Hi Chris, I just wanted to leave you a note to say that you and your career were one of the biggest inspirations behind my decision to take the leap and leave my corporate job to pursue my passions-music and my photography business, Stonecastle Media-full time. I’ve been a regular viewer of Winding Road Magazine since 2012, when I was on the hunt for high-quality POV car content, and I’ve loved watching your personal channel since its early days. Your reviews always feel like a chat with one of my best friends in the passenger seat. You’ve truly pioneered one of my favourite genres on RUclips. I’m based in London, UK, so if you ever plan on shooting content on this side of the pond, I’d be more than happy to help out. And if the stars align, I’d love to grab a coffee or lunch with you sometime. Thanks for staying authentic and being such an inspiration! Keep up the amazing work. Best, Greg
You can tell that the few people left at BMW who care about their roots as a brand that makes the best fun driving machines on the planet made this car. It's sad that they aren't selling well and with the direction BMW is going, I don't think we will see a car like this again. Really makes me want to buy one.
This is literally the best M car on sale right now, regardless of it not being a "full m car". Id love to pick one up used in a few years as a third car.
I ordered one of these in August and picked it up a week ago. Yes, it's this good. The dealer told me they were getting close to zero attention on these models. Everyone wants an M2 or M3... damn shame.
I wish BMW would bring the manual back to the 230i/m240i, I have zero interest in a full M2, but would trade in my brz in a heartbeat if they offered the little brothers in manual
Yeah it's very sad, now you want a Manual it is reserved for high end cars...wtf Manual and 250-350hp is just sweet spot ! You can actually enjoy the torque, and have a lot of fun at "acceptable" speeds.
@@Gurka84 It is more car than I need or want, insurance is higher, consumables (brakes, tires, etc.) are higher. We have lost the plot with how fast sports cars have gotten
This car nails the gearing. This might be my next convertible. I've had two BMWs, two Miatas, and three Porsches, and this feels like the intersection of all of it. Thank you for reviewing it! I do wish it had analog gauges though...
Gorgeous inside and out. I’m really loving this cabin with its integrated screen and physical controls compared to the everything, tacked on screen in other BMWs.
Literally saw a video of this car on autotopnl channel a few days ago and thought about you Topher! Then you uploaded this and I was like aye!!! Lets go!
Amazing video , as usual. I think I would get this over the other M cars.. great balance, if you're single or want this as a weekend toy it's great. It doesn't look ugly either.
We just sold our '23 M240i, and yes, this Z4 would be a much better driving experience. Manual ✅ Actual buttons ✅ Under 3500 lbs ✅ The problem here is that you're getting close to base M3 money. Our M240i similarly spec'd came in at $58k.
Looks a bit like a more expensive MX5 especially on the outside , ,6 speed manual gearbox , similar sort of retractable roof . It's a beautiful car whatever, and I really enjoyed the video It felt like I was in the car actually driving it 👍
I've been waiting for your review of the manual Z4 since it was announced! I absolutely love this car, hopefully theyre still accepting orders for these around summer next year when I can afford one 😅
Ain't gonna lie, this is going to be a great car to pick up on a used market. At 77k new this is a tough proposition to swallow. I wish the digital gauge was either customizable or had a different look, as is it is very non intuitive and hard to get quick information from, needles are almost invisible. I had 3 series with the same layout an hated that gauge cluster every day. Not sure what was wrong with classic oval layout but I guess BMW knows better?
6 cylinders, 3 pedals, and rear wheel drive - that’s a proper BMW. I hope they don’t cancel it and replace it with yet another 4 cylinder SUV/crossover.
I love when the response from reviews about a given car is in unanimous agreement, good or bad. In this case, everyone seems to absolutely love this car. Seems like they really nailed it. I'm particularly curious about the manual gearbox. Seems like they finally got it right, fixed the problems typically associated with BMW manuals. I have a '25 m4 manual on the way, and I'm curious if it got the same treatment.. I suspect not.. think it has the same gearbox as the original g82..
Nice review Chris! You pronounced it right ‘Handschalter Package” but funny how BMW makes you pay extra just for a “Manual” package, eh. Keep up the great work.
