In 2024, whereas most of its rivals have lengthy deserted handbook gearboxes in favor of superior automated transmissions, BMW insists on conserving the handbook transmission alive. The German automaker continues to supply a number of fashions geared up with a six-speed handbook gearbox, catering to driving lovers who worth the participating expertise of shifting gears themselves. The newest one? The 2025 BMW Z4 Handschalter. On this article, we’ll check out all of the BMW fashions you should purchase in the present day with a six-speed handbook transmission, with a deal with the European and American market. Right here’s a better have a look at the BMW fashions that also include three pedals:
1. BMW M2
The brand new G87 BMW M2, similar to its predecessor F87 M2, is offered with a six-speed handbook transmission. The M2 stays a favourite amongst purists, with greater than half of the M2 G87 fashions offered in the USA final yr that includes a clutch pedal. Whereas there’s no G87 M2 Competitors deliberate, an M2 CS will arrive in 2025. However sadly, it’s going to solely get an eight-speed automated gearbox. For the way lengthy will BMW nonetheless provide the six-speed handbook within the G87 M2? We predict BMW will section it out someday in 2026, though the precise timing stays unsure.
2. BMW M3 Sedan
The bottom model of the BMW M3 Sedan (G80) additionally comes with a six-speed handbook transmission. This mannequin presents the traditional BMW driving expertise, combining a high-revving 3.0-liter inline-six engine with the tactile pleasure of handbook gear adjustments. Roughly 15-20% of M3s globally are geared up with this transmission, in response to BMW representatives. The gearbox is basically the identical one used within the G87 M2.
3. BMW M4 Coupe
Much like the M3 Sedan, the bottom model of the BMW M4 Coupe (G82) features a six-speed handbook transmission possibility paired with a detuned S58 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. This setup generates 473 horsepower at 6,250 RPM and 406 lb-ft of torque from 2,650 to six,130 RPM. The 2024 BMW M3 with a six-speed handbook transmission accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 4.1 seconds. Compared, the BMW M3 Competitors, which options an eight-speed automated transmission, achieves the identical pace in round 3.8 seconds.
4. BMW Z4 M40i
For lovers, we mourn the lack of the engagement and pleasure that comes from the handbook transmission. On this altering world, the Bavarians gave us a farewell present: The 2025 Z4 BMW Handschalter. For the primary time, the BMW Z4 M40i is offered with a six-speed handbook transmission. However it’s not the identical gearbox as within the M2, M3 or M4. BMW says the revised six-speed transmission was engineered particularly for this new Z4. It begins with the shift linkage which is completely different than the Toyota Supra’s. It additionally has a shorter gear lever and a very completely different shifting conduct than all the 6-speed manuals provided in the present day in different BMW merchandise.
5. BMW Z4 sDrive20i
One other mannequin within the Z4 lineup, the Z4 sDrive20i, additionally presents a six-speed handbook transmission. However there’s a caveat: it isn’t offered in the USA. In Germany, this variant supplies a extra accessible entry level to the Z4 vary whereas nonetheless delivering the participating driving expertise that comes with a handbook gearbox. The mixture of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed handbook transmission makes the Z4 sDrive20i a compelling alternative for these looking for an pleasant and interactive driving expertise.
6. BMW 218i Gran Coupe
The BMW 218i Gran Coupe, an entry-level mannequin, can also be accessible with a six-speed handbook transmission in Germany. However the present F44 BMW 2 Collection Gran Coupe is on its approach out. The F74 substitute shall be unveiled later this yr and similar to with the brand new 1 Collection F70, it’d drop the six-speed handbook.
7. BMW 218d Gran Coupe
Equally, the BMW 218d Gran Coupe additionally comes with a six-speed handbook transmission. It incorporates a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 150 horsepower and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. Each the 218i and 218d Gran Coupe aren’t offered in America.
The way forward for BMW’s handbook transmissions stays unsure. In response to sources, the manufacturing of the M3 G80 is slated to finish in February 2027, whereas the M4 G82 might proceed till June 2028. The M2 G87 is perhaps produced till July 2029. So far as the long run, the one confirmed inside combustion engine (ICE) substitute coming is the G84 BMW M3, however it’s unclear whether or not this mannequin will embody a six-speed handbook possibility.
