Hi Chris, I just wanted to leave you a note to say that you and your career were one of the biggest inspirations behind my decision to take the leap and leave my corporate job to pursue my passions-music and my photography business, Stonecastle Media-full time. I’ve been a regular viewer of Winding Road Magazine since 2012, when I was on the hunt for high-quality POV car content, and I’ve loved watching your personal channel since its early days. Your reviews always feel like a chat with one of my best friends in the passenger seat. You’ve truly pioneered one of my favourite genres on UA-cam. I’m based in London, UK, so if you ever plan on shooting content on this side of the pond, I’d be more than happy to help out. And if the stars align, I’d love to grab a coffee or lunch with you sometime. Thanks for staying authentic and being such an inspiration! Keep up the amazing work. Best, Greg
This is literally the best M car on sale right now, regardless of it not being a "full m car". Id love to pick one up used in a few years as a third car.
You can tell that the few people left at BMW who care about their roots as a brand that makes the best fun driving machines on the planet made this car. It's sad that they aren't selling well and with the direction BMW is going, I don't think we will see a car like this again. Really makes me want to buy one.
I ordered one of these in August and picked it up a week ago. Yes, it's this good. The dealer told me they were getting close to zero attention on these models. Everyone wants an M2 or M3... damn shame.
We just sold our '23 M240i, and yes, this Z4 would be a much better driving experience. Manual ✅ Actual buttons ✅ Under 3500 lbs ✅ The problem here is that you're getting close to base M3 money. Our M240i similarly spec'd came in at $58k.
I wish BMW would bring the manual back to the 230i/m240i, I have zero interest in a full M2, but would trade in my brz in a heartbeat if they offered the little brothers in manual
Yeah it's very sad, now you want a Manual it is reserved for high end cars...wtf Manual and 250-350hp is just sweet spot ! You can actually enjoy the torque, and have a lot of fun at "acceptable" speeds.
@@Gurka84 It is more car than I need or want, insurance is higher, consumables (brakes, tires, etc.) are higher. We have lost the plot with how fast sports cars have gotten
Gorgeous inside and out. I’m really loving this cabin with its integrated screen and physical controls compared to the everything, tacked on screen in other BMWs.
Literally saw a video of this car on autotopnl channel a few days ago and thought about you Topher! Then you uploaded this and I was like aye!!! Lets go!
Amazing video , as usual. I think I would get this over the other M cars.. great balance, if you're single or want this as a weekend toy it's great. It doesn't look ugly either.
This car nails the gearing. This might be my next convertible. I've had two BMWs, two Miatas, and three Porsches, and this feels like the intersection of all of it. Thank you for reviewing it! I do wish it had analog gauges though...
I've been waiting for your review of the manual Z4 since it was announced! I absolutely love this car, hopefully theyre still accepting orders for these around summer next year when I can afford one 😅
I love when the response from reviews about a given car is in unanimous agreement, good or bad. In this case, everyone seems to absolutely love this car. Seems like they really nailed it. I'm particularly curious about the manual gearbox. Seems like they finally got it right, fixed the problems typically associated with BMW manuals. I have a '25 m4 manual on the way, and I'm curious if it got the same treatment.. I suspect not.. think it has the same gearbox as the original g82..
These performance upgrades should be on EVERY new Z4, manual and automatic. BMW has missed the mark on the current Z4, and making the car more dialed in would go a long way with enthusiasts. If BMW is to continue selling the Z4 they need to clean up to exterior design language and make the digital display look more upscale and classic looking.
I saw the California license plate and was confused as hell because it looks exactly like Michigan!.... I then looked up "strategic fox" on map and saw that you were indeed in Plymouth Michigan lol
Nice review Chris! You pronounced it right ‘Handschalter Package” but funny how BMW makes you pay extra just for a “Manual” package, eh. Keep up the great work.
