Why the New BMW Z4 Manual is the Best BMW On Sale Today - TheSmokingTire

[@Gearbhall]

been waiting for this car to start making the rounds with press, it was odd to me nobody was talking about a literal manual convertible turbo I6 roadster in today's market.

[@jlopez1017d]

It’s what people say they want in a Miata more power lol😂

[@iamthelaw69]

Because a manual has become a niche more than anything. You want a manual because you...have preferences, no longer so much as manual = better performance. That bus left a long time ago.

[@rpowell138]

Probably the best looking BMW they make right now. In that color combo.

[@brianmckinney9580]

Agree 100%

[@papayaman123]

It's pretty hideous in general but I would rank it #2 best looking after the M8 for current model BMWs

[@jambear7862]

@@papayaman123completely agree men of culture unite.

[@TC-lk2ev]

Agreed. With some gold-y bronze-y wheels it would be perfect.

I'd take mine bright red please. With copper wheels. But for this money I wouldn't even be getting this at all.

[@logwind]

Long live the manual.

[@GlennsCarCollection]

I had the press car with the matte green finish, MSRP was $77k with that paint…The manual transmission totally transforms this car. Awesome job BMW!

[@F80mthree]

At $74k it’s pricey but you can absolutely see some enthusiasts buying this and saving a buck or two by not going for a Porsche. Plus the reliability on this is cut and dry. B58 will do you right if you take care of it.

[@robnelsonbayvillage]

Loved my BMW M3 E36 gave me 137,000 miles of smiles. My 2.7L Boxster delivered 154,600 miles before I sold it.

[@NomenClature-o8s]

Lightly used…$45,000.

[@alangil40]

@@NomenClature-o8s Exactly. I only ever buy used cars. When I watch reviews of new cars, it's always with the mindset of what I can get it for in 3 or 4 years. Or even 10 years if it's really expensive now.

[@singular9]

Engine reliability is there, its the rest that is debatable. BMW's are notorious for having issues that no one can figure out that aren't mechanical.

[@seanp2k617]

Just hard to justify compared to a Corvette. If C8s had a manual and weren’t so overstyled it’d be a very easy comparison. They should have made a Z M roadster again with the M4 Comp motor. That’d be an instant classic. C7 Grand Sport weighs 3400# and you get a 460hp V8 as well, also with a manual, 1.2G of grip with 335s, and also very reliable…and cheap to insure because it’s mostly old dudes who own them.

[@plutodestroyer12]

one of the most special cars on sale today under $100k!!! should hold its value nicely as well in the manual. any 2 door lover should love this thing

[@pt008]

I haven't thought about ponying up for a brand new car in 20 years, this one has me doing the actual math.

[@braddolynuk201]

Manual Roadsters are pure driving pleasure. The younger brother to my estoril 1999 m roadster. People should buy this

[@John-d4c7d]

I prefer paddle shifters, I've been driving manuals for 20 years and had enough of them. I had Z4 rented week ago and clicking it into gear was more fun than stick for me.

[@braddolynuk201]

@@John-d4c7d Fair enough. Rented a bmw m850 in Germany a few months ago and had a lot of fun with the 8spd in that

[@Chewygsxr]

Matt I go all the way back with you to your Fiesta ST days, your the main reason I bought my new ST in 2014, and I still have it, it has 117,000 miles on it now, it still looks brand new, people trip on it all the time, at 110,000 miles I put my 7th of tires on it, it is still the most fun I’ve ever had driving, it never gets old. I noticed you have lost a lot of wight, looking good Man. I love your videos. The Fiesta Flash

[@jaypollard8678]

Ive loved the manual in my 340xi. Its been hard to find something on the market that is as much fun for a daily. Love the review. Waiting for one of these

[@corradotox]

Great review, thank you! I have the same car (in the same beautiful San Remo Green and Saddle Brown / black interior combo) and I agree with almost everything you said. I also think you’re spot on with the Boxster comparison, I had a Boxster before this one and the Z4 is way, way faster and it has a much more usable power range. By the way, you don’t need to disable the driving aids / collision prevention systems every time: you can customize them and basically remove every type of intervention, you do this once in the menu and forget about it. That’s how I have mine 😊

[@SpacedoutinMaryland]

Having had 4 BMW’s over the years, including a new 2002tii in 1974, and currently a 2005 545i, I sense that this could become a real classic in the future. It has a lot going for it, and considering how cars are changing.

