Road Tripping The 2023 BMW Z4 M40i - What's it Like?

Ride with me in the 2023 BMW Z4 M40i down to see my buddy Sean at Kauth & Mayeur in Peoria, IL! The Z4 is a great all rounder, and dare I say I prefer it over the Supra...
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#bmw #bmwz4 #roadtrip

[@ccollins_24]

Happy that you’re finding your niche within the automotive youtube community with this series! Your personality shines through in a great way as well.

[@TopherDrives]

This means a lot, thank you! :)

[@Stygxfh]

My grandfather had a 2006 z4. It is the first performance car I’ve ever been in. When he past, he gave the car to my father and he decided to sell it because we didn’t have a garage or a place to put the car. Since then, my goal in life is to get enough money to buy a z4 and have fun like he had with it😊

[@sean2137]

Love this car and review! Love the B58 in my M240i xDrive convertible as well, this is my only car and it's a perfect daily. Nice to have 4 seats and also the ability to put one of those hammock covers in the back for extra cargo space if I want it, and to be able to take my dog to the park sometimes (she hates getting in but loves riding with the top down once she is there). Gets pretty great MPG driving ~70 miles a day- ~24-27 in mixed highway/back roads, which I consider good because I absolutely do not try for good fuel economy, I just send it🤣 my previous car (Lexus IS350C) got like ~17-18 with the same driving style so I am happy with that. A couple things- the roof rattle is common and as you suspected the rubber is the likely cause. Apparently this happens on all BMW convertibles, the fix is to buy a bottle of Gummi Pfledge and treat all the seals (but mostly around the windows) about every month. This never happened with my Lexus IS350C, why BMW cannot just make a good seal, I don't know, but that is how to fix it. I also saw you adjusting the temps at the same time with two fingers lol, my F23 does have no sync button either which is SO dumb, but if I'm not mistaken, that version of iDrive has additional climate functions in the screen including a sync function. Might only be in higher series cars, I'm not sure. Overall between my B58 convertible and this one, I'd buy mine again. Used M240s are ~30k, Z4s are ~50k, and that steep a price for a much less practical car is really tough to accept unless it isn't a daily driver. But if you don't mind the price tag and less usable vehicle, I can imagine the B58 in a smaller car about 500lbs lighter than mine, lower center of gravity, etc, should be quite a bit of fun to hit twisty roads with😁 maybe if I get a second car to daily drive, the Z4 can be my next fun convertible- we will see

[@michaeljr8615]

They are building mine rn. I got a 2024 z4 m40i, frozen grey with the black interior M stitching. I’ve seen two in person with frozen grey (frozen grey is absolutely beautiful. It’s like a matte grey where you can see all the lines) and carbon fiber around the car with that color will pop out like crazy. I got the moonlight convertible roof which was a bit more, and everything optional. Came out to 75k total. I seen frozen grey with red interior and frozen with white interior. After seeing both black interior with M stitching will just make it look so much more sportier. My Z4 will be a opening for the z4 world. My social media will explode soon with what we own and I wanna put the z4 on the spotlight 😊

[@grjlynch]

You guys in the US are so lucky. In the UK/Europe we have 50BHP less and an exhaust system that is so quiet that you can hardly hear it. I used to have a 35iS Z4 and that sounded like your M40i. Definitely made me smile more!

[@azmike3572]

I'd guess it's the market. But a big thank-you to your country for developing that fantastic Merlin engine, which was then fitted to our P-51 Mustangs, dramatically inproving them!

[@cygor4520]

I love this review style. I find it almost therapeutic. The only thing I might recommend is a sound db meter properly test just how quiet these cars are on the highway.

[@stevegoomas783]

I have a 2022. Done a few road trips, actually got it up to 157mph. Didn't hear the rattles. Backing out of my drive on a cold morning a little steep bump to the street I will hear some creaking. Belive it or not just in comfort mode driving conservatively I have gotten 43mpg with some downhill sections. 44 once. Easily freeway driving 32 to 37 mpg. Sport mode more like 25 mpg. Amazing car totally surprised by how versatile it is. 👍👍👍

[@mikedee42]

Nice little cruiser. Perfect weekend car.

