I was always a big fan of the Z3 and the early Z4s (Bangle Butt era). Of course my favourites were always the manuals and especially the Z3M and Z4M models. I'd stopped paying attention to these cars years ago because, much like the BMW lineup as a whole, it felt like they were no longer pointed at me as an enthusiast, but rather the image-conscious people who were buying the car for the styling and brand cache. It had gotten to the point where the only BMW I cared about anymore was the M2 so it's nice to see BMW add a manual Z4 to the lineup to show us enthusiasts that they haven't completely forgotten their roots.
Last widow sticker I checked for Z4 M40i manual was 75,000 US dollars. The Boxster is more like 100,000 US Dollars. You are not comparing dollar for dollar cars.
It is awesome but I'm a Porsche guy now I think lol. I like a lot of cars but they seem to do the little things the best. I bet your car handles amazingly.
That red leather is RED. Almost orange. But a nice contrast to the dark grey paint. So glad it comes in a manual. One of only four manuals BMWs that they make.
I own a low mileage 2006 Z4 M Roadster and recently had the opportunity to drive the new 2025 Z4 M40i manual. They are altogether different cars. The new Z4 is longer, wider, taller and heavier, and it shows in the driving experience. While marginally faster 0-60, it offers a less tactile driving experience overall. In essence it behaves more like a high-powered luxury touring GT. The 2006 Roadster is far less well mannered. The driving experience is very mechanical in both feel and sound .. you can literally feel the clutch and drive train engagement. And it is more nimble under performance driving conditions. Both are nice cars, but they are very different drivers. Where the new M40i is powerful, high-tech, and refined .. the Z4 M Roadster is a raw, elemental, no-frills, high revving machine.
As a former 981 boxster s 6mt owner who also used own a 2022 civic si and 2015 BMW m235i 6mt (and now own an nd2 Miata and a 2022 gr86 - both manuals) - I get the feeling I’d continue to be impressed by the motor and pass on this for the excessive weight
Wow!! What a lineup at home. I have always been around muscle cars growing up but now I have my BRZ and borrowed some new Miatas I can't go back. Thanks for sharing!
yeah I think you would want to upgrade the suspension to some coil overs (like Ohlins Road and Track) and try put on some larger tires to help with grip. The Supra mod community is very strong and people do crazy things to those cars.
You touched on this a little. You are not the only guy who praised this car's manual. Did BMW put the Supra's manual transmission in this? It would make a lot of sense since it's the same platform. I was ready to buy a 2023 M2 but man, that manual was not up to par, certainly nothing like the 2021 Cayman I had driven.
Great question. I read that BMW tweaked the transmission for themselves during development but it wasn't clear whose transmission it originally was. I would hate for you to make a decision and be unhappy because of my idea of what feels good for a manual, but that said, it was waaaay better than I was expecting. Not rubbery or loose feeling. To me as good as my BRZ (I realize my car is cheap and slow but many praise the manual). To be fair, the Cayman is my favourite so hard to match. To give you an idea, I have a Mk8 Golf R manual on order and hate the manual feeling on it lol. Worst manual I've used in years (but still better than a manual in my opinion lo) and the BMW felt nothing like that. Tight, notchy, smooth. Hope this helps. Good luck
For audio purposes and the episode's purpose to focus on the manual driving experience I didn't. For anyone looking at this, I mention and link (see in episode around the 6 min mark and description) a FULL review including the parts with the top down (including audio and the actual top opening).
Good question. I can't seem to get my hands on a new Cayman or 911 but since I started the show a couple years ago and started getting the opportunity to drive a lot if different cars I've become a Porsche guy lol. Not always my favourite for looks or sound but they seem built incredibly well and handled like no bodies business. Both are beautiful and fun to drive but for me I think I'd go Porsche (because I love a good handling car - hence my mini van BRZ that handles like a super car lol). Good luck:)
I heard they are going to stop making these next year so I think 2025 will be the last year - that true? Also, if they stop production, does that kill the resale value?