[@MotoJB]

Picked up a 4k mile, like new, fully loaded Z4 M40i -- comparable Boxster S's were about $25-30k more. While this is no Boxster, it's more than plenty good for the wife -- will keep her happy and I save some $$. It's a hoot to drive too. The power is exhilirating. That B58 is an awesome motor and this one sounds great. Transmission is nice. Drives good. Stock wheels are pretty nice! No mods needed. That is unlike me, who typically mods the heck out of everything.

[@EchoSigma6]

As a Mazda Miata owner I’m up and down my local mountain roads (Glendora) every Saturday morning. It’s an incredible place and I can only dream of having that much power as this beautiful BMW but up there you really don’t need that much power, it really is all about balance and grip. I think this is a great GT roadster but Porsche like you mentioned is at a different level. Let’s all be grateful that they’re still offering roadsters with manuals.

[@michaelralston9608]

The other factor that needs to be considered when comparing this to a Porsche Boxster is the operating costs and its not a trivial figure even for people who can afford to drop $75k on a sports car. Everything on a Porsche, from the tires, to the brakes, (OMG the brakes!) to even an oil change is astoundingly expensive! Whats worse than any of that is the price of the options before you even buy the car, your Porsche Sales consultant will tell you that you should never buy a Porsche with zero options if you want to protect your resale value. It all adds up to a price gap that is vastly more than it appears to be.

[@richardribeiro501]

I’ll tell you from experience routine maintenance on a BMW is very expensive as well, was quoted nearly $800 for oil change, air filter, cabin filter, and vehicle check at local BMW dealer. Needless to say I will be doing filters on my own, oil change cost $226 as I’m under CPO warranty and wanted to keep that maintenance on file with dealer service. But yea the costs if something breaks must be astronomical.

[@Love2Cruise]

@@richardribeiro501$226 for an oil change? You need to find another dealership. Did my oil change at 3000 miles (not covered by BMW) and they charged me just under $120. It was $10 less than what the Mazda dealership charges for oil changes!

[@alphabeta8403]

5:25 It's fast 9:55 Spacious and comfy 11:30 Z4 vs Boxter 13:00 6MT 19:00 For an older guy

[@MrTbodo10]

Great review! I love how you didn’t complain about the shifter feel. I have one and it’s the best car I’ve ever had.

[@nickrgeorge]

Just sold my FL5 Type R and ordered mine last month in almost an identical spec to this! You can leave out the Driving Assistance Package (which I did) and save $700, while avoiding the need to shut off all the nannies on startup. December can't come soon enough.

[@petescarport]

very cool they let you keep the driver assistance package off. I can’t stand having to turn them off when I get into my wife’s car.

[@nickrgeorge]

@@petescarport It gets rid of lane keeping, blind spot, park distance control, and collision warnings. All things that a capable driver should have no problems doing themselves. 😂

[@maxmoser412]

BMW still killing it, giving us 90-95% of what a Boxster S/GTS is, but for 15-20% less. Proving once again that the 15% or more Por$che tax you really just pay for a name, is very much alive and well. Kudos to BMW for building another great, albeit underappreciated, manual product option.

[@inflatable2]

@maxmoser412 The BMW will depreciate a lot more than the Porsche though..

[@maxmoser412]

@@inflatable2 about the same for a Box S. But the GTS 4.0 is certainly better for resale. Then again, markups on the GTS 4.0 were insane. So maybe not in a lot of those cases.

[@jareknowak8712]

You cant compare RWD to mid engine expirience. Not the same type of car.

[@maxmoser412]

@@jareknowak8712 fair enough, but that doesn't justify a 15-20% premium.

[@inflatable2]

@@maxmoser412 Not the same as S or any Boxster at all.. You can pick up older Z4 for half the money a comparable Boxster costs..

