Latest news with #BimmerPost
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Why This BMW Stick-Shift Won't Disappear Just Yet
In an increasingly rare piece of good news for fans of manual sports cars, BMW is set to extend production of a key enthusiast model beyond the expected timeline. We're referring to the Z4 M40i with the brand's classic six-cylinder engine and stick-shift transmission, which was expected to go out of production in October this year. However, a reliable source over at Bimmer Post has revealed an extended production run that stretches all the way to May 2026. One can only assume that strong sales have led to the decision to keep the Z4 M40i around a little longer. For the 2025 model year, BMW introduced the Handschalter package for the M40i variant, which includes a six-speed manual in addition to the version with the eight-speed automatic. According to BMW's latest sales figures for Q1 2025, Z4 sales were up by 29% year-on-year in the United States, reaching 503 units. Yes, that's not a lot of cars in BMW world, but the Z4 is a low-volume sports car, not a family-friendly SUV. Considering that only the M40i is getting an extended production run until May 2026, we can presume that the increase in sales is due to the success of the M40i, not the base four-cylinder variant. Intriguingly, it looks like the Toyota GR Supra, with which the Z4 shares engines and other components, will also stick around until May 2026. The current Z4 starts at $54,050 for the 255-horsepower sDrive30i model with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine. To upgrade to the 382-hp M40i, you must spend at least $66,450. From there, a further $3,500 is required for the Handschalter package, which adds the six-speed manual along with extras like extended Shadowline trim, black mirror caps, M Sport brakes with red calipers, and black high gloss trim. It's not the cheapest new BMW, but fans have clearly being willing to pay for it. Besides the Z4 M40i manual, the German manufacturer has several other manuals available in its lineup, including the M2 coupe, M3 sedan, and M4 coupe. All have variations of the brand's sporty and powerful six-cylinder turbo engine. After eliminating dual-clutch automatics from its lineup recently - a more engaging alternative to traditional automatics - there was a fear that BMW manuals weren't long for this world, either. However, a BMW Blog report from March 2025 indicates that BMW isn't ready to ditch manuals entirely, even though the take rate for a stick-shift is low. For now, we have a six-cylinder manual Z4 to savor for a while longer, and that's a good thing. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Auto Blog
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
BMW Gives Manual Z4 Enthusiasts More Time
The Automaker Only Has Four Manual Cars Left In an increasingly rare piece of good news for fans of manual sports cars, BMW is set to extend production of a key enthusiast model beyond the expected timeline. We're referring to the Z4 M40i with the brand's classic six-cylinder engine and stick-shift transmission, which was expected to go out of production in October this year. However, a reliable source over at Bimmer Post has revealed an extended production run that stretches all the way to May 2026. One can only assume that strong sales have led to the decision to keep the Z4 M40i around a little longer. Source: BMW Z4 Sales On The Rise For the 2025 model year, BMW introduced the Handschalter package for the M40i variant, which includes a six-speed manual in addition to the version with the eight-speed automatic. According to BMW's latest sales figures for Q1 2025, Z4 sales were up by 29% year-on-year in the United States, reaching 503 units. Yes, that's not a lot of cars in BMW world, but the Z4 is a low-volume sports car, not a family-friendly SUV. Considering that only the M40i is getting an extended production run until May 2026, we can presume that the increase in sales is due to the success of the M40i, not the base four-cylinder variant. Intriguingly, it looks like the Toyota GR Supra, with which the Z4 shares engines and other components, will also stick around until May 2026. The current Z4 starts at $54,050 for the 255-horsepower sDrive30i model with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine. To upgrade to the 382-hp M40i, you must spend at least $66,450. From there, a further $3,500 is required for the Handschalter package, which adds the six-speed manual along with extras like extended Shadowline trim, black mirror caps, M Sport brakes with red calipers, and black high gloss trim. It's not the cheapest new BMW, but fans have clearly being willing to pay for it. BMW Is Doing The Most To Keep Manuals Alive Besides the Z4 M40i manual, the German manufacturer has several other manuals available in its lineup, including the M2 coupe, M3 sedan, and M4 coupe. All have variations of the brand's sporty and powerful six-cylinder turbo engine. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. After eliminating dual-clutch automatics from its lineup recently – a more engaging alternative to traditional automatics – there was a fear that BMW manuals weren't long for this world, either. However, a BMW Blog report from March 2025 indicates that BMW isn't ready to ditch manuals entirely, even though the take rate for a stick-shift is low. For now, we have a six-cylinder manual Z4 to savor for a while longer, and that's a good thing. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The Manual BMW Z4 Won't Die Because Too Many People Have Good Taste
Despite the fact it was initially rumored to be discontinued in October of this year, the G29 BMW Z4 is going to live on for a while longer. This is wonderful news for people who appreciate good styling, lots of horsepower, a manual transmission and — most importantly — a convertible roof. A new report from BMW Blog suggests that BMW will end most Z4 production in March of 2026, however, the U.S.-spec M40i (and its six-speed manual transmission) will live on for a bit longer. One of the outlet's trusted sources on the Bimmer Post forum said the Z4 in its M Performance trim will soldier on in the U.S. for an additional two months — until May of 2026. That same source also claimed that this is when the final U.S.-spec Supra will be built. Extending the Z4's life isn't a total surprise. As more enthusiasts look for analog options, deliveries in the first quarter of 2025 rose by 4.2% to 2,436 units when compared with the same time last year, according to BMW Blog. Sales of the Z4 jumped by 13.1% in 2024 after BMW made the manual available in the U.S., Motor1 reports People year for rear-wheel drive and a manual transmission. I get it. The Z4 M40i is one of the few BMWs you can still buy with a stick shift, joined only by the M2 and base versions of the M3 and M4. Read more: No Spare? No Problem. Here's What Every Car Should Carry In Case Of A Flat Despite this good news, it's not looking like the Z4 will be around forever. Right now, there's no plan for a successor to the little two-seater. It's not exactly a surprise. Sure, it's selling OK, but convertible sales continue to fall and the enthusiast market is shrinking. Toyota has said there will be a next-generation Supra, but BMW doesn't intend to join up with the Japanese automaker for its own version of the car. So, if you're the type of smart person who wants a manual Z4, you better act now. Just make sure you've got some deep-ish pockets. A turbocharged 2.0-liter Z4 sDrive30i — which only comes with an automatic — starts at $56,175. If you want the manual, you've got to jump up to the M40 with its 382-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6. That's going to set you back $71,825. If you have the means, I do suggest picking one up. However, if you don't, I'd be willing to part with my manual 2007 Z4 3.0SI for just a fraction of that price. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
