Subtle Brilliance 1st Drive BMW Z4 M40i Handschalter Package

[@R8andGT3Fan]

Hearing a modern car pulling away with the beautiful pauses of a manual gearbox...so refreshing! 😍

[@JoeAchilles1]

Absolutely love it and so true!

[@davidstuart4915]

yes, DSG has gone the same way Subarus went...to chavs, who remove the silencers and blast around town centres with that annoying FFFT!

[@beatles4sale2007]

Green exterior and brown interior = great combo

[@nafnaf0]

green and ivory white look great too (available in the US)

[@JoeAchilles1]

Completely agree!

[@billisaac326]

Beautiful car no doubt but where can you drive it? Can’t move in London all around the m25 it’s quicker to walk,maybe you can get a slot around 2am somewhere.

[@TheKatWeasel]

With all the controversy surrounding BMWs design language over the years I have to say, for me the Z4 has been a constant thing of beauty. Simply lovely!

[@angelortunorubio6899]

Z4 & B58 engine… the perfect combo. Nice review, as always!

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thank you!

[@Bimmer_Bill]

This car will hold its value very well. You’ll never see a manual bmw roadster ever again.

[@JoeAchilles1]

So true, from 2025/26 they might be a thing of the past....

[@vr4junkie385]

You think so I know Porsche holds there value very well you think this will be the same

[@donkeyshot8472]

it`s £5000 extra for the manual gearbox now, so that all depends on how much can be extorted from future BMW roadster buyers...

[@Digiphex]

@@vr4junkie385 None of the BMW's have held their value except the Bond car. I just bought a 2023 M4 with 4K miles and saved $35,000 off the sticker. I traded a 2015 Z4 in on it and got $12,000. Neither of these cars held there value well.

[@johngoodwin1710]

It’s like watching a car review from 10 years ago - and that’s a very good thing 👍

[@nafnaf0]

Yeah this could have come out as all new 6 years ago. It is a good thing

[@JoeAchilles1]

Haha yes so true!

[@MikeMcDermott-wv7ew]

It’s a long time since I’ve watched a new bmw review and thought to myself, I could see myself in that. Fantastic 👌

[@garyputtock4159]

Absolutely stunning car.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Beautiful isn't it!

[@49tkscott]

I love how you lean forward when you accelerate, we all do it, but in retrospect it's a redundant action, but makes driving fun!

[@jspera4187]

Owned a 2022 Z4 for a couple years and loved it EXCEPT for missing the stick... traded it in... awaiting the build and delivery of my NEW 2025 Z4 With the manual.. and... I... can't... wait...😁

[@philedwards7174]

I had a 2019 M40 for 4 years. It was a fantastic car. Rear traction was always interesting so the move up to larger rear wheels is a welcome improvement. I always did feel that 19s were a little small by today's standards. I also agree with Joe's comment about the ultimate handling. When fully engaged you really need to be at your most alert!! But a terrific roadster. And in my opinion a better daily than the Boxster

[@JoeAchilles1]

Great to hear an owners prospective, thank you!

[@V00nster]

Fantastic review - loved to see Joe ripping around in the Z4 like he just stole it! Refreshing to see the level of mechanical engagement on offer - buttons, manual shift and even some acoustics from the engine. A lovely option would be the inclusion of aluminum-ringed analog dials. I'm all for tech, but the current obsession with it seems to come at the expense of the intangible elements which made cars great and worth getting excited about - especially in the German luxury segment.

[@kevinneary2283]

Back to the BMW Joe we love 👍

[@JoeAchilles1]

🙏

[@SChapps]

I’ve never really thought much of the sound of the B58, so many have been straight piped with pops and bang maps which just ruin it. But this one sounds fantastic. Sounds worlds better when mated to a manual as well rather than hearing an 8 speed auto softly going through the gears.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Yes, this one definitely sounds better than other B58 engined cars, especially for something that meets 2024 euro regulations.

[@nafnaf0]

The Z4 M40i is one of the best grand touring roadster sports car that I know of. It is very roomy inside (I am 6' 2" and it has enough space), rides really quite well (for a sports car), and with the top down is very quite. iDrive 7.5 is also excellent, and much better and easier to use than the iDrive 8 or iDrive 9. It is a solid car. Yes, stock it does sort of start to come apart when you push it 7/10th or 8/10ths. In that regard the Porsche Boxster GTS 4.0 is much better and handles much better overall. The Boxster GTS 4.0 is smaller, not nice inside (but built solidly), has a harsher ride, and is with the roof down is louder. For small roadster sports cars the two cars are kind at the opposite ends of the spectrum, the BMW Z4 M40i is more luxurious and grand touring, whereas the Boxster GTS 4.0 is more on the precise, incredibly well balanced, track rat end of the spectrum.