[@stevemartegani]

About the listed curb weights... The Z4 is 3550lbs, Supra is 3390lbs, the base Boxster is 3050-3250lbs depending on the spec, Mustang GT is 3750lbs, M240i is 3750 to 3870lbs depending on RWD or AWD.

[@1855Media]

Sounds right. Car and Driver actually put a 718 Spyder (6-speed) on the scales-- 3,136 lbs.

[@stevemartegani]

@1855Media The crazy amount of available options on the 718's really can vary the weight a lot. I think a manual Cayman T with the bucket seat option was the lightest of the most recent models, and a PDK 6-cyl GTS or Spyder with a heavy wheel option along with a ton of other options would be the heaviest.

[@merica7050]

Miata is 2300lb

[@VladiDusil]

Handschaltung is the word you were looking for.

[@LafemmebearMusic]

He had the word in front of him silly he just didn’t know how to say it, soooo your comment kinda doesn’t help lol 😅

[@derickpnw]

😂😂😂

[@thekeccles1996]

Actually think the manual Z4 is pretty compelling. Well less expensive than a modern 6-cyl Boxster (probably the best open-top sports car you can buy), quicker and sounds better than a 4-cyl Boxster, more refined than a Dark Horse which also can't be had in a roadster configuration. The green/tan color combo here is lovely, too -- an actual decent-looking modern BMW! Could very easily see this being an excellent canyon, daily, and GT car for the right buyer.

[@sandyvalentin3072]

My wife works for BMW and I owned a 2007 Z4 M coupe and the convertible and I always wanted them to build another Z4 M hardtop and they never did . I think that was a mistake from the manufacturer for not building that a car again in my opinion it would have been a fabulous car .

[@EbNorth]

In some places, low mileage Z4///M coupes are selling for good money. Unfortunately I sold mine for pennies a few years ago. Lol

[@christianboyd4635]

This is definitely the best looking and my favorite modern BMW. That spec is great. I think this is my next car in like 5 years when the leases are up. Pick it up for like $50K used would be great.

[@richard-mai]

You get this for the b58, drop top, and manual experience.

[@JWL-UK]

You reviewed the F-type V6 manual years ago and helped me decide to get one last December, the best decision ever. Thank you!

[@Billywoo12]

Great car, I have the G87 BMW M2 Manual and LOVE it!

[@JordanPayneLV]

I’ve seen a couple of these out in the wild, they’re sharp!

[@jeraldb2868]

Had I known they would eventually come out with the manual, I would’ve held out and not buy my ‘22 Z4 M40i. The wheels on this also sold me 😎

[@twistedsneaks1932]

These seem like so much fun. Dope vid as always

[@LordRuxpin]

This is how they should have offered it from the get go, I just wish they offered a coupe version. Hell it would be nice for BMW to get into the Targa game. A Z M-Coupe would be amazing.

[@danielgladston118]

This is probably the best option at that price if you must have a true roadster. The G87 M2 is a superior driver’s car but it doesn’t pull you in with its looks. Personally (and I’m a little biased as an owner) but the F87 M2 Comp/CS are still the best cars to come from M in modern times. I have warmed up to the manual G80 M3 though (especially pre-idrive 8 versions). It’s certainly a beast and there’s still some old school fun in there.

[@mikegaul1623]

Thanks for the videos and podcast, Matt (and Zach).

[@paulomoniz7326]

Long gears are nice on mountain roads. You don't need to shift. You can drive always on 3rd gear.

[@richmahoney4637]

This is a cool car I don’t care what any one says

[@KevinHale-y2t]

yeah like 15k -20k. thats third car affordBle

[@carguy7627]

Whenever weight is mentioned my gut reaction is "that heavy?". I've seen Z4's on the road and I think they're probably the best looking BMW's out right now (not really saying much IMO). I do like the trade offs that you mentioned vs the Boxster, about it being quicker. I always like having options when I'm looking for a vehicle to buy. I'd hate if everyone approached a vehicle the exact same way since a lot of people have different desires. The only thing I wish all manufactures would do is to reduce weight in their sports cars and always offer a manual and some sort of automated transmission so we can have what we want with the transmission that we want.