Can’t really get into the Matte Finish but the color is beautiful. Wish they could have chopped about 4 inches off the front overhang, it makes it look clumsy.
Love the review. Have you driven an M240i? I wish the M240i was this with a manual. Only having the 8 speed isn’t terrible but the manual add so much more engagement for the target audience.
I saw the California license plate and was confused as hell because it looks exactly like Michigan!.... I then looked up "strategic fox" on map and saw that you were indeed in Plymouth Michigan lol
The only problem with these cars is the price. I rented a 2.0L Z4 in Germany this year, between the autobahn and great backroads I completely fell in love with it. Then you come home to find that you're not finding one of these cars, even a few years used, under like $40,000. For the price of a 2.0L new, you could have a Mustang GT convertible. A 2-series with the same B48 powertrain is like $15,000 cheaper.
@@19hundoc47 yes, 4 and 8 cylinder S-550's for recent stuff. They're certainly not precise, but you get a lot of V8 noises and outright horsepower in a Mustang GT. Cheap thrills. The Z4 is not cheap thrills, it's more like "expensive 4/6 cylinder action"
Having just picked up an ND3 BBR with a manual, I was hesitant to watch this video because of potential buyers remorse. This video does make me think going up to the Z4 would have been a better fit (6ft and wish I was about an inch shorter). But then again, the Miata puts a huge smile on my face every time and cost way less. Not a lot of new manual convertibles out there, it’s Miata, Z4 then Boxster. I wonder if the Z4 buyer is upgrading from the Miata, or if they are BMW shoppers who want a convertible, or Boxster shoppers who want 6 cylinders rather than 4
🇬🇧Hi Chris! I didn’t have any problems hearing you when you were driving this Z4 at speed with the Top down, sure there was some wind-buffeting, but I Like to hear that anyway - it adds to my enjoyment :)! Hey what is the brand of that watch you usually wear? Nice Z4 M40i there!
I dont think its to do with the flywheel i think its a software thing. The rev hang is also really bad in my car f32 440i with a 6mt but I dont think they went through the hassle to change just the flywheel for this model specifically thats not how bmw usually operates
This car is way out of my price range but i hope those that can afford it buy it because it looks like such a joy to drive and it would be a shame for them to discontinue it
These performance upgrades should be on EVERY new Z4, manual and automatic. BMW has missed the mark on the current Z4, and making the car more dialed in would go a long way with enthusiasts. If BMW is to continue selling the Z4 they need to clean up to exterior design language and make the digital display look more upscale and classic looking.
If I remember correctly the 8spd one was a dark purple color right? I have wanted one of these since that review. The manual seems even more enjoyable. If I had the funds this would be the convertible I’d pick!
I really wish this car comes with a similar price compare to the manual Supra. 76k is crazy, despite how good the car is. Maybe the roadster market is really tiny now, and BMW expect no one to buy a manual roadster in 2024, so they have to bring up price to make profit
Great review - agree it’s the best BMW on sale today. Bought this exact car a few months ago. How would you compare the driving experience to the Lotus Emira V6 Manual?
@@LateNightDateNight I've owed both. The Z4 is the better car. The gearing on the GTS is horribly tall. You are forced to drive around town in 1st and 2nd gear...very boring. The GTS also lacks torque. Sure the naturally aspirated flat six sounds amazing, but I have a manual Z4 M40i in my garage now. Couldn't be happier
How are people comparing this to a miata or Mazda here in the UK they don’t fit a 3L turbo inline 6 to that car it’s a no brainer to me the bmw . Yes cost for a two seater manual is light and day but you buy this car for the engine the b58
Is the manual better than it is in the M2? In the M2 the auto seems better somehow…. Also how does this car compare to the M4 convertible and the boxster?
How does it feel compared to your 2022 BRZ? Powertrain is magnitudes better but the steering and cornering can’t be as good with all that extra weight. Drop top probably makes up for it though.
Can you add segments to your future videos to something like this where you have windows down to hear the actual exhaust noise(With windows up we tend to only hear the in cabin "speaker noise")?
