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Would I Buy a BMW Z4 M40i ‘Handschalter Package’ over a Porsche Boxster ?

I can't think it has actually taken me this long to support the wheel of the BMW Z4. This weeks cars and truck on test is the BMW Z4 M40i with the Handschalter Bundle, generally a manual transmission and upgraded brakes. I actually is a great automobile but is it much better than a Porsche Boxster?

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Comments

37 responses to “Would I Buy a BMW Z4 M40i ‘Handschalter Package’ over a Porsche Boxster ?”

  1. @nafnaf0 Avatar
    @nafnaf0

    The problem with the Z4 has been it is rather meh when it comes to driving dynamics. The Porsche Boxster runs circles around this thing. The Handschalter is suppose to make it a bit better (I haven’t driven one). With mods like the Ohlins R&T and a couple other things, it is suppose to be pretty decent. The Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 is one of the best handling cars around stock and is a track rat in comparison. For grand touring and road trips the Z4 is pretty nice and it is a bit larger inside than the Boxster. It rather clumsy handling (for a sports car and compared to something like Boxster, 911, or C8 Corvette) holds it back. It is still fairly practical and fun car to drive. I do think it looks pretty good. It lacks the prestige of a M3 or a Porsche.

    I would take that interior over any of the modern BMWs though. iDrive7 was excellent.The little pass-through door with the bag attached, is where you put water bottle bottles and other things while you are driving.

    Reply
    1. @PetrolPed Avatar
      @PetrolPed

      Thanks for this 👍

      Reply
    2. @strangerdanger8462 Avatar
      @strangerdanger8462

      “Boxster GTS runs rings around it”… Well, that depends on who you ask and what their needs are. I chose this over the GTS. I could afford either. Comfortably. But this won because it’s quieter with roof up. More creature comforts as standard.(HUD, heated seats and steering wheel and so on). The GTS interior and tech was just too dated for my liking. I’m a GT guy. Never track my cars. And this has more than enough power, 382hp in the US, than I’ll ever need. It was an easy decision, really.

      Reply
  2. @markuss2496 Avatar
    @markuss2496

    Had the Z4 20i and then the M40i, and changed to a base 718 boxster!

    The Z4 is – for me atleast – as a fun car too digital and too comfortable – good for roadtrips and cruising around – but even in Sport Plus mode it feels “heavy”, if you push it into corner you can feel the weight and it wobbles around, it just doesnt give you the feeling that you driving on rails as the Porsche does
    The 718 is far more sporty, delicate and feels rather special compared to the Z4, more of a sportscar than a GT car, plus i like the oldschool interior of the 718

    Did a roadtrip with both the Z4 and the 718 from Austria to southern France, and i have to admit, the 718 has more space for luggage and is also comfortable if you switch everything to comfort.

    And for the people who complain about the sound of the 718 B4T (pre OPF), its much louder than the BMW 3.0 6 cyl

    The Z4 is a good car, but just not as amazing as the Boxster

    Reply
    1. @neilturner6749 Avatar
      @neilturner6749

      That’s the point of this Handschalalter model – they’ve worked on the dynamics as well as giving back the manual’box to us. Key point is – you haven’t been able to factory-order a Boxster 4.0 in Europe for over a year now despite it remaining on Porsches configurator, so the main competitor has gone.

      Reply
    2. @markuss2496 Avatar
      @markuss2496

      @@neilturner6749 thanks! I hope it worked danamicwise for the Z4 as a last huray before they stop production this year!
      Was a good car and always nice to see on the streets! 🙂

      Reply
    3. @colinmeechan587 Avatar
      @colinmeechan587

      I’m not expecting the Z4 to be as good but not to put too fine a point on it, I can’t afford the Boxter I’d be looking for and I’ve got an M240 at the moment and love the B58 engine. Also, my mate has a Boxter S and I do find it a bit loud with the engine between my ears – but that’s a by the by…..simply can’t afford a Boxter so Z4 it is, hopefully

      Reply
    4. @markuss2496 Avatar
      @markuss2496

      @@colinmeechan587 the Z4 is a great car, always depends on how you use it and what you expect from it 🙂

      Reply
  3. @carfan3762 Avatar
    @carfan3762

    Well, Ped, this BMW Z4 and its 3.0 litre six-pot is not only a beautiful piece of kit, it seems to have the right balance to thrill any car nut on back roads as well as on highways. The power is definitely sufficient, the 6 speed manual shift is a blessing, so yes, the question is, this or a Boxster (or Speedster).
    Price wise, the answer is simple. The Z4 rules out a Boxster with the flat-6. But if you dispose of sufficient means to buy the said Boxster, then I would probably do so. I owned a 981 Cayman S some years ago and absolutely loved it. It had comparable power (325 PS) and performance and thrilling handling. And I’m a Porsche fan, waiting for a rather exclusive 911.
    That said, this BMW Z4 is to be taken into consideration. It has the advantage of looking quite different from the other models in the brand and has a charm of its own. To be nitpicky. I don’t care much for the awkward rectangular exhaust tips, not very classy. 😅😎

