In 2024, whereas most of its rivals have lengthy deserted guide gearboxes in favor of superior automated transmissions, BMW insists on maintaining the guide transmission alive. The German automaker continues to supply a number of fashions geared up with a six-speed guide gearbox, catering to driving lovers who worth the partaking expertise of shifting gears themselves. The most recent one? The 2025 BMW Z4 Handschalter. On this article, we are going to check out all of the BMW fashions you should purchase right this moment with a six-speed guide transmission, with a concentrate on the European and American market. Right here’s a more in-depth take 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 guide transmission. The M2 stays a favourite amongst purists, with greater than half of the M2 G87 fashions bought in the USA final 12 months that includes a clutch pedal. Whereas there’s no G87 M2 Competitors deliberate, an M2 CS will arrive in 2025. However sadly, it should solely get an eight-speed automated gearbox. For a way lengthy will BMW nonetheless provide the six-speed guide 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 guide transmission. This mannequin provides the traditional BMW driving expertise, combining a high-revving 3.0-liter inline-six engine with the tactile pleasure of guide gear adjustments. Roughly 15-20% of M3s globally are geared up with this transmission, in line with BMW representatives. The gearbox is actually 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 guide transmission choice 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 guide 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 guide 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 guide transmission. Nevertheless 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 totally completely different shifting habits than all the 6-speed manuals supplied right this moment in different BMW merchandise.
5. BMW Z4 sDrive20i
One other mannequin within the Z4 lineup, the Z4 sDrive20i, additionally provides a six-speed guide transmission. However there’s a caveat: it isn’t bought in the USA. In Germany, this variant supplies a extra accessible entry level to the Z4 vary whereas nonetheless delivering the partaking driving expertise that comes with a guide gearbox. The mix of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed guide transmission makes the Z4 sDrive20i a compelling selection for these in search of an fulfilling and interactive driving expertise.
6. BMW 218i Gran Coupe
The BMW 218i Gran Coupe, an entry-level mannequin, can be out there with a six-speed guide transmission in Germany. However the present F44 BMW 2 Sequence Gran Coupe is on its manner out. The F74 alternative might be unveiled later this 12 months and similar to with the brand new 1 Sequence F70, it would drop the six-speed guide.
7. BMW 218d Gran Coupe
Equally, the BMW 218d Gran Coupe additionally comes with a six-speed guide transmission. It contains 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 should not bought in America.
The way forward for BMW’s guide transmissions stays unsure. In line with 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 may be produced till July 2029. So far as the longer term, the one confirmed inside combustion engine (ICE) alternative coming is the G84 BMW M3, however it’s unclear whether or not this mannequin will embody a six-speed guide choice.