Ain't gonna lie, this is going to be a great car to pick up on a used market. At 77k new this is a tough proposition to swallow. I wish the digital gauge was either customizable or had a different look, as is it is very non intuitive and hard to get quick information from, needles are almost invisible. I had 3 series with the same layout an hated that gauge cluster every day. Not sure what was wrong with classic oval layout but I guess BMW knows better?
The only problem with these cars is the price. I rented a 2.0L Z4 in Germany this year, between the autobahn and great backroads I completely fell in love with it. Then you come home to find that you're not finding one of these cars, even a few years used, under like $40,000. For the price of a 2.0L new, you could have a Mustang GT convertible. A 2-series with the same B48 powertrain is like $15,000 cheaper.
@@19hundoc47 yes, 4 and 8 cylinder S-550's for recent stuff. They're certainly not precise, but you get a lot of V8 noises and outright horsepower in a Mustang GT. Cheap thrills. The Z4 is not cheap thrills, it's more like "expensive 4/6 cylinder action"
Love the review. Have you driven an M240i? I wish the M240i was this with a manual. Only having the 8 speed isn’t terrible but the manual add so much more engagement for the target audience.
This car is way out of my price range but i hope those that can afford it buy it because it looks like such a joy to drive and it would be a shame for them to discontinue it
🇬🇧Hi Chris! I didn’t have any problems hearing you when you were driving this Z4 at speed with the Top down, sure there was some wind-buffeting, but I Like to hear that anyway - it adds to my enjoyment :)! Hey what is the brand of that watch you usually wear? Nice Z4 M40i there!
Having just picked up an ND3 BBR with a manual, I was hesitant to watch this video because of potential buyers remorse. This video does make me think going up to the Z4 would have been a better fit (6ft and wish I was about an inch shorter). But then again, the Miata puts a huge smile on my face every time and cost way less. Not a lot of new manual convertibles out there, it’s Miata, Z4 then Boxster. I wonder if the Z4 buyer is upgrading from the Miata, or if they are BMW shoppers who want a convertible, or Boxster shoppers who want 6 cylinders rather than 4
Can’t really get into the Matte Finish but the color is beautiful. Wish they could have chopped about 4 inches off the front overhang, it makes it look clumsy.
Great review - agree it’s the best BMW on sale today. Bought this exact car a few months ago. How would you compare the driving experience to the Lotus Emira V6 Manual?
If I remember correctly the 8spd one was a dark purple color right? I have wanted one of these since that review. The manual seems even more enjoyable. If I had the funds this would be the convertible I’d pick!
I really wish this car comes with a similar price compare to the manual Supra. 76k is crazy, despite how good the car is. Maybe the roadster market is really tiny now, and BMW expect no one to buy a manual roadster in 2024, so they have to bring up price to make profit
@@LateNightDateNight I've owed both. The Z4 is the better car. The gearing on the GTS is horribly tall. You are forced to drive around town in 1st and 2nd gear...very boring. The GTS also lacks torque. Sure the naturally aspirated flat six sounds amazing, but I have a manual Z4 M40i in my garage now. Couldn't be happier
I know they're very different vehicles and experiences, but what would you get between this and a used LC500 convertible? And would getting this in an automatic kill all the fun?
Question. I’m looking into an Miata RF club - grand touring or might consider a used Z340i next year. Thoughts one is 42 other in 60s used next year. Leaning RF.
How does it feel compared to your 2022 BRZ? Powertrain is magnitudes better but the steering and cornering can’t be as good with all that extra weight. Drop top probably makes up for it though.
I went from the GR86 to the 3.0 Supra (this car's twin). I'd say GR86 has by far the better handling and chassis dynamics. Too bad its great architecture is filled with garbage subaru parts to meet a price point.
Can you add segments to your future videos to something like this where you have windows down to hear the actual exhaust noise(With windows up we tend to only hear the in cabin "speaker noise")?