Question. I’m looking into an Miata RF club - grand touring or might consider a used Z340i next year. Thoughts one is 42 other in 60s used next year. Leaning RF.
I love the fact that there is a manual but seeing the RPMs at 3000/min while cruising at 80mph ..... that 6th gear is way too short, especially for Germany where cruising speed for me is 90-100mph. I will stick to the 8 speed ZF auto.
I know they're very different vehicles and experiences, but what would you get between this and a used LC500 convertible? And would getting this in an automatic kill all the fun?
Wonder what this is like to drive at higher speeds. I had a chance to drive the new Supra to its top speed, and it did not feel good at all. I figured since it was a BMW chassis, it would feel like a BMW at top speed, but I guess whatever Toyota did to the suspension just wasn't up to the task of Autobahn burning.
Nice but nothing from other world. I want to think that a U$D 70.000 toy like this one has adapatative cruise control with traffic sign detection at least.
It's rare to see you hoon a car this much. I wish more people were talking about it, because I am afraid nobody is buying them and thats a damn shame.
This car is definitely not getting the sales successes that it 100% deserves.
I would get it if it was awd wheel drive
I did my part. As soon as this was announced, I put a deposit on one in May and took delivery last month. Nothing but smiles
@@zaybxc1 Then it ruins the fun of rwd
@@xBlackRaiderxand heavier
Hi Chris,
I just wanted to leave you a note to say that you and your career were one of the biggest inspirations behind my decision to take the leap and leave my corporate job to pursue my passions-music and my photography business, Stonecastle Media-full time.
I’ve been a regular viewer of Winding Road Magazine since 2012, when I was on the hunt for high-quality POV car content, and I’ve loved watching your personal channel since its early days. Your reviews always feel like a chat with one of my best friends in the passenger seat. You’ve truly pioneered one of my favourite genres on RUclips.
I’m based in London, UK, so if you ever plan on shooting content on this side of the pond, I’d be more than happy to help out. And if the stars align, I’d love to grab a coffee or lunch with you sometime.
Thanks for staying authentic and being such an inspiration!
Keep up the amazing work.
Best,
Greg
your website and photos are awesome! best of luck in your endeavors!
@ thank you so much!
You can tell that the few people left at BMW who care about their roots as a brand that makes the best fun driving machines on the planet made this car. It's sad that they aren't selling well and with the direction BMW is going, I don't think we will see a car like this again. Really makes me want to buy one.
This is literally the best M car on sale right now, regardless of it not being a "full m car". Id love to pick one up used in a few years as a third car.
Lol he said literally
You can literally feel through the screen that its such a happy car to drive!
Lol he said literally
Wooh! This is almost a perfect modern BMW setup. iDrive 7 and manual transmission FTW!
I ordered one of these in August and picked it up a week ago. Yes, it's this good. The dealer told me they were getting close to zero attention on these models. Everyone wants an M2 or M3... damn shame.
It would get more attention if it were a coupe. But if they made it a coupe it would infringe on the M2
How much did you get it for boss?
Go to any Cars & Coffee come spring. I guarantee your G29 will be pretty much be the only one there. M cars? Dime a dozen.
Hearing the roar of the engine at the same time as the turbo whine with the top down is a wonderful feeling.
love that color combo, wish more manufacturers would offer that color green.
13:30 is what we all came here for
Very good very expert
I wish BMW would bring the manual back to the 230i/m240i, I have zero interest in a full M2, but would trade in my brz in a heartbeat if they offered the little brothers in manual
Yeah it's very sad, now you want a Manual it is reserved for high end cars...wtf
Manual and 250-350hp is just sweet spot ! You can actually enjoy the torque, and have a lot of fun at "acceptable" speeds.
the high dollar manual trims have better profit margins
Why zero interest in a full M2 car though?
@@Gurka84 It is more car than I need or want, insurance is higher, consumables (brakes, tires, etc.) are higher. We have lost the plot with how fast sports cars have gotten
G42 Manual 230i rwd would be a dream come true
I am on my second Z4 of the latest gen. Huge fun and a joy to drive on any road.😊
Man those screens are so boring. Analogue rev counters and speedometers look so much better I think.