Sadly I heard the same. I think the Z4 was only created so Toyota could bring back the Supra (hence BMW's silence and lack of promotion around the vehicle), but that said, those enthusiasts who appreciate and can afford it will likely drive up the value of the used. I wouldn't think future buyers will see it's product end as a bad thing, but recognize it's end for the cultural change around vehicles that has been happening (gas to EV/vehicle must be a do everything machine - hence BMW's focus on sport SUV's). I have a MK8 manual Golf R on order for this very reason. I'm hoping it will hold it's value because there will be nuts like me out there in a few years that will want a gas powered manual hothatch and won't be able to find one new. Best of luck:)
I can totally relate to your comment about just liking to shift while your drive. After work I will sometimes drive up the interstate maybe 30m to a Starbucks, really I just enjoy the shifting up and down, not speed, not launching, just interacting with and dictating to the car how it should be working, and having to coordinate the leg and arm movements, when doing so. It’s a very satisfying experience.
C8 isn’t available with a manual, or as a true convertible.
You got me. Decided to trade my Fiat 124 spider for Z4 green with cappuccino interior. My wife, it's gonna kill me. 😂
🤣
I'm thinking the same way with my 124 Spider....I would miss my Abarth terribly but this is really beautiful and powerful....
I was always a big fan of the Z3 and the early Z4s (Bangle Butt era). Of course my favourites were always the manuals and especially the Z3M and Z4M models. I'd stopped paying attention to these cars years ago because, much like the BMW lineup as a whole, it felt like they were no longer pointed at me as an enthusiast, but rather the image-conscious people who were buying the car for the styling and brand cache. It had gotten to the point where the only BMW I cared about anymore was the M2 so it's nice to see BMW add a manual Z4 to the lineup to show us enthusiasts that they haven't completely forgotten their roots.
Great comment. Manuals make everything better!
@@Neutralreviews couldn't agree more! #savethemanuals
Last widow sticker I checked for Z4 M40i manual was 75,000 US dollars. The Boxster is more like 100,000 US Dollars. You are not comparing dollar for dollar cars.
I wish they would have announced this before I bought my base 718. I would have been all over it.
It is awesome but I'm a Porsche guy now I think lol. I like a lot of cars but they seem to do the little things the best. I bet your car handles amazingly.
If you have a 6 speed 4 turbo or 6NA, the 718 is a superb platform, better than most actual M products.
That red leather is RED. Almost orange. But a nice contrast to the dark grey paint. So glad it comes in a manual. One of only four manuals BMWs that they make.
Really, really liked it and it was a gorgeous spec for sure!
They call it magma red, definitely has a bit of a deep orangey tinge, move it
@@bricksbeersbeards9368 great name!
I own a low mileage 2006 Z4 M Roadster and recently had the opportunity to drive the new 2025 Z4 M40i manual. They are altogether different cars. The new Z4 is longer, wider, taller and heavier, and it shows in the driving experience. While marginally faster 0-60, it offers a less tactile driving experience overall. In essence it behaves more like a high-powered luxury touring GT. The 2006 Roadster is far less well mannered. The driving experience is very mechanical in both feel and sound .. you can literally feel the clutch and drive train engagement. And it is more nimble under performance driving conditions. Both are nice cars, but they are very different drivers. Where the new M40i is powerful, high-tech, and refined .. the Z4 M Roadster is a raw, elemental, no-frills, high revving machine.
You had me at raw, elemental and no frills lol. There is nothing like driving an engaging car like that! Thanks for your great comment.
As a former 981 boxster s 6mt owner who also used own a 2022 civic si and 2015 BMW m235i 6mt (and now own an nd2 Miata and a 2022 gr86 - both manuals) - I get the feeling I’d continue to be impressed by the motor and pass on this for the excessive weight
Wow!! What a lineup at home. I have always been around muscle cars growing up but now I have my BRZ and borrowed some new Miatas I can't go back. Thanks for sharing!
yeah I think you would want to upgrade the suspension to some coil overs (like Ohlins Road and Track) and try put on some larger tires to help with grip. The Supra mod community is very strong and people do crazy things to those cars.