Wonder what this is like to drive at higher speeds. I had a chance to drive the new Supra to its top speed, and it did not feel good at all. I figured since it was a BMW chassis, it would feel like a BMW at top speed, but I guess whatever Toyota did to the suspension just wasn't up to the task of Autobahn burning.
Nice but nothing from other world. I want to think that a U$D 70.000 toy like this one has adapatative cruise control with traffic sign detection at least.
I really like it though I think the exterior is overstyled with the scoop on the side and the like. There are two factors that would make this car very hard to sell over at Autotrader, one is green paint, the other is matte paint. It will make it near impossible to sell on. But all in all in a proper deep gloss color like black or Portimao blue, it is the best looking BMW.
No... the supra has a lot of Z4 in and about it... There is NO supra without the BMW B58 engine and drivetrain. Sure, they were codeveloped between BMW and Toyota, but they aren't built in a Toyota plant. The fact is, you can find BMW logos all around the supra but you won't find one Toyota logo anywhere in, on, or around the Z4.
It's rare to see you hoon a car this much. I wish more people were talking about it, because I am afraid nobody is buying them and thats a damn shame.
This car is definitely not getting the sales successes that it 100% deserves.
I would get it if it was awd wheel drive
I did my part. As soon as this was announced, I put a deposit on one in May and took delivery last month. Nothing but smiles
@@zaybxc1 Then it ruins the fun of rwd
@@xBlackRaiderxand heavier
Hi Chris,
I just wanted to leave you a note to say that you and your career were one of the biggest inspirations behind my decision to take the leap and leave my corporate job to pursue my passions-music and my photography business, Stonecastle Media-full time.
I’ve been a regular viewer of Winding Road Magazine since 2012, when I was on the hunt for high-quality POV car content, and I’ve loved watching your personal channel since its early days. Your reviews always feel like a chat with one of my best friends in the passenger seat. You’ve truly pioneered one of my favourite genres on UA-cam.
I’m based in London, UK, so if you ever plan on shooting content on this side of the pond, I’d be more than happy to help out. And if the stars align, I’d love to grab a coffee or lunch with you sometime.
Thanks for staying authentic and being such an inspiration!
Keep up the amazing work.
Best,
Greg
your website and photos are awesome! best of luck in your endeavors!
@ thank you so much!
This is literally the best M car on sale right now, regardless of it not being a "full m car". Id love to pick one up used in a few years as a third car.
You can literally feel through the screen that its such a happy car to drive!
You can tell that the few people left at BMW who care about their roots as a brand that makes the best fun driving machines on the planet made this car. It's sad that they aren't selling well and with the direction BMW is going, I don't think we will see a car like this again. Really makes me want to buy one.
I ordered one of these in August and picked it up a week ago. Yes, it's this good. The dealer told me they were getting close to zero attention on these models. Everyone wants an M2 or M3... damn shame.
It would get more attention if it were a coupe. But if they made it a coupe it would infringe on the M2
Wooh! This is almost a perfect modern BMW setup. iDrive 7 and manual transmission FTW!
We just sold our '23 M240i, and yes, this Z4 would be a much better driving experience. Manual ✅ Actual buttons ✅ Under 3500 lbs ✅ The problem here is that you're getting close to base M3 money. Our M240i similarly spec'd came in at $58k.
I wish BMW would bring the manual back to the 230i/m240i, I have zero interest in a full M2, but would trade in my brz in a heartbeat if they offered the little brothers in manual
They really need to bring that manual back
Yeah it's very sad, now you want a Manual it is reserved for high end cars...wtf
Manual and 250-350hp is just sweet spot ! You can actually enjoy the torque, and have a lot of fun at "acceptable" speeds.
the high dollar manual trims have better profit margins
Why zero interest in a full M2 car though?
@@Gurka84 It is more car than I need or want, insurance is higher, consumables (brakes, tires, etc.) are higher. We have lost the plot with how fast sports cars have gotten
10:00 6MT
15:00 One of the BEST sports cars
19:00 Best BMW on sale
24:20 Good looks
love that color combo, wish more manufacturers would offer that color green.