    Reply
    1. @PetrolPed Avatar
      @PetrolPed

      Glad you enjoyed the video and the car! 👍

      Reply
  4. @dppopov Avatar
    @dppopov

    Red or Blue exterior and black interior is how I would spec it (that’s why I opened this video). Love how this car looks!

    Reply
    1. @PetrolPed Avatar
      @PetrolPed

      Glad you liked the look of it! 👍

      Reply
  5. @HQBProductions Avatar
    @HQBProductions

    Hello Peter! Oh my goodness…don’t get old. You see I have been looking at Z4’s and been amazed at the prices which they sell for. If you look at Partridge BMW Eastleigh, they have /or had some really nice examples and all under £40!000! Yes the 2.0l won’t set fire to the road but the 3.0l is faster than you can truly use in any normal situation…and in the right spec, I think this version Z4 is a very nice car. So now…you say is it so good and even comfortable with peak interior design, that hakes me want one more…and I want an M2 as well….ahd the trouble is I can buy both, easily…but my almost perfect eyesight is changing and I can tell that I can’t do things quite as I used too….well most if the time I can…but age and the insurance man are not my friends. So a message to your followers…if you can, go out and buy one..or a 718 GTS 4.0….just get it before life starts interfering….Stay young….old is rubbish and I’m fortunate and …..not even ill,…but you never know. 🤔🤔😬😬😃😃😃😃R….umm..maybe just another look..just in case…..🫢🫢🥲

    Reply
    1. @PetrolPed Avatar
      @PetrolPed

      Love this comment! You’re absolutely right about seizing the moment. 👍

      Reply
    2. @HQBProductions Avatar
      @HQBProductions

      @@PetrolPedThank you Peter! I’m really not falling apart but I know that some doors are starting to close…I’m still 28 inside..but the birthday cards say 78…..I’m too young for a beige Micra….and I getting new glasses soon! 😎😎

      Reply
    3. @johnennis3542 Avatar
      @johnennis3542

      Love this comment too. Wise words indeed. I’ve just reached my half century and have saved reasonably well and always bought very (and I mean very) modest cars even though I love to drive. My rationale being that if I can’t have something quite special that I’d really enjoy, then just go with something that does the job but won’t cost me anything in depreciation while I accumulate savings. Now (just been prescribed my first set of reading glasses so not done too badly) and with children through school / university I recognise that time is ticking away and before too long I’ll be past the point I could really enjoy a nice car (would love a 997.2). But there’s always something else the money could go towards (house, weddings, retirement), so I feel guilty and keep putting it off! One day….

      Reply
  6. @Carrera-gp9od Avatar
    @Carrera-gp9od

    I’d have the z4 over any of the 4 cylinder Boxsters , the B58 is an absolutely magnificent engine .

    Reply
    1. @PetrolPed Avatar
      @PetrolPed

      It really is a great engine!

      Reply
  7. @alasdairstuart3394 Avatar
    @alasdairstuart3394

    Had 2 Z4. A 30 then an M40. Both Autos. Fabulous. Traded in for a new M2 which is amazing built I will always the Z4. A car for the ages.

    Reply
    1. @PetrolPed Avatar
      @PetrolPed

      Awesome to hear you loved your Z4s! 👍

      Reply
  8. @paulgarrad1581 Avatar
    @paulgarrad1581

    Test drove a M40i when they came out as was considering changing my then 981 Cayman S for a Boxster.
    The Porsche was better in evey respect imv. Engine, gearbox, handling, ride, interior space, overall boot space. It was also wider and wouldn’t fit in the garage my Cayman did. Kept the Cayman a while longer in the end,

    Reply
    1. @PetrolPed Avatar
      @PetrolPed

      Interesting to hear your comparison and experience! 👍

      Reply
  9. @JohnE99 Avatar
    @JohnE99

    I enjoyed this video Peter. As the owner of a lesser Z4 of this generation (Z4 30i) I think your assessment is spot on, though I haven’t driven a handschalter myself. Definitely not as focused as a Boxster, but sharp enough for enjoyment on the road. As you say excellent for long trips which for me is great having moved from S.E.England to the Scottish Highlands 25 years ago I make the return trip down south to visit friends several times a year. A great GT with the long distance capability and enough ability to enjoy the back roads when you get to your destination.
    A friend who works at Goodwood bought an automatic Z4 M40i after hearing how much I love my car. Part of the appeal is the fact that you don’t see so many on the road as you alluded to in the video.
    I have bought tickets for the Porsche Owners’ Club Boxster GTS draw though!