[@vadimkarev2199]

Great review. Finally came back to watching Matt. Watched him in Super Speeders back in day. Finally decided to give his channel a go. Saw other reviews of the manual Z4 and I like Matt's presentation. Liked and subscribed :) I saw the ad for the globes and immediately went to the website just to find out a lot of them are out of stock :(

[@jonnyturbo6142]

nice camera setups, looks great

[@chrise2329]

Do like that colour combo 👌

[@JGWhips]

Beautiful spec and an awesome review!

[@CookieHappy638]

That colour is too gorgeous

[@infidel900rr]

I'd imagine this vs the base boxster is also MUCH more fun with that LSD & FR layout, since you can break it loose for lots of little slidy-slides.

[@Hohokam337]

Green Nodus Canyon coming!? It's beautiful! I can't tell if the hands are bronze or gold,

[@ixD9]

I was wondering if that was a new Canyon! Looks great!

[@AJW0812]

When that dial gets direct sunlight that thing goes hard. Very cool.

[@ixD9]

@@AJW0812 Would it be overkill to wear this driving the Java Green M2 I have on order? 🤓

[@AJW0812]

@@ixD9 it would be a shame not to do it😁.

[@kiphenrie2291]

Corvette C7 is around the same weight! Also F-Type V6. Yes these are my 3 I'm looking at. I wish it was a little more macho. Looks good and thanks.

[@GrooveTasticThang]

Super sophisticated gt roadster- front engine rear drive balance, probably one if the best ICE engines- manual- well equipped- like it- like a smart suit on the way to a gym

[@MrLph427]

It’s a great 7/10ths car me thinks. Dailyable, fun and fairly pretty. Classic BMW roadster

[@marcoulibarri5744]

Great review Matt!!

[@stevenhernandez2108]

Damn I’m torn between this or a used C8, thanks Matt your input definitely drives my buying decisions. I’ve always wanted a bmw but to me they killed the luster of the M3 and the M2. This is the only one I currently desire. I also this one’s going to be a bit of a future classic and driving for 3 years and selling on cars and bids won’t be too bad

[@Mrb00st]

Agree with the premise - I think that's a sign of how few good cars BMW still makes, but this is the one I'd actually want from their current lineup.

[@Globbs]

I rented a 4cyl auto M package when I was in LA last time, and I was pleasantly surprised. Sure it wasn't insanely fast, but it was peppy and felt like a much bigger more expensive vehicle imo. I really liked the car a lot. I found it on Turo, it had really nice michelins as well and rode great. Idk if its the type of car I'd ever buy, but I would certainly rent something similar again. Im just not much of a convertible 2 door guy, I prefer coupes usually.

[@ericg5416]

Thanks for the awesome review Matt…. I had to put my money where my mouth is (#SaveTheManuals) and buy one. Glad BMW made one for the drivers!

[@TheChismillionaire]

This is what the people want. Looks great. Great color combo. Reliable. You can mod it if you want. This is what Boxster people will move to when they go electric.

[@naveeds786]

great review. really dig this. Would have loved to see a targa Supra but this is a nice alternative.

[@christopherwalker6056]

I cannot believe that I just now figured out what BMW they're referring to when they say "the new supra is a BMW!" I always knew the interior coppied a little but i didn't realize it's the whole car! The BMW z4 m!

[@joeb7975]

i'm a real nerd for my steering feel - which is why I'll never buy another post e90 BMW every again (unless they fix it)

[@tritop]

Unfortunately you are right

[@chrislim7976]

Most of BMWS current target market have no idea what you're talking about.

[@davidpineda645]

The burbles are the best and crackles and pop. It is why I got my 340i. If you do an exhaust by AWE or even just a muffler delete. It will pop and sounds more exotic

[@I999-g2s]

Drove this, back to back with a 2001 V8 TVR. The Z4 felt like a beautiful luxurious cruiser, while the TVR was a raw and exciting sports car.