[@scotthilly5653]

Great video man! Keep it up, and love the uniqueness in the channel.

[@bena1549]

Love these road trip videos keep it up!

[@mitchellwise2438]

Just wanted to say that my 2020 Z4 m40i has no creaks/noises like the one in this video. There is some chassis flex that you can hear when backing out of a driveway that is at a different angle from the road. Also, per another comment about the tires.... the vehicle comes with Michelin Pilot Sport 4s (dont recall if runflat). I switched to Michelin Pilot All Season 4s (non runflat). They are quieter, softer ride, very sticky in all conditions, and can drive it all year long (northeast - but i dont take it out in the snow/ice). If you're not actually taking this to a track and doing 130mph+, the AS4s rock on public streets and is the better choice imo.

[@LiohJuney]

I drove my ND1 Miata from Washington DC to San Diego (Southern Route 2,448 miles) in January 2018. If it wasn't raining or I needed better aero because I was close to getting stuck in the mountains outside of San Antonio with 100 miles left in the tank, thinking a gas station was going to be close (it wasn't and I made it to one with --- miles left), the top was down. I bought a convertible to use with the roof chopped off, even in 30 degree weather (thank God for heated seats and a good sturdy hat.)

[@stanwhittington1921]

Thanks for the vid. It is now on my list of convertibles - I suspect like most, I am surprised by the much improved sportiness. I also appreciate the roominess and the basic practicality. I know BMW and its sixes well - no need to sell me on their envious reputation! Your video helped me realize how unexpectedly practical and sporty the M40i really is. Of course, here's the beef: The front design - an otherwise muscular, sexy design with bulbous front light assemblies and massive juxtaposed air intakes😮. Having bought everything from Fields BMW, here in Orlando, from my 1st BMW a 1995 M3 to the XB7 Alpina sitting in my driveway today, a 2025 (with some subtle design tweaks) would make the order bank on my behalf as a replacement for my current MB convertible. Thanks.

[@porfiriato84]

Substitute Topher... You're a funny guy. Cool video 😎

[@shawnf525]

It's weird. I'm looking for a 2nd "fun" car and no s**t I've watched like 30 car review videos. This is the one that convinced me to buy a BMW Z4. Great job!

[@naiart82]

I just returned from a 3200 mile roundtrip to Canada’s eastern coast in my 2007 Z4M. I’ve also taken a 2500 mile trip to Tennessee and North Carolina and a 3100 mile trip to Miami, as well as other trips. It has a surprisingly spacious trunk and I averaged about 24 mpg..

[@ΧρήστοςΔενέχεισημασία]

Seems to me the Z4 is better as the sdrive30i than the M40i. It doesn't lose much in terms of acceleration yet it reduces the weight significantly and improves the 50-50 distribution for more fun driving overall. Not to mention it is cheaper to buy and to own. Only real downside the lack of the inline6 sound and the smoothness of its balance. But in my opinion the extra cost and lost of agility is not worth it. I would definitely get an sdrive30i instead of a m40i.

[@tgregorywoodley3871]

Yes, I own a Z4 Sdrive 30i and it's fast....like a scalded ape...even in comfort mode....and for 15K less than the M40i. Everybody isn't looking to be on a racetrack or burning the road up with speed all of the time.

[@radietetica]

The supra is the popular cousin but the z4 is the good lucking badass cousin.

[@nf1369]

35.5 MPGs at 80 mph is insane.

[@maynardewm]

Such a great car! I drove my 2022 1k miles from WA to CA and it was a great road trip car. The trunk is plenty big enough for 2 full sized bags and then some. It’s so difficult to not put it into sport plus every time I get in and be a bit obnoxious lol 😅

[@sford65]

The cup holder cover on the passenger side is a design faux-pas as far as I’m concerned. It never bothers me as the driver but it’s annoying for the passenger. I wish BMW had designed a feature to drop the cover down the side of the console. As for interior space, I’m 6’3” 225 lbs and I’m comfortable in the G29. I would enjoy a bit more width in the seat bottom, but it’s not uncomfortable. Plenty of head room and my seat isn’t even all the way back. The trunk is large enough for 2 beach chairs, a beach umbrella, a beach bag, and a cooler. Perfect for my needs. I do have active cruise in mine, didn’t realize that it may been part of an option package. It works great!

