Skip to main content

The 2024 BMW Z4 M40i: The best car no one is talking about

Why this roadster is pretty great

BMW Z4
BMW Z4 front 3/4 view BMW / BMW USA

When it comes to famous models in BMW’s history, several models come immediately to mind. The one that just popped into your head more than likely began with an “M.” Or, if you happen to be something of a historian, perhaps the iconic Z8 came to mind. Or maybe even the other Bond car, BMW’s Z3, fired through your synapses. But, odds are, the car you didn’t think of (before reading the title of this article, anyway) was the BMW Z4.

Built as a joint venture with the Toyota Supra, for one reason or another, the Z4 has been the automotive equivalent of Liam Hemsworth. While objectively attractive, the Z4 has long been overshadowed by its more popular kin. But, the new BMW Z4 M40i may flip the script and have audiences everywhere cheering for the lesser-known sports car sibling.

 When did BMW start making the Z4?

When BMW’s nomenclature made a little more sense, it was easy to see that the Z4 was the direct follow-up to the popular Z3. However, the first E85/86 generation, produced from 2003 to 2008, did not quite live up to the original fanfare of its predecessor. While it did address some of the issues customers had with the Z3 (more size and better handling), its unconventional, quirky styling did not inspire nor elicit lustful thoughts of racing down an empty, twisting mountain road with the wind in your hair.

Recommended Videos

Things improved with the E89 variant produced from 2009 to 2016. A new hardtop convertible complimented the smoother lines of the second-gen Z4, but the real fun began with the most recent G29 Z4, unveiled in 2018 concurrently with its cousin, the J29 Toyota Supra.

BMW Z4
BMW Z4 rear view BMW / BMW USA

What engine and transmission does the BMW Z4 M40i have?

While under different circumstances, we might ding BMW for using its omnipresent corporate motor in the Z4 M40i, but as it happens, that corporate motor is fantastic. The B58 is a turbocharged 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve inline-6 that pumps an impressive 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

Highlighted by a forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods, the direct-injected B58 uses a twin-scroll turbo, eliminating lag. The double Vanos variable valve timing helps the inline-6 spin to an impressive 7,000 rpm.

The big news, however, comes after the engine. While the turbo six might be somewhat generic, the 2024 Z4 gets a rather unique feature when it comes to a transmission… a real three-pedal, six-speed manual. The ZF unit is essentially the same as the Supra’s, but BMW says that the Z4’s linkage and shifter are specific to the Bavarian version.

BMW Z4
BMW Z4 front view BMW / BMW USA

How fast is the BMW Z4 M40i?

While some bench racers and internet trolls will surely point out that the automatic variant can shift quicker than you can, and because of that, the manual version will not be able to match or beat the auto’s 0-60 mph sprint of 3.5 seconds (credit to Car & Driver). And to all of those naysayers, we would like to respectfully reply… we don’t care. If sacrificing a couple of tenths of a second is all it costs us (plus about $3,500 for the performance package, which includes the six-speed), then by all means, call us slow because we’ll be too busy smiling like a crazy person to hear it.

C&D also ran a 2023 Z4 equipped with an eight-speed automatic from 0-100 mph in just 8.8 seconds, and through the quarter mile in a crazy-fast 12.0 seconds at 116 mph. Just for a bit of context, those times make the latest Z4 quicker than BMW’s even more powerful hybrid exotic i8. So again, even adding back a little bit of time to those numbers makes the Z4 more than fast enough to have more than enough fun on a twisty backroad or barren highway on-ramp.

BMW Z4
BMW Z4 rear 3/4 view BMW / BMW USA

What makes the BMW Z4 M40i so special?

So, although the Supra may be able to bring the thunder, the new BMW Z4 M40i is electric (in the pre-EV sense). Despite having flown under the radar of most sports car fans for the better part of the last couple of decades, as well as being woefully overshadowed by its furiously fast cousin from Toyota, the latest Z4 M40i is about to change all of that.

However you categorize driving, whether that be a sport, a hobby, a leisurely activity, or a passion, the 2024 BMW Z4 M40i exemplifies the most fun driving can (and should) be. With its long hood, short deck, striking good looks, nearly 400 hp, and now its six-speed manual all packaged in true drop-top fashion, the Z4 is truly the Ultimate Driver’s Machine.

Lou Ruggieri
A lifelong lover of cars, Lou contributes to Motor Trend, Hot Cars, Auto & Truck Connection, and the PowerAutoMedia Group.
The BMW Z8 is an underappreciated gem (and maybe the best Bond car)
The BMW Z8 is arguably one of the best cars ever made
James Bond Z8

If you were to ask most BMW fans what their favorite model was, odds are it would start with an 'M.' Cars like the E30, E46, and E92 M3 are some of the most excellent drivers' vehicles in automotive history. In a separate yet related affair, if you ask any group of people what their favorite James Bond car happens to be, there is a better-than-average chance that they would probably mention one of his amazing Aston Martins. But what if there was a car out there that could, and arguably should, be the answer to both of those questions? Let us introduce, or possibly reintroduce, the magnificently underappreciated BMW Z8.

BMW 507 front view and BMW Z8 front 3/4 view Greg MG/Flickr / Greg MG/Flickr
From 507 to Z8: history repeats itself 
If the name Henrik Fisker sounds familiar, it's because he founded Fisker Automotive and designed the beautiful but short-lived Fisker Karma. But a decade before his own company began, Henrik was commissioned to pen the Z07 Concept, which was meant to be an homage to BMW's classic 507 from the 1950s. Keeping with the traditional long hood/short deck sports car template, Fisker created a beautifully flowing and muscular design that looked fast from any angle and could stop passersby dead in their tracks asking, "What is that?!"

Read more
The 2024 BMW i5 will be delivered this fall — does it live up to expectations?
2024 BMW i5: The ultimate electric sedan arrives this fall
BMW i5 eDrive40 and i5 M60 xDrive parked with a mountain view in the background

BMW is electrifying its lineup so it doesn't get left behind once EVs become more popular than gas-powered cars. It started with the BMW i3, then it moved to the BMW i4, BMW iX, and BMW i7 in the North American market.

However, one of its most anticipated EV models is the all-electric 5-Series. The BMW i5 will finally be delivered by October 2023, and we’re excited about it. But does it live up to expectations like an electric BMW? Let’s take a closer look.
BMW i5 is available in two configurations

Read more
BMW i7 M70 xDrive: Meet the automaker’s most powerful EV ever
The BMW i7 will offer 650 HP, 295 miles of range
BMW i7 M70

In recent years BMW electric cars have received much hype surrounding their impressive performances, sleek appearances, and longevity, and the i7 range is no different. On the curtails of the BMW i7's success, this German automaker is preparing to release its new electric powerhouse, the BMW i7 M70 xDrive. 

This vehicle will become the lineup's new top dog when it launches during the second half of the year at the Shanghai auto show. So let's learn more about what this ultra-high performance beast will offer drivers and what sets it apart from the competition.

Read more