First time I ever drove a manual was on a bmw and that “careful into first” is so true 🫣
Absolutely fantastic car.. B58 Manual and cabrio is an awesome combination.. nice driving too man!
I am definitely hoping to buy this one day!
Gorgeous inside and out. I’m really loving this cabin with its integrated screen and physical controls compared to the everything, tacked on screen in other BMWs.
Much prefer iDrive 7 hard physical controls over later iDrive 8 & 8.5 "iMax" screen versions..
Literally saw a video of this car on autotopnl channel a few days ago and thought about you Topher! Then you uploaded this and I was like aye!!! Lets go!
If they made this in a coupe it might be one of the best BMWs of all time
Man those screens are so boring. Analogue rev counters and speedometers look so much better I think.
I agree, this is a weak point for an otherwise amazing machine
Agreed.
At least this is one of the last BMWs with physical HVAC controls
Also, is there any reason not to think the screens working 10-15 years from now in all these cars from different makers won't be a common issue?
Yeah they look cheap
13:30 is what we all came here for
Very good very expert
Amazing video , as usual. I think I would get this over the other M cars.. great balance, if you're single or want this as a weekend toy it's great. It doesn't look ugly either.
This car nails the gearing. This might be my next convertible. I've had two BMWs, two Miatas, and three Porsches, and this feels like the intersection of all of it. Thank you for reviewing it!
I do wish it had analog gauges though...
I've been waiting for your review of the manual Z4 since it was announced! I absolutely love this car, hopefully theyre still accepting orders for these around summer next year when I can afford one 😅
I own a factory 6 speed 2001 BMW 540i and you need to get your hands on one and drive it, it was known as the ultimate driving machine
Love this car. Amazing color combo as well. If only they made a Miata in green for us mere mortals…
Now, if BMW came out with a manual M340i, I would sell my left kidney.
People with manual Supra should consider swapping this car's flywheel in.
The color combo is amazing! What a cool car; I hope a few will buy it because it's probably going away shortly.
Dang you found a unicorn!
I love when the response from reviews about a given car is in unanimous agreement, good or bad. In this case, everyone seems to absolutely love this car. Seems like they really nailed it.
I'm particularly curious about the manual gearbox. Seems like they finally got it right, fixed the problems typically associated with BMW manuals.
I have a '25 m4 manual on the way, and I'm curious if it got the same treatment.. I suspect not.. think it has the same gearbox as the original g82..
These performance upgrades should be on EVERY new Z4, manual and automatic. BMW has missed the mark on the current Z4, and making the car more dialed in would go a long way with enthusiasts. If BMW is to continue selling the Z4 they need to clean up to exterior design language and make the digital display look more upscale and classic looking.
I saw the California license plate and was confused as hell because it looks exactly like Michigan!.... I then looked up "strategic fox" on map and saw that you were indeed in Plymouth Michigan lol
Prediction: even tho these guys don’t get a lot of attention now they will hold their value & become sought after in years to come
Nice review Chris! You pronounced it right ‘Handschalter Package” but funny how BMW makes you pay extra just for a “Manual” package, eh. Keep up the great work.
I very much enjoyed driving the z4 with the B48 I can’t imagine the B58 and 6 speed!!
Ain't gonna lie, this is going to be a great car to pick up on a used market. At 77k new this is a tough proposition to swallow. I wish the digital gauge was either customizable or had a different look, as is it is very non intuitive and hard to get quick information from, needles are almost invisible. I had 3 series with the same layout an hated that gauge cluster every day. Not sure what was wrong with classic oval layout but I guess BMW knows better?
The only problem with these cars is the price. I rented a 2.0L Z4 in Germany this year, between the autobahn and great backroads I completely fell in love with it. Then you come home to find that you're not finding one of these cars, even a few years used, under like $40,000. For the price of a 2.0L new, you could have a Mustang GT convertible. A 2-series with the same B48 powertrain is like $15,000 cheaper.