[@Commonsense4Life]

I’m gonna get me one of these!! Man! That engine! And that sound! Open top Blitz!

[@madpistol]

I would love having this car so much. Seems like a ball to drive.

[@mitchellwise2438]

It is. I turned down a used RWD M3 comp for my 2020 Z4 m40i. The combination of 382hp and top down is quite titillating.

[@peterscheffer4521]

Still committed to my E89 35is. Less comfortable but more individual style. M40i is like my 3series on the inside. Having it for over 8 years and done 150kmiles in all European mountain ranges makes it had to part with it.

[@EndeavorsDnB]

These drive quite well! Sound ok too… we had a black one 4 2 years around 2020/2021

[@EndeavorsDnB]

Was that Luke Kornblath? I knew a Luke Kornblath, that seems like a Michigan type last name 😋

[@lttsr]

I'd hope that this car is less cramped than the Supra. I'm a bigger guy and I felt like I was in a tuna can when I sat in the driver's seat of the Supra. Really love the exhaust on this too. Wish I had some of those crackles on downshifts in my Mustang but alas, my tuner seems to have tuned them out...I guess in the name of maximizing ignition timing. I still do get a single loud pop on downshifts from time to time but not nearly as much as this car has. Also, getting 35 mpg is phenomenal. I get similar numbers on my 1.6L Kia K5 and that car is not nearly as fast. So good job BMW. I did do a road trip before I tuned the Mustang and I got around 27 mpg over 150 miles. I think that is pretty good for a 5L V8 engine but I really struggled to push it up there. This Z4 seems to be pretty drama free at getting good fuel economy.

[@SychicGamer]

Idk why but the way it went from the timelapse to the clip around 22:00 of you eating popcorn in complete silence straight back to the timelapse made me laugh

[@GTAYLOR1972]

Oh my, I grew up in Peoria and Kauth and Mayer I believe have been around forever. So interesting you were there.

[@Histoire_de_la_nature]

wow

[@Tatus_legarius]

I know these are wildly different, but I wonder what people think of this vs a Miata (Club trim with big brakes and recaros). Is the B58 really going to be worth the BMW tax? Z4/M240i vs a Miata would be interesting to see if not done already despite the large price and power difference.

[@TopherDrives]

This is a good point. I'll say that the interior feels less cramped in this Z4. You can have a passenger and still breathe. That paired with the softer suspension and turbo I6 make it great for long distance. Id love to drive it back to back with a specced out Miata though, now that you bring it up!

[@ekimandersom4478]

Not even in the same league

[@Ben77788]

The Miata is nowhere near as powerful as this car. 0-60 in the 6 cylinder is 3.9 seconds. It’s pretty fast and it’s also significantly larger than the Miata.

[@AndoCommando1000]

Topher, how tall are you? I am 6'4" and I think I need to be told to forget about ever buying a Z4 because I think it's wishful thinking on my part that I'll ever fit comfortably.

[@leokerz]

another dope video. good stuff topher disciple

[@Wolfmandell]

Enjoyed your commentary on the Z4 Road Trip…would be nice to do a ‘Twisty Road Review’, working thru the gears with the paddle shifter…actually prefer the Z4 over the New BMW 2. Thank you!

[@acjohn6995]

Not a fan of the burbles. I'm a bit older and have looked at this car, it seems a bit too low getting in and out when I've driven it, looking at more of a 4 series for a more comfortable seat, but as convertibles go, this is a beauty.

[@konstantinoskalpakis5947]

My favourite dream car! Greetings from Greece!

[@davidallen3284]

Be nice if you’d do a long road trip via twisty back roads. If it qualifies as a “sports car,” that would be its natural environment for me.

[@Scorpio1075]

If I heard correctly BMW "retuned" the ECU for the LCI, with no more power but better power delivery, and by the sounds of things more authentic-sounding burbles and cracks from the exhaust.

