√2024 BMW Z4 M40i manual one step closer

The BMW Z4 M40i’s run as an auto-only model could be coming to an end, with plans for a manual variant of the performance convertible reported online.

The BMW Z4 M40i looks set to be offered with a manual transmission from 2024, according to an insider from the German car maker.

Since its global launch in 2018, BMW’s flagship Z4 M40i variant has been sold exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission – shared with its Toyota Supra twin.

However, as reported by BMW Blog, an information page for the BMW Z4 M40i on the company’s Dutch website now lists the option of a manual transmission.

It follows a report from respected BMW insider and BimmerPost forum user ‘ynguldyn’, who claims production of the manual BMW Z4 is due to begin in March 2024 – roughly 18 months from now.

A spokesperson for BMW Australia told Drive it has no plans to announce a Z4 M40i manual.

This could mean a manual may be available for the BMW Z4 globally and not coming to Australia, or BMW Australia is being coy about plans to introduce a stick-shift option locally.

The BMW Z4 is expected to be given a minor facelift within the next six months, aligning with the company’s traditional four-year update cycle across its model range.

While the BMW Z4 M40i has never been available as a manual, Toyota announced its plans for a three-pedal Supra earlier this year, due to arrive in Australia between October and December 2022.

The BMW Z4 M40i and Toyota Supra are powered by identical BMW-built 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engines, producing 285kW and 500Nm.

While the base BMW Z4 sDrive20i has previously been sold as a manual in Australia, the German car maker’s local outpost removed the three-pedal model from sale in July 2021 as only two examples were sold since the car’s arrival in 2019.

Just two BMW models are available with manual transmissions in Australia – the M3 sedan and M4 coupe.

From January to the end of July 2022, BMW Australia has recorded 60 Z4s as sold – 21 more examples than the same time last year.

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