I agree, this is a weak point for an otherwise amazing machine
Agreed.
At least this is one of the last BMWs with physical HVAC controls
Also, is there any reason not to think the screens working 10-15 years from now in all these cars from different makers won't be a common issue?
Yeah they look cheap
This car nails the gearing. This might be my next convertible. I've had two BMWs, two Miatas, and three Porsches, and this feels like the intersection of all of it. Thank you for reviewing it!
I do wish it had analog gauges though...
Gorgeous inside and out. I’m really loving this cabin with its integrated screen and physical controls compared to the everything, tacked on screen in other BMWs.
Much prefer iDrive 7 hard physical controls over later iDrive 8 & 8.5 "iMax" screen versions..
Literally saw a video of this car on autotopnl channel a few days ago and thought about you Topher! Then you uploaded this and I was like aye!!! Lets go!
Lol he said literally
@ 😎 literally bro
Love this car. Amazing color combo as well. If only they made a Miata in green for us mere mortals…
If they made this in a coupe it might be one of the best BMWs of all time
Thats the supra 😂😂
Amazing video , as usual. I think I would get this over the other M cars.. great balance, if you're single or want this as a weekend toy it's great. It doesn't look ugly either.
We just sold our '23 M240i, and yes, this Z4 would be a much better driving experience. Manual ✅ Actual buttons ✅ Under 3500 lbs ✅ The problem here is that you're getting close to base M3 money. Our M240i similarly spec'd came in at $58k.
Why did you sell the m240i?
Looks a bit like a more expensive MX5 especially on the outside , ,6 speed manual gearbox , similar sort of retractable roof . It's a beautiful car whatever, and I really enjoyed the video It felt like I was in the car actually driving it 👍
I've been waiting for your review of the manual Z4 since it was announced! I absolutely love this car, hopefully theyre still accepting orders for these around summer next year when I can afford one 😅
Now, if BMW came out with a manual M340i, I would sell my left kidney.
10:00 6MT
15:00 One of the BEST sports cars
19:00 Best BMW on sale
24:20 Good looks
The color combo is amazing! What a cool car; I hope a few will buy it because it's probably going away shortly.
I traded in my '24 Z4 M40i for a '25 to get the manual. In assembly now.
Ain't gonna lie, this is going to be a great car to pick up on a used market. At 77k new this is a tough proposition to swallow. I wish the digital gauge was either customizable or had a different look, as is it is very non intuitive and hard to get quick information from, needles are almost invisible. I had 3 series with the same layout an hated that gauge cluster every day. Not sure what was wrong with classic oval layout but I guess BMW knows better?
6 cylinders, 3 pedals, and rear wheel drive - that’s a proper BMW. I hope they don’t cancel it and replace it with yet another 4 cylinder SUV/crossover.
That sound is amazing! I love the B58 în sport+
I love when the response from reviews about a given car is in unanimous agreement, good or bad. In this case, everyone seems to absolutely love this car. Seems like they really nailed it.
I'm particularly curious about the manual gearbox. Seems like they finally got it right, fixed the problems typically associated with BMW manuals.
I have a '25 m4 manual on the way, and I'm curious if it got the same treatment.. I suspect not.. think it has the same gearbox as the original g82..
Absolutely fantastic car.. B58 Manual and cabrio is an awesome combination.. nice driving too man!
I am definitely hoping to buy this one day!
Nice review Chris! You pronounced it right ‘Handschalter Package” but funny how BMW makes you pay extra just for a “Manual” package, eh. Keep up the great work.
Can’t really get into the Matte Finish but the color is beautiful. Wish they could have chopped about 4 inches off the front overhang, it makes it look clumsy.
Best bmw screens
The Z4 is nice but I think the BMW Supra is just a beautiful car!
First time I ever drove a manual was on a bmw and that “careful into first” is so true 🫣
I very much enjoyed driving the z4 with the B48 I can’t imagine the B58 and 6 speed!!