[@edward92128]

This is a great looking car - one of the nicer looking BMWs. It looks nice from all angles, which can’t be said about most of the other models in the range!

[@jambear7862]

Absolutely spot on this and the 8 series are the only true BMW

[@PeteSQ]

Indeed. I get so many compliments on my Z4 M40i, mainly from women, but also so many thumbs up from motorbikers

[@schrimpf]

True…👍👍

[@JoeAchilles1]

Agreed!

[@murrayarmstrong499]

I think they should have stuck with their usual three feet high fake grill but maybe I could get used to it!

[@RickTheSpud]

You prefer a firmer box over a softer bush. Got it. 👊😉

[@froomer17]

I drive the G29 Z4, get so many comments of appreciation for the looks. As you say, there's not many on the road, which is why I purchased one!

[@JoeAchilles1]

Awesome to hear!

[@vr4junkie385]

What’s ur payment like and insurance??

[@aymansalameh3701]

It instantly feels like a future classic

[@JoeAchilles1]

Yes!!!

[@markrhoden68]

Love my Z4 m40i, personally a manual option on a luxury two seater grand tourer/sports car isn't a priority, not to mention its an extra costs option. For me, the Z4 m40i is my old m140i but in a pretty summer dress. Enjoy the Porsche with its 90k price tag and no HUD 😂

[@FatalityDiablo]

manual is for enthusiasts and people who go to the nordschleife on the weekends. lets be thankful there is still an option for it

[@markrhoden68]

​@FatalityDiablo fair enough, I just assumed as Joe said the Z4 isn't really a track tool, especially at the limit. But as you said at least the options there for those who desire

[@eugenux]

@@FatalityDiablomanual is for people who love driving and driving engagement and involvement; ppl who spec automatics on their sports cars...don't deserve to be in sports cars; honestly, they should get back in their SUVs as that is what they actually prefer to drive.

[@_M3NACE_]

The manual would be perfect for those who use it as a 2nd or 3rd car. I’d personally love a manual, top down Z4. Upgrade the turbo and use better fuel, 600+hp with the manual would be an experience like no other

[@_M3NACE_]

Also, don’t forget the other upgrades you get with the package. Suspension/steering tuning among other options. That’s big for a non-M car

[@Quickb3n]

Love my manual E89. No matter what they're doing with the main fleet, BMW always seem to do a great job with the Z4.

[@brycebrown1]

Great review, Joe. Nice to see your genuine joy! Understandable that owners of these are doing their best to preserve them, very much an end of an era!

[@JoeAchilles1]

Cheers buddy!

[@larrygraham1224]

99.9% of drivers fail way before the car reaches it’s limits. It’s far easier to fault the supposed inadequacies of the car when , in fact, the car masks the limits of most of these so called expert drivers. One man’s 9 tenths is another man’s 3 tenths. This is a beautiful car that excels at what it was designed to do. Put a smile on your face while driving it.

[@jamesj590]

I never even knew this car exists...I have an M2, but this one has totally slipped by me. I love it!

[@Adam-M1]

That colour combo is beautiful.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Agreed!

[@Tony-ob2ts]

Love the color and the fact that it’s a manual. Add that to the garage Joe!!!

[@JoeAchilles1]

Haha wish I had the space and money to do that!

[@Peanutdenver]

I drove one of these when my M4C was getting a service and it's a fantastic car and beautiful looking. Her in the States it comes with 382hp instead of the 340hp you get in the UK.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Ahh yes you guys get the full fat version, plus they sound better too thanks to lack of OPF filters etc... Would love to try one in the states one day!

[@brentkassing3884]

@@JoeAchilles1come to Kansas City, and I’ll let you drive mine, and treat you to the world’s best bbq.

[@peterkorbulak7598]

Always Loved Z4 Specially Top Dog Like This One ❤ Hidden Gem 💎 For Sure 🤘

[@cephasmakuzva]

Colour combo with the package looks stunning and this is a cool sports car. Priced very well when compared to competition aswell. Manual 2 seater sports car with that b58. Drives engaging. I can tell you enjoyed this. Thanks Joe.

[@frankengels5275]

Really nice video Joe, absolute joy to watch, beginning to end!

[@ShaneOSullivan-q6l]

David's Z4 will always have a sentimental value to you. I remember you had it during the middle of winter. Lovely spec. You shot a great video with him when he detailed your own car. Well done Joe.