That’s becuase mustangs are awful. Have you ever driven one? Lol
@@19hundoc47 yes, 4 and 8 cylinder S-550's for recent stuff. They're certainly not precise, but you get a lot of V8 noises and outright horsepower in a Mustang GT. Cheap thrills. The Z4 is not cheap thrills, it's more like "expensive 4/6 cylinder action"
@@19hundoc47test driving a mustang had to be the most disappointed I ever been in a car lol ss 1le tho was a charm
That’s an awesome spec
Does anyone else hate pops and burbles? It was fun for a while but now it's all I ever hear
That challenger wanted to play
Based on your reaction, this feels spiritually closer to being the luxury big brother to the gr86/brz than the Supra...
Nice Mk5 Supra
Love the review. Have you driven an M240i? I wish the M240i was this with a manual. Only having the 8 speed isn’t terrible but the manual add so much more engagement for the target audience.
This car is way out of my price range but i hope those that can afford it buy it because it looks like such a joy to drive and it would be a shame for them to discontinue it
🇬🇧Hi Chris! I didn’t have any problems hearing you when you were driving this Z4 at speed with the Top down, sure there was some wind-buffeting, but I Like to hear that anyway - it adds to my enjoyment :)! Hey what is the brand of that watch you usually wear? Nice Z4 M40i there!
Having just picked up an ND3 BBR with a manual, I was hesitant to watch this video because of potential buyers remorse. This video does make me think going up to the Z4 would have been a better fit (6ft and wish I was about an inch shorter). But then again, the Miata puts a huge smile on my face every time and cost way less. Not a lot of new manual convertibles out there, it’s Miata, Z4 then Boxster. I wonder if the Z4 buyer is upgrading from the Miata, or if they are BMW shoppers who want a convertible, or Boxster shoppers who want 6 cylinders rather than 4
really miss that classic chime...
Can’t really get into the Matte Finish but the color is beautiful. Wish they could have chopped about 4 inches off the front overhang, it makes it look clumsy.
I hate that gauge cluster so much. Give us analog gauges or at least analog on a screen.
It's still 100% better than the bullshit the put in now
I think I would take this over a base Boxster.
Great review - agree it’s the best BMW on sale today. Bought this exact car a few months ago. How would you compare the driving experience to the Lotus Emira V6 Manual?
If I remember correctly the 8spd one was a dark purple color right? I have wanted one of these since that review. The manual seems even more enjoyable. If I had the funds this would be the convertible I’d pick!
I really wish this car comes with a similar price compare to the manual Supra. 76k is crazy, despite how good the car is. Maybe the roadster market is really tiny now, and BMW expect no one to buy a manual roadster in 2024, so they have to bring up price to make profit
Man the B58 just sounds so much better than the S58, though I do wonder how much of that is ADS coming through on the video
Great review.
However - I'd liked to see the rev lights. It looks like it was disabled on your video, both on the HUD and the dash.
@TheTopher, this or a Boxster? What would you choose?
Boxster GTS > Z4 > Boxster S
@@LateNightDateNight I've owed both. The Z4 is the better car. The gearing on the GTS is horribly tall. You are forced to drive around town in 1st and 2nd gear...very boring. The GTS also lacks torque. Sure the naturally aspirated flat six sounds amazing, but I have a manual Z4 M40i in my garage now. Couldn't be happier
Sequoia was blazing down that left lane 😂
Save the manuals!
Really cool car! Wish it had a hardtop tho
Whats with all the freight trucks
While they’re very different, do you prefer this or the CT4V BW for daily driving and enjoyment?
Also would like to know
“why is no one buying these?” because 70k for a german miata is crazy
Only if it had a hardtop (and wasn't 70k+ for a manual). Thanks for the review!
Buy the Supra if you want a hardtop. For convertible lovers like me, this car is pretty much the tops unless you can afford a 4.0L Boxster.