[@neilturner6749]

Er that’s like comparing the TVR with a 1975 Triumph TR6. You’d find the TR was “a raw and exciting sports car” in comparison. Then compare the TR6 with a 1950 Jag XK140. You’d find the Jag was ‘a raw and exciting sports car “ in comparison…Things just evolve.

[@I999-g2s]

@@neilturner6749 you were confused by the use of ‘raw’ and missed the point. I wasn’t pointing out evolution, I was pointing out how the Z4 just isn’t a sports car. I have driven a TR6 back to back with the TVR and yes it feels older (NVH), but both feel like sports cars.

[@salami99]

Ironic, im sitting off a windy road in my bmw z3 because the power steering lines fell to the ground, watching this video 😂

[@RidingWithBobby]

This as a weekend car on the twisties with a stage one flash tune would be fun! Just row through the gears!

[@MetikalMan]

This is sooo much cooler than a Mercedes-AMG SL 43.

[@rblbatb]

Pretty color!

[@ds-il7ik]

Dad's everywhere saying you're wasting the air conditioning with the top down.

[@deancostello14]

Convertible version of my little M140i that's nearly 8 years old now. Love it.

[@billymays7210]

Except Toyota made the manual better in this.

[@deancostello14]

@@billymays7210 Yup, my gearbox is terrible, god forbid you try and make a 1-2 shift in a rush.

[@mrmonday42]

This has a bespoke sports car chassis. Seating position and CG are much lower in the Z.

@@mrmonday42 Say Z4. Z is a Nissan.

[@mrmonday42]

You have my sincere apologies. I don't know how I made such an egregious mistake.

[@user-is9sf5wo5s]

definitely the best looking modern bmw currently on the market

[@cloudhidden1196]

Matt, you’re a great car reviewer.

[@DaleFredriksRacing]

Just got my dream daily driver ND2 Miata Club 6M Brembo/BBS/Recaro this summer, but could definitely see picking one of these up as the logical next step in like 5 years when theyve come down in value, although since it's so limited I expect the stick will still hold it's value much better than an equivalently specced automatic model. But for say $55k and CPO, this feels super enticing

[@grahamhaynes7658]

Miata is more fun for your buck.

[@rembo183]

The CPO isn’t long enough and when it the car breaks it’s much more expensive to fix. Why pay $50k for similar experience. Matt doesn’t fit and that’s unique to him. If you’re smaller or slimmer and fit… the Miata is the only answer, unless u want to lose a bunch of money when you drive off the lot.

[@rembo183]

@@grahamhaynes7658- I am on my third Miata and know the differences from the Porsche Boxster. This BMW is enticing for sure but it’s still a much heavier and larger car. $75k before taxes and fees is a lot of money to me for essentially the same experience. You’re not going to have more fun than a Miata. The BMW is more comfortable, but so is the Mustang GT and other cars. A roadster is uniques and must be light and nimble like the Miata. The Miata weighs about 1,000 lbs less than this Z4. That’s a lot weight on a small car. It provides a nice ride but it’s not as much fun as the Miata.

[@ATStone]

I wonder if any of the parts that make the shifter so good can be retrofitted to other manual BMWs.

[@nafnaf0]

The 718 is quite a bit smaller inside and louder inside. The handling / grip / balance in the 718 GTS 4.0 completely blows the regular Z4 M40i G29 out of the water (I haven't driven the Handschlater), but the 718 GTS 4.0 is one of the best handling cars around. With some mods like a Ohlins Road and Track coilover, some race brake pads and fluids, and gripper tires I think the Z4 could be pretty dang good. The Z4 is very comfortable though, rides well, and has very little cabin noise for a roadster. The Z4 does grand touring exceptionally well for a sports car. These are things the 718 will never do well (gf doesn't like to ride around in it as a passenger). As a daily the Z4 wins. For track, precision driving, canyon crazing, the 718 GTS 4.0 wins. I do hate the burbles from the exhaust in the Z4, I am glad Matt does too. The iDrive 7.5 interior is excellent and I do think it looks really pretty good.