[@Senna-xi1gr]

The price of new cars now is outrageous. Love the green & toffee leather combo 👍🏆

[@robertw.1499]

I saw this car in red on the Autobahn two days ago. Am not a fan of red cars but this car, in red, looks absolutely awesome, especially with the black body parts as a contrast.. I had the original Z4, ten got the next gen. with the metal roof. This latest offer however is absolutely the best 👍

[@Sevenduece]

In the US it's 382 hp 😊, detuned in Europe due to emission laws

[@JoeAchilles1]

Yep we get shafted by bent politicians over here, killing the enjoyment of driving 😏

[@larryhoudini3331]

@@JoeAchilles1 But adding to the enjoyment of those that like to breathe. Nevertheless, a good review. I love my Z4.

[@NubletPie278]

@@larryhoudini3331 Yes the air quality is so much better than 9 years ago when 0.03% of cars on the road were allowed to have less restrictive mufflers

[@Bart9140]

Always loved my Z4 M40 and seeing this video makes me quiet nostalgic, what a great car it was. Wonder if I ever will say the same about my current i4 M50…

[@AwgraphicsUk1973]

I hate using clichés, but the cornering shot at 18m 46s does make the car look like it's on rails. Superb ❤‍🔥

[@JoeAchilles1]

Haha very true mate, it felt fast and when I watched that back it looked sped up 🫣

[@ICalverz]

It really does feel like this is the Z4’s swan song. I have an e85 Z4 in great condition. Still looks so modern imo. And so much fun to drive. I have to eventually get one of these before they all go.

[@miata1370]

From what I read...end of production for the z4 is March 2026....early next year is "decision time" for me!

[@ICalverz]

@@miata1370 definitely will be an end of an era. At least my 7 year old son will grow up knowing what these cars were like before the ICE may disappear.

[@danbatley7224]

Great video Joe as always, really connects with the car and very informative real life review! I have an e89 z4 and love it, that colour combo on that one tho is unreal!!! Love it 😊👍🏽

[@petermumford9023]

Fantastic car! My wife used to have a Z4 which was so much fun!

[@highsiderider]

Beautiful and stunning car. Nice review as always.

[@M123OCT]

Piano black is just a euphemism for shiny black plastic.

[@MotechPerformance]

Great looking car ! Also yep needs the AC kit for the UK roads

[@pagen1963]

Thanks for a great review, Joe. You were driving the same press car wrangled by John Barker in his comparison test with the Toyota GR Supra 3.0 in Evo magazine issue 325. Well worth a read for those unfamiliar with his piece. Video reviews of the UK-spec car are almost non-existent to date, so kudos to you to have yours out there. Interestingly, of the handful of showroom cars listed on Autotrader, none of them appear to be fully factory optioned. The Visibility Package (high beam assist/adaptive LEDs) isn’t mentioned on any of them and the Comfort Pack (comfort access/heated steering wheel) isn’t optioned on some. The car is generously equipped enough, regardless and as a package I think BMW has hit the mark with real world manual (= driver engagement) appeal and terrific aesthetics. If only I could convince myself I no longer need my RS4 Avant Vorsprung…..

[@K22MDL]

I've just ordered a new one from BMW stock and it has every option except high beam assist and active headlights, i.e. Visibility package. None seem to have been Spec'd with it. The former is a £200 upgrade via the BMW app, so will pay for that anyway. Looking forward to delivery

[@nickmatthews4939]

It's great to see the Z4 pushed through Harry's corners 😂 This car is a bargain @ £63K, my Alpina Roadster cost £40K in 2004 (£70K plus allowing for inflation) A great YT vid BIG 👍🏻s up

[@AaronSMcC]

Absolutely love this - stunning spec too!

[@bsm5196]

Excellent review as always Joe! I absolutely love this car, the colour combo paired with a 6 speed and a B58 is just perfection.

[@bto7779]

Great review as always Joe. 👍🏽 If you could only keep one of the two, would you ever consider this over your M2 comp?

[@GoksCarLounge]

Lovely colour combo! 👌🏼

[@JoeAchilles1]

Really is mate!

[@Abdi_Mohamed_]

Such a beautiful car, always wondered why I don’t see this vehicle often but the Audi TTS is EVERYWHERE

[@Themazcorner]

Haha the smile in the intro(and driving section! Thanks for the video as always buddy! Great package this car a "bit" on the heavy side :/

[@JoeAchilles1]

Haha yes mate true happiness!