[@Christianfire18]

This video is way too entertaining

[@TheColonelAdama]

My 23 supra MT similarly pops and bangs like crazy lol. I went catless DP recently and its just almost overkill. Glad it quiets down in normal mode. Also agree that the stock PSS tires are loud.

[@ekimandersom4478]

They could have at least made cup/bottle holders in the doors, like every other car in the world has!

[@VinceFung]

these videos are so relaxing to me for some reason lol

[@no_one67-]

i think the popcorn joke is very funny 😭

[@ElAmokoLoco]

I like good-sounding engines, but am I the only one who hates these artificial pops and bangs? So annoying and distracting from a pure engine sound. Furthermore, design-wise I prefer the interior of the F23 BMW 2 series with its "analogue" instruments. More classy. And "only" 80 kilos heavier. Anyway, just my personal taste. Everybody who enjoys his or her Z4, have fun times and drive them as often as possible.

[@Digiphex]

I'd be interested in this car if it had the manual of the Supra. I think it is dumb to put Alcantara where your head may get oils and the like on it but I do like the console that can be closed up better than the Supra which has cup holders in your way as you are shifting the manual.

[@RealNaomiMizushima]

Loved the review! Hopefully If BMW decided to release the Z4 but a Coupe version i wonder if it could be better than the Convertible version and specially vs the Supra.

[@TopherDrives]

That Concept Touring Coupe thing that they teased gave me the fizz

[@seb5945]

@@TopherDrives Yeah, that thing seems to have a lot more cargo space.

[@zachbackar5389]

I drove the Supra and the BMW Z4, I am almost 6ft. 3inchs tall. I felt cramped in the Supra and comfortable in the Z4 but the BMW was not as polished as the fit and finish of the Supra. The Z4 had more rattling and tire noise for such an expensive car. I would go elsewhere for that amount of money 💰.

[@1MrErling]

where?

[@zachbackar5389]

@@1MrErling Audi S3.

[@adventuresofjandk]

Old man car? It’s a 400 horsepower V6 that is faster than most production cars on the market today. It’s definitely not a Miata. Now that’s an old man car.

[@davidallen3284]

Straight six

[@bobnine]

Cup holders in the 5 series are way better located in front of the gear shifter, and looks like a similar length and width center console...

[@Juergen_Mueller]

The artificial bubbling of the exhaust is well-intentioned and certainly welcome for a one-off review. However, I don't think you'd want to hear that every day for years.

[@lkke7604]

i like the z4, and the pops and burbles are fun if done on a sunny day roof down on a drive. but they get annoying as fuck once i just want to go to work or daily drive about anywhere

[@JoeArn1]

I was looking for info to see if my back would suffer if I considered this vehicle. I usually don’t drive for more than an hour at a time, but my Jeep murders my back after 10 minutes. No lumbar support 😭

[@ARentz07]

This seems like a great bang for the buck when it comes to fun factor, in BMW's lineup, at least. Though, it is pretty expensive.

[@Keelhauler98]

As someone with a supra, I agree with you on the exhaust differences, stock for stock on both the z4 definitely sounds more lively but with the more aggressive transmission tune that the supra has just throw on an exhaust and it really comes into its own. I personally have a Magnaflow Xmod and love the Jekyll and Hyde that the car now has for a personality. Pulling out of a neighborhood in normal and it sounds like any other sports car but put it in sport and the pops and burbles along with the upshift noise turn it into a completely different animal.

[@jeffreyheister3803]

Really cool car and a nice review. Only the US roads, really bad. I thought Belgium was bad, but the US roads are not looking great.

[@seb5945]

15:55 said you're germaphobe, but you're in a German car though. 😂

[@instantchampion]

can you make a video showing your recording setup?

[@Ben77788]

I actually have a Supra…thinking about trading it in for this. More headroom 😂

[@MrGchiasson]

I know there is a BMW Z3 convertible, M401 out there...just waiting for me.

[@naiart82]

Like all the roundabouts in Michigan.

[@malidawgz5690]

Run flat tires are noisier. Are this car's tires run flat?

