 exactly like the concept with that color!
LoL got it off of Amazon.
PPF and ceramic coating? Why both?
That's a fair question! I live in an area that has alot of construction so I have a full frontal PPF, ceramic on the rest. PPF for entire car is very expensive. Ceramic protection helps with UV, Bird poop and even small scratches from cleaning, for instance.
wow..
30i owner here... in 'the blue', with all the black stylings, 19's, blue callipers, every single package available (took the car from 45k to 61k), remapped to 320 bhp (cost me 300 bucks)... would i swap? no for one reason; the additional cost for extra p's isn't worth it. and yes for one reason; the badge (lol). also the 30i is 130kg / 290lbs lighter than the 40i, so a stage 1 remap leaves you 62bhp short with plenty of weight saving to even further eat into the power difference. lastly, in manual, in the 30i, if you know what you're doing, you can burble it at will... to finish, as some have said, in the UK we have a 20i, that's 2.0 litre non turbo and 197 bhp. even stock, still a magnificent machine. let's be honest, anyone who has a Z4 G29, at any power level, knows how amazing the car is... safe driving everyone, and great video (EDIT - blimey, i didn't realise the UK m40i was only 335 bhp! therefore i think mine would take a gutless UK variant. how odd)
You said it! Any trim of the G29 makes for a fun and exciting drive.
Hey bro I just ordered mine and placed my down payment. In your opinion is the premium package add on worth it?! Please let me know
- sDrive30i: 2.0L DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged Inline-4 (B48B20)
- M40i: 3.0L DOHC 24-Valve Turbocharged Inline-6 (B58B30)
> Both being RWD and 8-speed ZF automatic only.
2024 z4 m40i comes with a manual option and staggered wheel sizes
so you mean 30i is more comfortable ?
Yes, but the degree of comfort over the M40i is barely noticeable.
After driving an S2000 for the last 17 years, the 30i just isn't a large enough upgrade. 40i it is, and manual is only available on the 40i in the US.
I wanted the S2000 so much back in the day because of the intro to Tekken 2 on the PS2. Had a chance to test drive one, but at the time I wasn’t too familiar with stick shift. You won’t regret an M40i and with a manual transmission I think you’ll have a blast!
Sounds like the sdrive30 is a much better value. For $27k you bought more power, going from adequate to very good, and a good feeling about spending more.
Yes. I think that the 30i has more value, objectively.
Honestly, the 30i is more than "adequate". It will get up and go and shred the official 0-60 times. It's just that the M40i is crazy powerful.
The difference is more like "awesome" and "OMG".
@@SoA-Horsemani disagree. Don't let people tell you x is better than y (your hearts desire) because of a mere $30k. You got it because you wanted it. When else you would you get it? When you're dead😂😂. No the 30i is never a better value when you want a m40i. As a matter of fact right as I said you only live once you said the same words at 15:34. Plus cognac and Portimao is such a classic combo. People will be oggling at YOU in expensive restaurants. I had a black z4 m40i and miss it. I think white is far too bland for the shapes and angles this car has
@@haldriver1378it's ok. Look if we were discussing only momentary wise than something cheaper that gets you what you want is better. But if youre heart like mine wants a true sports GT or even track car feeling, I'm not getting a 30i to save a couple bucks. Money isn't more important than satisfying what you wish. It's better to have than wjsh you had. That's probably why horseman got the 40i. Years of looking at 40i owners on the forums takes it's tolkc
@@davidt8087 if you want a track car feeling, this ain't it in any flavor. Go ahead and get the 917. It's only money.
Of course the 30i with 255HP is more than enough if you do not care much about the pure power and sound of the inline-6.. Outside the USA they also sell the 20i, which has the same engine as the 30i but with less power (197HP).. The 30i is the mid-level model (outside the USA)..
Precisely, which is why I say that my reasoning - logic - for upgrading was more superficial than anything logical or objective. :D Thanks for sharing the info.
@@SoA-Horseman I wouldn't call it superficial.. You drive these type of cars because you want to enjoy them.. Having a great sounding inline-6 engine with also more power to enjoy makes sense.. I'm happy others also still have that need, otherwise everybody would drive the same old practical boring SUV (most people do already).. I'm driving a 2014 E89 Z4 35is (in Valencia Orange) myself.. Tuned to 405HP and 603Nm, and no limiter anymore so I can go 300+ km/h on the German Autobahn..🤘Great car the 35is, but I'm now looking into buying a more recent G29 Z4 M40i (probably why your video popped up for me).. In my country buying one new is no option for me because of to much tax.. A new Z4 M40i is +/- 105k Euro here (+/- $ 114.000 USD), so I have to go used.. Hope the LCI 2023 models become available and drop in price fast, cause I want one in that new purple color..