[@inflatable2]

I've driven both.. The Z4 is indeed more of a modern comfort cruiser, the 718 a true more analog sportscar.. So it all depends on what you want from the car which is better for you.. Personally I would always go 718, gives way more emotions and feel than the Z4, even with the 4-cilinder already.. Also do not like digital screens, perfer the analog dials and buttons in the Porsche.. I don't think I'll buy anything more modern any time soon..

[@fzr1000981]

The GTS 4.0 is 110k....unless you're on a roadcourse the new M2 is as fast for a little more than 1/2 the price

[@LitleBear]

​@@fzr1000981M2 is the answer. A manual 450hp practical sports car for $65k is a steal.

[@neilturner6749]

You yanks are lucky to still have the option of buying a Boxster - production for Europe ended in July. I believe US production finishes May 25…

[@fzr1000981]

@inflatable2 4 cylinder P cars are underpowered. New M2 would blow them off the road even on a mountain road and I'm far from a BMW hugger. If you have the disposable cash it's 911 or GT3 for me

[@wbwright79]

oh, that thing is a beauty. if i still lived in CA, then i'd probably be seeking one out now.

[@Richard--99]

fantastic car, every bmw with the b58 is great but this is truly a gem

[@bairdotv]

How can they stuff up cup holders after all these years. It’s absolutely not an American thing to complain about. Coffee culture is big in many countries. certainly is her in NZ. Great content as usual 👌

[@larryhoudini3331]

People complain about the cupholders, but nobody suggests a better location.

[@alangil40]

I've got a recent itch to get an affordable roadster of some type. This car looks like a contender, but I would pick one up in 4 years when its only $45k pre-owned. I have been looking for fun (virtually) at cars like the E85 Z4, C6 convertible, 370Z roadster, Alfa 4C spider, etc. They all have pluses and minuses - and honestly looking more of a car that leans GT (but not too GT) to take on drives with the wife rather than a Lotus Elise for example. Recently drove in a Ferrari 360 spider, but a little too pricey for the gated manual for me given their age. I already have a 997.2 911, so not as keen on getting a Boxster since they are so similar in interior and exterior design elements. I live in Colorado, but this would be a 4th car actually and we get 300+ sunshine days a year, so even though not a "warm climate" it would get plenty of use!

[@rembo183]

Pick up a nice manual Miata instead of a higher priced more expensive used European roadster. The Miata will make you happy unless you don’t fit! Cheap thrills and easy to keep. Bulletproof maintenance and reliability as well. Great as a fourth car!

[@MJShult]

Woo hoo, I have been waiting for this one

[@Hangoversteer]

This seems like an excellent car. This as good as we’re going to get from here on out, folks. Looks great, more than 4 cylinders, manual and rear wheel drive.

[@horsterer77]

Now, that infamous "wide usable power band", with very high torque at very low rpms - non-linear power delivery in combination with a manual gearbox... It sounds like it's for someone who wants to have a manual box, for whatever reason, but doesn't actually enjoy having to use it too often. ;)

[@revnation_auto]

Matt, what microphone are you using?

[@jeffpierce3436]

All I can ever think on every video you post is how LUCKY you are to have roads that actually curve and speed limits don’t matter! 😭( 😂Great vid, as always 👍) BTW, I hate all the new BMW’s, but now I want that car 😢

[@justinbecker4772]

Kinda sounds like you don't hate all the new BMW's then, buddy

[@mattseve]

Great spec. Great to see something other than a Black BMW 🙌

[@phatmifer]

This is a hard sell over an F-Type. Shame it’s the last year of production. Get em while ya can! 20:05

[@capnbeenieweenie5603]

I’d definitely pick this over base boxster. And it’s good for those who can’t fit in a Miata.

[@smoath]

Sweet ride

[@gts9397]

What watch are you wearing?Looks great!

[@aliali-ce3yf]

I want a convertible and MX5 would be by far the best, but i'm over 6 feet. This car looks great, but I just don't trust BMW on reliability especially for $74k, plus it'll depreciate like crazy. I think the best route is a used boxster for about $30k-$40k

[@frumpd63]

Being the best BMW on sale today is not a high bar to clear.

