Earlier this week, BMW confirmed the inevitable: production of the Z4 will be discontinued. The Roadster goes down in history as the last non-M model to have a stick shift. Before it sets off into the proverbial sunset, the “G29” in Final Edition guise offers a clutch pedal if you upgrade to the M40i model in the USA. Europeans can also get the smaller four-cylinder Z4 sDrive20i with three pedals. Production ends in April 2026, leaving only three manual transmission models.
Since the Z4 is still months away from retirement, the do-it-yourself transmission will be available exclusively for M vehicles. The M2 “G87” is now the cheapest entry into the rowing club, followed by the M3 “G80” and the M4 “G82”. However, the two larger cars are only available with a manual transmission if you stick with it (pun intended) to the basic versions. The hotter Competition models are sold exclusively with the eight-speed automatic transmission. Since BMW only offers the M3 Touring “G81” and the M4 Cabrio “G83” as competition models with xDrive, they are equipped with the two-pedal Steptronic setup.
As a result, the once dominant manual is fading more and more and is nearing the end of its decades-long success story. With the exception of the Z4, the last regular cars to offer a 6MT were the previous generation 1 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupe. Both withdrew last year and made way for pure dual-clutch successors.
The ax falls on BMW’s manual cars
The next manual BMW likely to face the challenge is the M3. Production of the current sports sedan is believed to end in February 2027. Although M has confirmed a next-generation car, likely codenamed “G84,” it may not feature three pedals. We have already reported that the future inline-six M3 will probably only be equipped with xDrive and automatic transmission.
You probably have significantly more time to buy a new BMW M car with two doors. According to reports, the M4 will be available until June 2029. Insiders claim that production of the “G82” has been extended along with the rest of the “G22” 4 Series family. Additionally, the slightly smaller M2 could remain in production until July 2029.
It is worth distinguishing the end of production date from the time frame for purchasing a car. Order books typically close months in advance, meaning BMW could stop taking M3 orders in about a year. Likewise, the M2 and M4 could no longer be available in early 2029.
A next-generation M car with a manual transmission is certainly possible
Is there hope for a future BMW M car with a manual transmission? We are cautiously optimistic based on a statement from Sylvia Neubauer, vice president of customers, brand and sales at M. In conversation with BMWBLOG During the Le Mans weekend earlier this year, she didn’t close the door completely:
“I think BMW will always be very creative. We can always think about it [M car with a manual transmission]. BMW M is a rather entrepreneurial company with very passionate M people. So if our engineers can do it, I think they will always try.”
As far as a traditional manual transmission experience in an electric car goes, it’s not going to happen. BMW M boss Frank van Meel ruled out giving the M3 “ZA0” three pedals. However, the mayor of M Town is not against a simulated manual. In addition, some tricks are likely to be pumped through the speakers with the sound of an internal combustion engine. We’re told it’s more of a necessity than a gimmick:
“With a pure electric vehicle with one gear, no noise and no emotion, you don’t know whether you’re going 125, 150 or whatever. You need a solution for that. You have to find a connection to the driver’s brain without forcing you to look at the speedometer.”
Even if simulated gear changes and in-line six-cylinder sounds make their way into the electric M3, it won’t be the end of the world. We believe BMW will not force these “features” on drivers; Instead they let the drivers turn them off, so no harm, no foul. The “ZA0” is rumored to go into production in March 2027, so its world premiere shouldn’t be far behind the i3 sedan (“NA0”), which hits the market next year.
If there is never another next-generation M car with a proper manual gearbox, BMW will probably benefit from the six-speed M2, M3 and M4 models until the end. Limited special editions at the end of the era seem entirely plausible. Of course with a high markup.
One last dance for the manual transmission
If we were the bosses in Munich, we would give the green light to an ultra-exclusive final car with a manual transmission. Think 3.0 CSL, but perhaps based on the M2 and not the M4. In order not to make your expectations too high, BMW’s small series team has secured a place for an M model. However, it is unclear which car will be the donor. Here’s what Syliva told us:
“We discuss things, but we have to find the right time for it. Rest assured, we share the same dream and the same passion. We spoke to Adrian van Hooydonk [Head of BMW Group Design] and the team that handles the small series planning, and there is a place reserved for BMW M.”
Enthusiasts with deep pockets would jump at the chance, knowing it would be the last of its kind. In a perfect world, BMW would pair the larger V8 with a manual transmission, but something tells us that ship has sailed. However, we would like to prove the opposite.