Z4 M40i or M440i? Lol! Take the kids with you or leave them at home? This is my first world problem right now, lol!
NGL, I did test drive the 430i and the M440i. I have one child so it made things a little easier and we also have a family car. There was room to have a toy. ;)
I have another video (couple years old) taking the M440i on a small “autocross” during an Ultimate Driving Experience. Check it out!
@@SoA-HorsemanI have a model 3 and a Hyundai Ioniq 5 right now so going to get rid of the Tesla and get a Z4 or M440i! I have two boys (10 and 14) and I hate to leave them at home on fun weekends with the wife.
Awesome, will look for the video. I am on your channel watching all your BMW videos, hahaha!
It’s a tough choice. My wife is the one that feels left out as I am in there with my son more often than anything. I go to a local cars and coffee with him where we have a lot of fun going on backroad drives to the event and spend a lot of time enjoying shows.
Nice video, but it is not really much of an upgrade to be honest. And in many aspects the 30i is BETTER than the 40i. It is lighter and has a better weight distribution. That means it should handle better at cornering and at braking, and will consume less fuel and tires..... The acceleration upgrade is not that much, especially for us in EU where the M40i only gets 340ps for some reason. Basically the feeling of balance the inline 6 has and the better sound are the only things that are better in the M40i, for all other things the 30i is better. As for the ride quality, the added weight of the 40i and also the 19inch wheels you use are responsible for it. Personally i would get the 18inch wheels, they would be more comfortable, less costly, and safer on wet surfaces too.... In any case, if the upgrade makes you happy, then all is well. Getting a M40i is an emotional purchase after all, not a logical one, or else we would be driving Toyotas.
Which was really one of the things I alluded to in the video. 30i is enough, however there are superficial reasons that someone would want to go for an M40i and not taking it to the track.
Burbals and pops are so annoying for everyone.
I enjoy them as do many people from the car community. ;) and when I get tired of hearing them I just go into a different driving mode.
Beginning of the video: The bad habit of the visually irrelevant author presenting himself in the foreground for minutes and blocking the view of the car is obviously indispensable in this video too.
There’s 20 minutes of car stuff. Honestly I do this for fun and to share experiences. Not for much if anything else. Sorry you don’t approve.
Hey aren't you the guy on the forum? I can't say who I am due to privacy however my recent post mentions privacy but shh. Hey I love ur color. Instant classic. My first z4 m40i was bsm and red, I used to hate black on BMW cuz u had the m235i and white hid the awkward lacking lines and shapes of that car, but my friend crashed and totalled my black z4 and I got a white one, and tbh im missing the black. Hands Down colors make the angles and shape pop out much more on the z4, white is actually too bland on it. I'm happy for you dude you graduated to such a classic luxurious color combo. I'm definitely jelly. Though I have an alpine white with red, m8 style kidney grills, black M mirrors, and some red rim protectors and black wheels. I still get daily compliments, but when you pull up to a nice restaurant with me, people will look at my car like I'm some young sports racer lol while they'll look at you as some classic rich man. Not that we should care what others think lol but I just love PB + cognac + red brakes + black trim
Heya! Yeah I’m the guy from the forums. ;) We forum rats have a tendency to run into each other on other social media platforms. I agree .. color makes a huge difference in accentuating the lines and angles of this beautiful car. Alpine white didn’t quite do that nearly as much as PB here and I am so happy I went with this color. I had a fear that the color would be too far out of my comfort zone, but nope!!! Sorry to hear about your black one!!!!
@@SoA-Horseman yea it helped me stopped my bad habit of letting people use my car. I was too nice lol and always felt bad to say no. But each time they'd scratch my paint or make a trash of it. It's like they can't show any respect and only let their jealousy run their entire experience. "Oh well if I'm just gonna be ALLOWED to drive this nice car I wish I had, I'll make sure to return it in a way to ruin his day", like some people take your kindness and pay you back with hatred. Such insecurity.
Indeed. I don't even like my wife driving my car. I'm too over protective hahaha! It sucks that some people just wanna watch the world burn. Narcissism at its best.
Love that comment. I concur with your color analysis. I'm 61 and prefer a more sophisticated and mature color concept. I own an M40i in Glacier Silver Metallic, although Black is my favorite, lol.