Dang you found a unicorn!
Love the review. Have you driven an M240i? I wish the M240i was this with a manual. Only having the 8 speed isn’t terrible but the manual add so much more engagement for the target audience.
I own a factory 6 speed 2001 BMW 540i and you need to get your hands on one and drive it, it was known as the ultimate driving machine
Probably the only one left running
I saw the California license plate and was confused as hell because it looks exactly like Michigan!.... I then looked up "strategic fox" on map and saw that you were indeed in Plymouth Michigan lol
Prediction: even tho these guys don’t get a lot of attention now they will hold their value & become sought after in years to come
Oh, a challenger in the rear view mirror ;-)
I think I would take this over a base Boxster.
Dream car tbh
The only problem with these cars is the price. I rented a 2.0L Z4 in Germany this year, between the autobahn and great backroads I completely fell in love with it. Then you come home to find that you're not finding one of these cars, even a few years used, under like $40,000. For the price of a 2.0L new, you could have a Mustang GT convertible. A 2-series with the same B48 powertrain is like $15,000 cheaper.
That’s becuase mustangs are awful. Have you ever driven one? Lol
@@19hundoc47 yes, 4 and 8 cylinder S-550's for recent stuff. They're certainly not precise, but you get a lot of V8 noises and outright horsepower in a Mustang GT. Cheap thrills. The Z4 is not cheap thrills, it's more like "expensive 4/6 cylinder action"
@@19hundoc47test driving a mustang had to be the most disappointed I ever been in a car lol ss 1le tho was a charm
That’s an awesome spec
Having just picked up an ND3 BBR with a manual, I was hesitant to watch this video because of potential buyers remorse. This video does make me think going up to the Z4 would have been a better fit (6ft and wish I was about an inch shorter). But then again, the Miata puts a huge smile on my face every time and cost way less. Not a lot of new manual convertibles out there, it’s Miata, Z4 then Boxster. I wonder if the Z4 buyer is upgrading from the Miata, or if they are BMW shoppers who want a convertible, or Boxster shoppers who want 6 cylinders rather than 4
That challenger wanted to play
🇬🇧Hi Chris! I didn’t have any problems hearing you when you were driving this Z4 at speed with the Top down, sure there was some wind-buffeting, but I Like to hear that anyway - it adds to my enjoyment :)! Hey what is the brand of that watch you usually wear? Nice Z4 M40i there!
People with manual Supra should consider swapping this car's flywheel in.
I dont think its to do with the flywheel i think its a software thing. The rev hang is also really bad in my car f32 440i with a 6mt but I dont think they went through the hassle to change just the flywheel for this model specifically thats not how bmw usually operates
I prefer the purple, green 2nd. This is a sleeper.
This car is way out of my price range but i hope those that can afford it buy it because it looks like such a joy to drive and it would be a shame for them to discontinue it
Based on your reaction, this feels spiritually closer to being the luxury big brother to the gr86/brz than the Supra...
Bring back the coupe!
These performance upgrades should be on EVERY new Z4, manual and automatic. BMW has missed the mark on the current Z4, and making the car more dialed in would go a long way with enthusiasts. If BMW is to continue selling the Z4 they need to clean up to exterior design language and make the digital display look more upscale and classic looking.
Nice Mk5 Supra
Does anyone else hate pops and burbles? It was fun for a while but now it's all I ever hear
If I remember correctly the 8spd one was a dark purple color right? I have wanted one of these since that review. The manual seems even more enjoyable. If I had the funds this would be the convertible I’d pick!
really miss that classic chime...
Man the B58 just sounds so much better than the S58, though I do wonder how much of that is ADS coming through on the video
“why is no one buying these?” because 70k for a german miata is crazy
Great review.
However - I'd liked to see the rev lights. It looks like it was disabled on your video, both on the HUD and the dash.
Would you personally pick this over the Miata? Why or Why not?
I really wish this car comes with a similar price compare to the manual Supra. 76k is crazy, despite how good the car is. Maybe the roadster market is really tiny now, and BMW expect no one to buy a manual roadster in 2024, so they have to bring up price to make profit
The automatic Z4 with identical options would only be $200 cheaper.