@@nafnaf0 ha! That's for sure.
Looks like you really enjoyed reviewing this car!
I did!!! So much fun, especially with the help of the drone operator!! Thanks for commenting
You touched on this a little. You are not the only guy who praised this car's manual. Did BMW put the Supra's manual transmission in this? It would make a lot of sense since it's the same platform. I was ready to buy a 2023 M2 but man, that manual was not up to par, certainly nothing like the 2021 Cayman I had driven.
Great question. I read that BMW tweaked the transmission for themselves during development but it wasn't clear whose transmission it originally was. I would hate for you to make a decision and be unhappy because of my idea of what feels good for a manual, but that said, it was waaaay better than I was expecting. Not rubbery or loose feeling. To me as good as my BRZ (I realize my car is cheap and slow but many praise the manual). To be fair, the Cayman is my favourite so hard to match. To give you an idea, I have a Mk8 Golf R manual on order and hate the manual feeling on it lol. Worst manual I've used in years (but still better than a manual in my opinion lo) and the BMW felt nothing like that. Tight, notchy, smooth. Hope this helps. Good luck
Should have reviewed with the top down!
For audio purposes and the episode's purpose to focus on the manual driving experience I didn't. For anyone looking at this, I mention and link (see in episode around the 6 min mark and description) a FULL review including the parts with the top down (including audio and the actual top opening).
Thanks for the video. I'm in Canada and researching between this BMW and Porsche as they are almost in the same price range.
Good question. I can't seem to get my hands on a new Cayman or 911 but since I started the show a couple years ago and started getting the opportunity to drive a lot if different cars I've become a Porsche guy lol. Not always my favourite for looks or sound but they seem built incredibly well and handled like no bodies business. Both are beautiful and fun to drive but for me I think I'd go Porsche (because I love a good handling car - hence my mini van BRZ that handles like a super car lol). Good luck:)
What a beautiful car!
Absolutely!
Bought mine today. January delivery. Can’t wait.
Congratulations! Amazing car.
Such a beautiful car! love that red interior!
Right!! That was one of my favourite parts! Not sure what everyone else's were, but I definitely thought it stood out.
Corvette C8, hideous!!
I heard they are going to stop making these next year so I think 2025 will be the last year - that true? Also, if they stop production, does that kill the resale value?
Sadly I heard the same. I think the Z4 was only created so Toyota could bring back the Supra (hence BMW's silence and lack of promotion around the vehicle), but that said, those enthusiasts who appreciate and can afford it will likely drive up the value of the used. I wouldn't think future buyers will see it's product end as a bad thing, but recognize it's end for the cultural change around vehicles that has been happening (gas to EV/vehicle must be a do everything machine - hence BMW's focus on sport SUV's). I have a MK8 manual Golf R on order for this very reason. I'm hoping it will hold it's value because there will be nuts like me out there in a few years that will want a gas powered manual hothatch and won't be able to find one new. Best of luck:)
I can totally relate to your comment about just liking to shift while your drive. After work I will sometimes drive up the interstate maybe 30m to a Starbucks, really I just enjoy the shifting up and down, not speed, not launching, just interacting with and dictating to the car how it should be working, and having to coordinate the leg and arm movements, when doing so. It’s a very satisfying experience.
Well said 😊
Less talking more car sounds
Looks like they saved money on the clear coat.
Good one😝
Atop teasing me with the stick and jam it into 1st
I prefer the inline 6
Hp and torque!
its a supra
Supra convertible😝
Insert spiderman meme
No…the Supra is a Z4!!!!!! They’re not identical and there’s a price difference for a reason.
@@clbernier2and based upon the reviews, the z4 manual BMW M designed is better than the one Toyota tuned. The z4 looks better too.
more like the Supra is a hardtop Z4.