[@matmul4850]

It's definitely not the best bmw on sale now. And seeing as the M3/4 are the best in their class, it very much would be a high bar to clear.

[@fuller9x]

No foot cam with the manual transmission? I thought that was the rule.

[@andrewthomason3857]

Ah, yes, the old Ricky Rudd at Sears Point cam . . .

[@theretoocs]

Great review, pretty car. This is heresy, but I suppose if the badge doesn't matter, and if you're happy with a little less power and a very much lower price tag, maybe the Mazda MX-5 will be all you need. A lightweight rear wheel drive convertible, with a superb tried and tested gearbox, and sublime handling. I have a 2 year old model and it pretty much does all the BMW can do sure it's only a 2000cc engine, but purchase price and overall cost of ownership is way way less.

[@Saenz220]

Matt!! Pagani Video dropping soon??

[@Loopsrainforest]

You’re looking ripped Matt. Good on ya

[@MilushevGeorgi]

What car in this range has the best steering feel? A boxer?

[@Ossi1979]

Boxster (and Cayman). Or Mazda Miata in much lower price category, they are excellent value and still provide great driving experience.

[@honzarox]

I'd get a Cayman/Boxster any day over this and I'm a BMW fan

[@nafnaf0]

The 718 is quite a bit smaller inside and louder inside. The handling / grip / balance in the 718 GTS 4.0 completely blows the regular Z4 M40i G29 out of the water (I haven't driven the Handschlater), but the 718 GTS 4.0 is one of the best handling cars around. With some mods like a Ohlins Road and Track coilover, some race brake pads and fluids, and gripper tires I think the Z4 could be pretty dang good. The Z4 is very comfortable though, rides well, and has very little cabin noise for a roadster. The Z4 does grand touring exceptionally well for a sports car. These are things the 718 will never do well. As a daily the Z4 wins. For track, precision driving, canyon crazing, the 718 GTS 4.0 wins. I do hate the burbles from the exhaust in the Z4, I am glad Matt does too. The iDrive 7.5 interior is excellent and I do think it looks really pretty good.

[@naskrajuciszy]

​@@nafnaf0 are you delusional? 718 gts is double the price of this

[@billymays7210]

Me too, but the caption is best BMW, not best roadster.

[@i_read_bad_reviews]

Same.

[@ICANTEWGF]

​@@naskrajuciszyjust in my area there are 5+ 718 cayman GTS that are the same price as this z4 or CHEAPER. So idk where you're getting that from

[@louispadron3255]

///M division needs to put their hands on this car and finally make a small M car again

[@Chris-hw4mq]

Why no front camera ?

[@dlyule]

Remove the burble? Nuts to that. Its lovely, at least for me.

[@prashanthp5448]

Having driven the z4, I ended up going with a 981 Boxster GTS because the actual driving experience and engagement is really levels apart. BMW interiors have a nicer modern feel to them and they are somewhat cheaper to run but that’s where the comparison ends.

[@rembo183]

I own a manual Miata how would you compare them beyond the luxury and cosmetic features. Do you think it’s worth twice the price? Curious!

[@franciscocabrerabrito5945]

And it's about a yamaha piano heavier than an Alpine A110S. The god of nowadays sportcars. Sad you don't get them in the US.

[@neilturner6749]

😃No six cylinder and no manual ‘box = quirky good-handling, good-looking toy that misses its main enthusiast market

[@MattDiffey]

It's a shame they launched these with the suspension wrong and with no manual - they seem to have got it right now but if they'd got it right at the start these might have sold well enough to convince BMW to do a proper Z4M and I'd love to see what they'd be capable of with that nowadays.

[@achmadtheterror]

Matt, what watch do you have on today? Great watch matches the car

[@DarthSpaceBall]

Sure looks like the Nodus Canyon but a dark green dial.

[@Bernievids]

it's funny, if you're 50, it is so easy to make cars for us - BMW knows this and this is the answer.

[@royalnewjersey]

can't wait to snag one of those green Canyon's ;)