[@MRLONKY]

Great review Joe, pleased to see you back on form 👌

[@juanluisbarconrojas8950]

Hola,al canal!!! Joe,el equipo de diseño de ese coche es maravilloso…. Por desgracia,no puedo decir lo mismo de algunos de sus últimos modelos. Un saludo .🤝🐳

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thanks for watching! Cheers

[@juanluisbarconrojas8950]

@@JoeAchilles1 🤝🐳

[@K22MDL]

😮Having owned a fully spec'd Z4 M40i a few years ago, I parted with it for another toy. I'm now about to make a choice to purchase a new Handslapper (!!) model from my BMW UK dealer. Do I go for it? Love a manual gear change, my current TVR Griffith 500 (is not being sold!) tells me how much I enjoy driving a manual box - so did my Mazda Mk4 ND Sport Recaro for the six years of ownership. Got a fantastic deal on the car but still not 100% - Yes / No?! Great review and presentation by the way - subscribed! Update: Couldn't resist it. Purchased.

[@erudite1579]

Good to see the manual shifter back.

[@Illawarra13]

Great video Joe (as usual). Ich will eins!

[@RollingSlowMedia]

Great review Joe. I’m sitting here taking notes on how you present. 😅 Love the Z4 and the colour combination of the interior exterior.

[@hilalabbas]

It looks gorgeous. It's definitely better looking than the new 3 series

[@mav1202M2]

What a brilliant review! 🏁👍 Happy to hear, I don‘t have to sell my M2 (f87). 😉

[@pierrefidiman7500]

As usual, thanks for this marvelous review and for this test, Joe 🤩🙏🏻

[@andyjarin209]

Great review ! I ordered mine in August for October build

[@faizelphilander6938]

The car looks VERY LUXURIOUS.💪💪

[@pjmoody]

Hi Joe, i've always had a soft spot for the Z4 model. You don't see many of them on the road. I'd love one in my garage. I hope you are well. Peter.

[@leonhunt1752]

Amazing video Joe, love the car, that colour is 👌🏼! Outstanding work, as you like to say ‘see you at the next one’ 😎

[@jjefferyworboys8138]

Have always considered the 3.0 BMW 6 cylinder engine to be one of the greats.

[@TobE-v3g]

The armrest is async split, you could put a coffee cup in it and CLOSE one part and also resting your arm on it, its a good compromise - no need to have it completely open all the time

[@JoeAchilles1]

I know that, doesn't change the fact if one or both sides are up, it will strike your elbow when changing gear.

[@joetaka7620]

Enjoyed the review Joe, guessing this is one of the rare cars that you can buy brand new in 2024 which comes with Michelin Pilot Supersports (not that is a bad thing, just an observation)

[@ahorton6786]

I saw one of these on the road, looked so much better in real life.

[@Coolmaninmotion]

Deciding between this or a MB CLE53 AMG even though the CLE is coupe. I'm just going for a fun, good looking 2 seater.

[@dasbrother]

Wondering if the track handeling has improved with the upgrades included for the handshalter package. The intention seems to be to move it closer to an M car with this package. Also the US version does have the unrestricted b58. They could for sure release also this version. But probably it's a homologation/cost thing... An AC-Schnitzer upgraded version would be great for sure. Nice review!

[@playtimecouk]

I have a launch edition M40i which I love, but since they announced the manual version, I am so tempted to change. I need to get a test drive. Shame none of the BMW dealers who have stock have put plates on one yet. I wonder if BMW would lend me their press car…??? 🤞🤞🤞

[@TheALPHAMALE5028]

my favourite..B58. Please review the new BMW X1 M35i next brother

[@ruiestrelaoliveira]

Lovely cabrio!!!

[@JoeAchilles1]

Yes!

[@SamAustin]

Very much enjoyed the video Joe and the M40i sounded great too! Interested to hear your thoughts when comparing it to the 718 GTS Boxster in a few weeks time 😊

[@neilturner6749]

Boxster GTS (in fact all 718s) are out of production now so a pointless comparison. Only competition choice at £60k is A110. Unless you live in the USA where you can get a Boxster but not a A110 !

[@matthewnicholas6365]

You're a proper BMW fan and have been behind the wheel of more of them than me. What is your actual opinion on BMW manuals traditionally? I had 2 e46 manuals, 5sp 330 and 6sp m3. The m3 particularly was awful. I never enjoyed that box. I replaced all the wear items and it was still awful. Got an M4 DCT now. That and the ZF i had in an X3 make them so much more driveable. The m3 was just that, undriveable at times.

[@myporscheadventures]

great car, great review - as always

[@JoeAchilles1]

Thank you bro!

[@steveowen9740]

Hi Joe,just wondered what happened to the face-lift S3 film,I was looking forward to that?