[@karenoverman1973]

Non run flats

[@matthewaltenore628]

LMFAO his little girl scream at 11:04😭😭😭

[@Simonde4e]

Bro wtf, I've got the same car but mine isn't making nearly as nice pops and bangs as this one.

[@ALEXANDER_MARIO_S.]

You probably have the european version..

[@claasdegroot4203]

Hello, I still have a beautiful strut bridge for this car. Is that something for your car?

[@ertanyardimci9568]

How about a road trip in a Maserati Ghibli or Quattroporte?

[@Eastcoastcarclub]

I just simply fail to see how these are called old man cars by some people.

[@tayloryeates9484]

I own a 2003 z4 and joined a local group and they’re all old retired dudes apart from me 😂

[@Eastcoastcarclub]

@@tayloryeates9484 you’re not wrong there Im a younger owner and a lot locally are older but it still surprises me. They are stiff low 2 seat cars i associate most old people with Lincoln’s or Hyundais

[@tayloryeates9484]

@@Eastcoastcarclub I guess the old guys never had the chance to have a nice car in their youth, so they are making up for it in retirement

[@Love2Cruise]

Old guys got tired of driving S2000s and want more luxury and modern conveniences. Not that I know anyone… 😅

[@romeobxrr]

Does the facelift burble more then the 19-22 plate?

[@tmac9343]

I’d def rather have that over the supra and m2

[@genetung8590]

Nice digital screen!!!………..said no one ever

[@jardy3597]

How's the road noise with the soft top on?

[@mickyday2008]

That artificial exhaust popping noise would drive me mad

[@ALEXANDER_MARIO_S.]

You only have them in the sport mode..

[@sandersthaddeus591]

cool and good luck a car boy

[@RoyinShanghai]

Love your videos! If I can earn enough money this i am really looking forward to having my dream car Z4🤤

[@mickyday2008]

Zee or Zed?

[@LordFirestaff]

I wish they'd bring back the hardtop convertible. In 2015, I bought the 2015 z4 for my daughter as her sweet 16 present and it was an awesome little car. She kept it until for second year in college and then wanted more space, so we traded it for a Mercedes GLC, but I have regretted letting it go ever since. I just don't like the soft top models. I know most people didn't like that the trunk was inaccessible when the hardtop was down, but it didn't bother me. I wish I had kept that car for myself to use as a weekend car because I'll probably never see another one like it.

[@ALEXANDER_MARIO_S.]

Hard top would make the car too heavy

[@LordFirestaff]

@@ALEXANDER_MARIO_S. Nah, it was awesome. And I'm not racing it anyway, so a little extra weight on it doesn't bother me.

[@ALEXANDER_MARIO_S.]

@@LordFirestaff I own the Z4 m40i. This car is definitely not meant to be a sports car anyway- it's perfect for cruising. What's really annoying is, that the roof has clearly seeable signs of wear and tear. Unfortunately the engine is detuned in the european market...

[@LordFirestaff]

@@ALEXANDER_MARIO_S. Well see, with a hardtop, a paint job would fix that right up. It doesn't wear like fabric.

[@wonderboy1998]

Can folks stop chillin on the left lane?? Cops should pass tickets to folks who love to chill on left lane for no reason. Overall nice trip, not my fav brand per say but nice car i guess

[@sehunkimm]

he said hehehehawhaw

[@jlpickering3881]

I thought spedo read 3 mph over.

[@tonymcflattie2450]

This or the c8 stinkray?

[@TopherDrives]

idk! I'm a fan of both but it's been like 2 years since I've driven a Corvette. Will report back when Chevy gives me a C8 to road trip :)

[@MaXpeedingRods_Coop]

hope to sponsor ！

[@dongm6596]

Hi does it have a wireless phone charger?

[@Love2Cruise]

It’s an option.

[@rebelxx4318]

Mines does 😊

[@manolozabala4965]

El techo de tela o otro material, que no sea chapa no me gusta 😢

[@rotem-whizzytherobotcreato1995]

75000 and you get this tent on the roof? doesn't make sense

[@billnorblat4047]

That poor car has such a sad interior