    Reply
  10. @jc74435 Avatar
    @jc74435

    There is a reason the MX5 is the most sold roadster in the world, ever. Its just just a fun, affordable, lightweight sports car. And its less than half the price of a Z4

    Reply
    1. @richfixescars Avatar
      @richfixescars

      Z4 is half the price of the Morgan with the same engine.

      Reply
    2. @andypalin3287 Avatar
      @andypalin3287

      More importantly it has a stick and a third pedal! 🤪

      Reply
  11. @jcborden100 Avatar
    @jcborden100

    I love my Z4 M40i. I find the best road setup is as Pete did, use Sport Individual with comfort suspension, leave sport suspension for European roads or the track. Also these (at least in auto like mine) are fantastic value used, 35K (ish) for a two year old low mileage approved used makes them a bargain.

    Reply
    1. @strangerdanger8462 Avatar
      @strangerdanger8462

      I just leave it on Comfort all the time. I don’t want the loud exhaust note of Sport mode, and I’m a just an evening/ early weekend morning sunset/ sunrise cruiser. Love the car.

      Reply
  12. @grahamatsea3575 Avatar
    @grahamatsea3575

    Well I’ve got the bottom of the range 20i . It’s a great touring convertible. I don’t think you can compare this Z4 to a Boxster really , this is more of a GT car. Compared to my previous Golf GTI this Z4 handles as well, the adaptive dampers are a game changer on the B roads and single track roads for 4 miles up to this house , it’s also quiter than the GTI with the hood up. It’s just a weekend , nice weather toy. Did a 1000mile tour in Scotland in March, blue sky’s everyday, naff all traffic , hood down everyday and even early in the morning at 5 degree’s C the cars heating and heated steering wheel and lack of wind buffeting kept us plenty warm enough. Would I buy an M40i instead of my little 4 pot engine , well probably but then the sailing yacht would have to go, so no way . 😂

    Reply
  13. @grahamgfraser Avatar
    @grahamgfraser

    I am lucky enough to have a matt green over tan manual Z4 for last 12 months. Totally agree that it needs an exhaust and maybe a stage 1 chip, but stock far from slow.
    My view is that all cars are compromises of cost versus GT / sports car / exclusivity etc etc. Personally i needed a car that can be a comfortable GT, raise the heart beat in the twisties and fit a 6ft 2″ person for long journeys plus is a left field choice. So for me, I have loved my time with the car and production stopping soon so if you are on the fence suggest this will be a future classic. Yes Boxter is a better out and out sports car, but Z4 valid choice if you have a slightly different set of needs / wants. Lets us just enjoy these cars while they are around! great video!

    Reply
  14. @twowheelsachilles Avatar
    @twowheelsachilles

    Great video buddy, can’t believe you’ve not driven any Z4 before 😮 Roof down, B58 and a manual box 👌

    Reply
  15. @Thinkforyourself1234 Avatar
    @Thinkforyourself1234

    I saw 4 of these driving together in mid Scotland during the summer . They were all on Belgium plates
    The drivers seemed to be older retired blokes … with big smiles on their faces . Scottish B roads on a summer evening are where this type of car comes alive
    Me ? I was driving a van

    Reply
  16. @kmac5849 Avatar
    @kmac5849

    I forget about these and then see one and think.. I really like that and don’t think it has a bad angle.

    Reply
  17. @richfixescars Avatar
    @richfixescars

    I’ve got the 2.0 litre in purple with ivory interior. More like £35k. The adaptive dampers are a game changer, comfortable when you want to cruise, sporty when you want to push on.

    Reply
  18. @RichardChilds-f2l Avatar
    @RichardChilds-f2l

    We have Z4 6m in San Remo Green with cognac interior and ‘24 Cayman S 6m in the garage and find them different and equally delightful! Both gear boxes are superb .

    Reply
  19. @laszlototh7237 Avatar
    @laszlototh7237

    Great review Pete. A comment regarding the pedal offset: this is typical for RHD cars, because they have to “squeeze in” the footrest somewhere. In LHD cars, the footrest is basically on the wheel arch. Feel a bit sorry for UK drivers 🙂

    Reply
  20. @attcars7612 Avatar
    @attcars7612

    I think you’ve sold me on the MK5 Supra: I don’t share your keenness on soft tops and I think the Toyota branded version of this Austrian car looks fantastic.

    Reply

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