[@JR37000]

The s58 and s63 are mental engines - but the B58 is the engine for the working man , in BMW's mere mortals can afford (second hand :)

[@markcarpenter4175]

If you have a detailed look the 340bhp B58 is quite different to the MHT 340i version, the block and internals are the same but most of the rest is quite different, especially the cooling.

[@unknown_error0110]

I'd rather buy this beautifully specced Z4 over an M2 any day.

[@adrianbennett3761]

Somehow the Z4 looks wider than a Supra. Definitely prefer it to a 4 pot Porsche. Buy one while you can! I bet it’s easy to upgrade to 400hp with a remap from Litchfield or Thorney.

[@nafnaf0]

Yeah there are plenty of tune options to easily get into the low 400hp range. Dinan, JB4, etc

[@JoeAchilles1]

Yeah the G29 has really grown on me over the past 5 years, this one in this spec is gorgeous!

[@adrianbennett3761]

@@JoeAchilles1 Best look ever and I bet Mat Watson loves that colour combination. Why was the engine detuned? Doesn’t make sense to me

[@adrianbennett3761]

@@JoeAchilles1 BMW quite the power as 340-387. Has it actually been detuned? On a separate note early Supras had far more the quoted power of 335, with many commentators suggesting it felt more like 375.

[@neilturner6749]

BTW you can’t order a Boxster now in Europe. The production line closed with the latest EU regs in July.

[@amiller2121]

Great review, Joe.

[@Love2Cruise]

Hi Joe. Come over the pond and drive the US-spec car. We get the 382 HP B58. 😀

[@kevin-l7r7p]

A new BMW that I don't fundamentally dislike. My sister is looking to buy 2/3 year old Z4 but I'm trying to convince her to get a really good example of the old Z4M 😆

[@vicjones3992]

The seats on those are crap

[@cliveeeles9497]

@@vicjones3992 In what way exactly? From someone who regularly takes his Z4M on road trips - I find the seats very good.

[@borghorsa1902]

Sitting over the rear axle has some interesting consequences, the same as in Mercedes GT couple, definitely a harsher ride than compared to sitting in between the axles. What makes me aware is the lack of solid roof on these cabriolets. You are basically driving an open architecture car. Good for a quiet Sunday drive. Not so sure about driving in traffic here in Northern New jersey-New York area

[@captainblack1021]

I’m enjoying an m140i and it’s awesome at 7 years old. May look at a z4 40i

[@PeteSQ]

Go for it. I love mine, it's a joy to drive. 2 years in and not too much sunburn :-)

[@leonardoluc6362]

Nice car but my favored is still a Porsche Boxster mid engine for near the same price but much better resale value in the end.

[@marcoulibarri5744]

Great review!!

[@jakkals2039]

12:54 Harder firmer bush which gives a nicer feeling box 🤔

[@JoeAchilles1]

😂😂😂

[@kyleash3614]

I do the same with the M240i xDrive with the adaptive suspension. Sport for my sport individual. It definitely does hurt the ride a bit on most UK roads but when hooning along on a spirited drive the comfort just feels like the car is skipping about a bit. Shame because I would use normal sport mode and save individual with comfort damping for proper bumpy roads but the sport steering is too heavy and fake

[@ENGBriseB]

The Porsche Boxster GTS will probably hold it's money.

[@jakemoore1973]

Great work Joe

[@Cloverleaf7642]

I agree with all the positive comments about the vehicle that Joe and others here have made in this excellent review, but for me frozen paint on UK roads with stones flying everywhere is an absolute no.

[@nikolauswolff5791]

Nice car. Not overprized i would say.

[@davidwebb5811]

Great review Joe

[@jimgibson-brown6701]

Lovely looking thing - restrained design … for once 😊

[@statustrade4901]

Did the AC suspension package sort out the handling issue Joe ?

[@vicjones3992]

Waiter....this gearbox is rubbery......."aaah fank you very much"😂

[@JoeAchilles1]

🤣

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

I found this exact car at my local BMW dealer today.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Yeah, I think most UK dealers were allocated a couple, all of them in the same spec over here too!

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@JoeAchilles1 There was one at the Romford dealer, but none at the Debden one.

[@K22MDL]

And thanks to you Joe, I've just bought one of the remaining UK location. Cheers!​@@JoeAchilles1

[@iainf6]

Great video buddy 👍🏻😉...

[@zbuga]

My next car That bump steer seems the same issue Mischa had at the time on the Ring with the Supra

[@nafnaf0]

I think with some coilovers (Ohlins Road and Track, etc) it might be better