Driving As It Should Be: BMW Z4 M40i Handschalter
The history of roadsters from BMW is closely intertwined with a passion for sporty driving pleasure and abundant success on the racetrack. This history stretches all the way back to the company’s early days as a car maker and sits in its modern form in the shape of the German company’s prestige two-seater, the BMW Z4. This premium sports car has undergone many upgrades over time and has been revised again fairly recently, but the model we are featuring here has one difference, a proper gear stick, or stick shift if you prefer. Sometimes, just sometimes, we have to go back in time to make a car better; at least for keen drivers anyway.
The Z4's design addressed many criticisms of the preceding Z3 model and now it is a mature driving machine worthy of the name and that name is, the BMW Z4 M40i which is available for the first time with a six-speed manual gearbox thanks to the ‘Handschalter Pack’.
With refined chassis tuning and mixed-size wheels (for the first time on the BMW Z4), the pairing of a straight-six engine with a six-speed manual gearbox means the new BMW Z4 M40i Handschalter represents a unique and exclusive proposition in this segment.
The 3.0 litre unit under the bonnet (hood) owes its familiar free-revving performance, instantaneous power delivery and silky smoothness to the latest ‘M TwinPower Turbo’ technology. The engine’s special characteristics include a forged crankshaft, weight-optimised pistons and a water-cooled exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head. A twin-scroll turbo-charger supplies the six combustion chambers with compressed air, whose temperature is regulated by means of an indirect intercooler. The package of drive unit technologies also comprises ‘High Precision Injection’ operating at pressures up to 350 bar, variable valve timing and fully variable camshaft timing.
With peak torque of 500Nm (369 lb-ft) that can be summoned between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm, the engine generates compelling pulling power. Its maximum output is on tap from 5,000 – 6,500 rpm.
In this special model, the task of transmitting power to the road is handled by a six-speed manual gearbox developed exclusively for this car. It is a BMW modular transmission incorporating M-specific components for the gear set and shafts that has been modified for the straight-six engine’s output. The outer shift mechanism, comprising the shift lever, its guide and the connection to the transmission, has likewise been custom made for the ‘Handschalter Pack’ and delivers the unrivalled shift feel for which BMW models are renowned. The direct flow of power between engine and transmission combined with the driver’s central involvement in gear changes reinforces that special bond between driver and vehicle. A precisely defined shift action enables the gears to be changed swiftly and intuitively.
When power is relayed via the six-speed manual gearbox, the six-cylinder in-line engine propels the BMW Z4 M40i to 62MPH (100KPH) from rest in 4.6 seconds. Incidentally, the sprint from 0 to 62 mph takes 4.5 seconds on models with the eight-speed paddle-shift Steptronic Sport transmission, if preferred. Although by default the Steptronic Sport transmission will select the gears automatically, it also lets the driver control gear selection manually if desired. The shift paddles on the steering wheel are designed to allow spontaneous interaction with the drive system.
The BMW Z4 additionally offers customers a selection of driver assistance systems that are carefully geared to the enjoyment of that all-important pure driving pleasure. Front collision warning with brake intervention, Lane Departure Warning with lane return and the Speed Limit Info function with no-overtaking indicator all come as standard, along with all the usual safety paraphernalia.
Handschalter Pack Exterior Features
Compact proportions, minimised weight, a low centre of gravity and virtually perfect 50:50 weight distribution are the defining elements of a BMW Z4 vehicle, honed precisely to deliver agility and dynamic performance. The extremely rigid body and chassis structure and excellent aerodynamic attributes also help to mould the sports car character of the Z4.
In addition to the six-speed manual gearbox, the refined chassis tuning and the combination of 19 inch and 20 inch ‘M light-alloy’ wheels, the ‘Handschalter Pack’ also adds individual design features to the exterior of the BMW Z4 M40i. These give the roadster a sharper look that underlines its more rounded sports car character, while also complementing the familiar ‘M’ exterior features for optimising airflow and aerodynamic balance. They include the ‘M high-gloss Shadowline’ trim with extended features, also incorporating the model badging on the front side panels and the vehicle’s rear end, as well as the exterior mirror caps painted in Black high-gloss, specially designed flaps for streamlining the airflow in the area around the rear wheel arches and red brake callipers for the ‘M Sport’ brakes.
The soft-top roof of the BMW Z4 is also available in an ‘Anthracite Silver’ effect finish as an alternative to the standard black colour for all model variants. It is electrically operated and can be opened or closed in the space of ten seconds at the touch of a button, even while travelling at speeds up to 31MPH. A wind deflector, seat heating and two-zone automatic climate control also form part of standard specification on all variants of the roadster.
The familiar driver focus of BMW models and the ergonomically enhanced interior design aimed at providing an engaging driving experience also come together with the BMW ‘iDrive’ display and control/operation system in the Z4. This system combines with the ‘BMW Live Cockpit Professional’ fitted as standard in all BMW Z4 model variants to ensure intuitive vehicle operation and intelligent connectivity. It comprises a fully digital instrument cluster with customisable graphics and a control display with touchscreen operation, both with a screen diagonal of 10.25 inches, as well as the Controller on the centre console and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
The BMW Maps navigation system, a hard-drive-based multimedia system, smartphone integration and a WiFi hotspot are also part of the ‘BMW Live Cockpit Professional’ package. The Hi-Fi speaker system, a hands-free facility with USB interface and an alarm system are also fitted as standard, while the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System with 12 speakers can be added as a (very necessary) option.
BMW & MHH International
MHH International export both new and used cars from the United Kingdom to destinations around the world including New Zealand and Kenya. See out Home Page for the list of countries served. If the BMW Z4 model is of special interest then pleased contact us to find out about availability. If that wind-in-your-hair, two-seat sensation isn’t practical for you then see our current stock from the wide range of vehicles that are available from this premium manufacturer. Check out this page and ask our dedicated team for more information.