Same with the hardtop. I don't think the Supra would be the equivalent
BMW: Tooher, review the Z4 Handschalter please.
Topher: Nah. I think I’ll just drive it for a week for fun.
Reasonable sports car upgrade from a Miata? Or too soft for backroads and track events?
Which is more fun, this or 4 cylinder boxster with manual?
I know they're very different vehicles and experiences, but what would you get between this and a used LC500 convertible? And would getting this in an automatic kill all the fun?
Question. I’m looking into an Miata RF club - grand touring or might consider a used Z340i next year. Thoughts one is 42 other in 60s used next year. Leaning RF.
we can tell it's your favourite
I wish 440i vert would get a manual in the UK.
13:30 HOLY
How does it feel compared to your 2022 BRZ? Powertrain is magnitudes better but the steering and cornering can’t be as good with all that extra weight. Drop top probably makes up for it though.
I went from the GR86 to the 3.0 Supra (this car's twin). I'd say GR86 has by far the better handling and chassis dynamics. Too bad its great architecture is filled with garbage subaru parts to meet a price point.
Some BMW execs are seething right now that there are still buttons in the cabin.
Can you add segments to your future videos to something like this where you have windows down to hear the actual exhaust noise(With windows up we tend to only hear the in cabin "speaker noise")?
How would you compare enjoyment to your M Roadster? Imagine a mint one.
How do you think compare to MX5 ND?
Can you somehow review a Camaro 2SS convertible again?
❤
This, M2, or CT4-V Blackwing? 😕
Wonder what this is like to drive at higher speeds. I had a chance to drive the new Supra to its top speed, and it did not feel good at all. I figured since it was a BMW chassis, it would feel like a BMW at top speed, but I guess whatever Toyota did to the suspension just wasn't up to the task of Autobahn burning.
Yo TheTopher can you do BMW 5 Series 2024?
This B58 is the old version? Sounds more aggressive with pops and burbles. Don't see it on some of the new B58 motors like in the X3 M50
What’s different between this and 440i convertible?
Very, very similar interior to my pre-LCI M340i, and part of why I'm not interested in moving on. The new one sucks.
Nice but nothing from other world. I want to think that a U$D 70.000 toy like this one has adapatative cruise control with traffic sign detection at least.
I think I prefer my old Z3 2.8. 🤷🏻♀️
Why didn't Toyota make a convertible Supra ?
Because Toyota isn’t even producing the Supras.
@@Love2Cruise To be fair. Neither is BMW.
I really like it though I think the exterior is overstyled with the scoop on the side and the like. There are two factors that would make this car very hard to sell over at Autotrader, one is green paint, the other is matte paint. It will make it near impossible to sell on. But all in all in a proper deep gloss color like black or Portimao blue, it is the best looking BMW.
How long was that Challenger following you though 👀
That’s exactly what I was thinking lol
It costs more than M2, so it'd better be good !
It’s about 300 lbs lighter than an M2. Money well spent IMO.
What is that blinking sound and symbol at 8:02?
You mean to say the Supra is a BMW z4
Both vehicles (Supra and z4) are contract built by Magna Styr in Austria.
No... the supra has a lot of Z4 in and about it... There is NO supra without the BMW B58 engine and drivetrain. Sure, they were codeveloped between BMW and Toyota, but they aren't built in a Toyota plant. The fact is, you can find BMW logos all around the supra but you won't find one Toyota logo anywhere in, on, or around the Z4.
$67,625 pricetag 😂 yea ill take my chances with a $3k z3 with 280k miles instead
Just wish it didn't look like a Scion
77k???🤣 no wonder everyone is poor. Enjoy those 1700 dollar payments a month people lol
I Uber with my Lamborghini it only a 2014
awesome car, but horrible burbles. burbles have to be the worst modern car trend
It’d be my favorite even just for the absence of that horrendous iDrive 8. 🤮
Hype
80gs
for a b58
and it has the good bmw interior not the ugly curved screen