BMW Z4 Final Edition vs. Z4 M40i: Closing the Curtain in Style
Positioning & Production Run:
Z4 Final Edition: Built to mark the end of the Z4 saga, the Final Edition is extremely limited and factory-loaded, offering exclusive design and luxury touches.
Z4 M40i: The core of the Z4 lineup—high-performance, well-equipped, and available in larger numbers through regular dealers.
Shared Dynamics and Power
Engine (Both): Turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 (B58), producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft.
Performance: 0-60 mph in 3.9 sec (automatic) or 4.2 sec (manual); top speed 155 mph for both models.
Transmissions: Both offer a six-speed manual (“Handschalter” package for enthusiast chassis tuning) or an 8-speed Steptronic automatic.
BMW Z4 M40i
BMW Z4 Final Edition
Exterior, Paint, & Presence
Z4 Final Edition
Standard Z4 M40i
Paint
BMW Individual Frozen Black metallic
Multiple standard finishes
Soft Top
Moonlight Black
Black (standard)
Trim
Shadowline (high-gloss black)
Chrome, Shadowline optional
Wheels
19” front/20” rear Dual-Spoke 800M Bicolor
18” or 19” M alloys
Brake Calipers
Red
Blue (standard)
Badging
“Final Edition” door sills
Regular M40i badging
Unique Spec
Red accents/stitching, exclusive trim
BMW-standard cabin choices
Interior & Comfort
Final Edition: Vernasca/Alcantara seats, vivid red contrast stitching throughout, “Final Edition” sills, M tri-color seatbelts, red-piped mats. Cabin feels more special & collectible.
M40i: Vernasca leather standard, various interior trims available, but lacks commemorative details and red accents.
BMW Z4 M40i
BMW Z4 Final Edition
Mechanical & Handling Packages
Final Edition: Manual cars get special “Handschalter” chassis (aux springs, reinforced bar clamp, recalibrated dampers, altered steering/traction/diff software).
M40i: Optional Adaptive M suspension, but only the Final Edition with the manual gets the unique Handschalter mechanical and software tuning.
Features & Value
Final Edition: Standardizes every major package (Premium, Driving Assistance, Harman Kardon audio, M Sport brakes), $77,500 MSRP (US) regardless of transmission, loaded spec only.
M40i: Starts around $68,400 (US), option choice allows slightly lighter spec or more customization, less exclusivity.
BMW Z4 Final Edition
BMW Z4 M40i
The Enthusiast’s Take
Final Edition: For Z4 devotees and collectors. You get top-level performance, unique paint, the ultimate spec, and the end-of-an-era story. You pay for rarity and immediacy.
Standard M40i: Offers 99% of the real-world driving thrills and tech, with more options and flexibility. Not as visually striking nor as special on the used market, but better value for most buyers.
Verdict: The Z4 Final Edition is the ultimate sendoff, bundling every mechanical and aesthetic highlight BMW could muster—built for those who want the rarest, most evocative Z4 ever. The standard M40i is the enthusiast’s all-rounder: purer value, same performance, and still available. Choose the Final Edition for pride of ownership; stick with the M40i for purist roadster pleasure, priced (slightly) more for the real world.