Great review - agree it’s the best BMW on sale today. Bought this exact car a few months ago. How would you compare the driving experience to the Lotus Emira V6 Manual?
Really cool car! Wish it had a hardtop tho
Sequoia was blazing down that left lane 😂
@TheTopher, this or a Boxster? What would you choose?
Boxster GTS > Z4 > Boxster S
@@LateNightDateNight I've owed both. The Z4 is the better car. The gearing on the GTS is horribly tall. You are forced to drive around town in 1st and 2nd gear...very boring. The GTS also lacks torque. Sure the naturally aspirated flat six sounds amazing, but I have a manual Z4 M40i in my garage now. Couldn't be happier
Porsche, there is no substitute.
Whats with all the freight trucks
Only if it had a hardtop (and wasn't 70k+ for a manual). Thanks for the review!
Buy the Supra if you want a hardtop. For convertible lovers like me, this car is pretty much the tops unless you can afford a 4.0L Boxster.
Same with the hardtop. I don't think the Supra would be the equivalent
I wish 440i vert would get a manual in the UK.
13:30 HOLY
How are people comparing this to a miata or Mazda here in the UK they don’t fit a 3L turbo inline 6 to that car it’s a no brainer to me the bmw . Yes cost for a two seater manual is light and day but you buy this car for the engine the b58
Which is better, BMW Z4 or Porsche Boxster?
BMW: Tooher, review the Z4 Handschalter please.
Topher: Nah. I think I’ll just drive it for a week for fun.
While they’re very different, do you prefer this or the CT4V BW for daily driving and enjoyment?
Also would like to know
Is the manual better than it is in the M2? In the M2 the auto seems better somehow…. Also how does this car compare to the M4 convertible and the boxster?
How does it feel compared to your 2022 BRZ? Powertrain is magnitudes better but the steering and cornering can’t be as good with all that extra weight. Drop top probably makes up for it though.
Can you add segments to your future videos to something like this where you have windows down to hear the actual exhaust noise(With windows up we tend to only hear the in cabin "speaker noise")?
Question. I’m looking into an Miata RF club - grand touring or might consider a used Z340i next year. Thoughts one is 42 other in 60s used next year. Leaning RF.
Can you somehow review a Camaro 2SS convertible again?
❤
I love the fact that there is a manual but seeing the RPMs at 3000/min while cruising at 80mph ..... that 6th gear is way too short, especially for Germany where cruising speed for me is 90-100mph. I will stick to the 8 speed ZF auto.
This B58 is the old version? Sounds more aggressive with pops and burbles. Don't see it on some of the new B58 motors like in the X3 M50
How would you compare enjoyment to your M Roadster? Imagine a mint one.
What is that blinking sound and symbol at 8:02?
I know they're very different vehicles and experiences, but what would you get between this and a used LC500 convertible? And would getting this in an automatic kill all the fun?
Reasonable sports car upgrade from a Miata? Or too soft for backroads and track events?
we can tell it's your favourite
How's this compare to the M2 Comp manual?
Sport individual all day, everyday!😅
Yo TheTopher can you do BMW 5 Series 2024?
Which is more fun, this or 4 cylinder boxster with manual?
I hate that gauge cluster so much. Give us analog gauges or at least analog on a screen.
It's still 100% better than the bullshit the put in now
Wonder what this is like to drive at higher speeds. I had a chance to drive the new Supra to its top speed, and it did not feel good at all. I figured since it was a BMW chassis, it would feel like a BMW at top speed, but I guess whatever Toyota did to the suspension just wasn't up to the task of Autobahn burning.
Look up the review by Autotopnl, which included top speed run on the Autobahn.
Nice but nothing from other world. I want to think that a U$D 70.000 toy like this one has adapatative cruise control with traffic sign detection at least.
Some BMW execs are seething right now that there are still buttons in the cabin.
How do you think compare to MX5 ND?
Very, very similar interior to my pre-LCI M340i, and part of why I'm not interested in moving on. The new one sucks.