Ever floored a convertible with the top down, wind whipping through your hair, and thought, “This is what freedom feels like”? That’s the BMW Z4 M40i for you—a car that’s basically a middle finger to boring commutes.
So, when I heard BMW extended the Z4’s production to May 2026, I nearly spilled my coffee. This isn’t just a car; it’s a rare beast with a manual gearbox, 382 horsepower, and a ticking clock.
With no successor planned, the Z4’s final run is your last shot to snag a modern classic that could save you thousands in the long run-or at least make you feel like a million bucks.
As a Jalopnik scribbler with a decade of tire-kicking under my belt, I’m stoked to share seven ways to maximize value with this roadster before it rides off into the sunset.
Seize the Manual Transmission Opportunity
Let’s start with the clutch pedal, shall we? The Z4 M40i is one of the last BMWs offering a manual transmission, a feature rarer than a unicorn at a truck stop. Most automakers have ditched manuals for automatics, but the Z4’s six-speed stick is a love letter to purists.
Rowing your own gears in a 382-hp roadster isn’t just fun-it’s a hedge against depreciation. Collectors are already eyeing manuals like hawks, and with production ending in 2026, these cars could fetch a premium down the road. Think of it like buying a vinyl record in the age of streaming-niche, but oh-so-valuable.
I once took a manual Z4 for a spin on a twisty backroad, and let me tell you, shifting gears while the engine growled felt like conducting a symphony. The clutch is smooth, the throws are short, and the car begs you to push it.
If you’re worried about learning stick, don’t be. Spend a weekend in an empty parking lot, and you’ll be heel-toeing like a pro. Snagging a manual Z4 now means you’re not just driving-you’re preserving a dying art that could save you thousands when resale values spike.
Capitalize on Limited Availability for Resale Value
With the Z4’s production capped at May 2026, this car’s scarcity is your secret weapon. BMW’s decision to end the Z Series without a replacement has enthusiasts in a tizzy, and for good reason.
The late surge in demand for the Z4 M40i-especially in the U.S.-means prices might climb as supply dwindles. Right now, a new Z4 M40i starts around $66,000, but with no successor, clean examples could easily hit $80,000 or more in a few years, especially manuals.
Compare that to a used Corvette, which floods the market and loses value faster than my attention span at a car show.
My buddy Dave bought a limited-run BMW M2 a few years back, thinking it was a splurge. Fast forward, and he sold it for 20% more than he paid. The Z4’s on a similar trajectory.
To maximize value, buy early-dealers are still moving 2025 models, and waiting until 2026 could mean higher prices or slim pickings. Check BMW’s configurator to lock in your spec before the rush. Timing is everything, folks-get in before the collectors do.
Prioritize the M40i Trim for Performance Value
Not all Z4s are created equal, and the M40i is the one to bet on. Its 3.0-liter turbo inline-six pumps out 382 hp, rockets from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, and handles like it’s glued to the road.
Compare that to the base sDrive30i, which has a less thrilling 255 hp and feels like a rental car with ambition.
The M40i’s $66,000 price tag is steep, but it’s a bargain compared to a Porsche 718 Boxster GTS, which costs $90,000 and doesn’t offer a manual. Plus, the M40i’s adaptive suspension and beefy brakes make it a track-day hero without breaking the bank.
When I test-drove an M40i, I swear the car whispered, “Floor me.” I obliged, and the torque hit like a caffeine rush.
To save cash, skip frivolous options like premium paint ($1,500) and go for must-haves like the Driving Assistance Package for $700-it adds lane-keeping and blind-spot tech that’s worth every penny.
You’re getting near-supercar performance for the price of a loaded SUV. That’s value, my friends.
Mitigate Long-Term Ownership Costs
Owning a BMW isn’t cheap, but you can outsmart the repair shop. With production ending in 2026, some worry about parts availability down the line.
The good news? The Z4 shares its platform with the Toyota Supra, which Toyota plans to keep producing, so many components will stay in circulation.
Still, budget for maintenance-think $1,200 a year for routine stuff like oil changes and brake pads. Extend your warranty to cover the convertible top, which can cost $5,000 to replace if it fails.
I learned this the hard way with my old 3 Series. The dealer quoted me $800 for a sensor I later fixed for $200 at an indie shop. For the Z4, stick to BMW’s certified service for big jobs, but learn basic upkeep like cleaning the soft-top to avoid mold.
Check forums like Bimmerpost, where owners share DIY tips that save hundreds. A little prep now keeps your wallet happy later.
Enhance Safety for Confident Ownership
Safety’s a big deal, especially in a convertible where you’re basically sunbathing at 80 mph. The G29 Z4 has a solid safety record, with a reinforced chassis and standard airbags that keep you snug.
Older models had issues like airbag misfires, but the current generation’s been clean. Still, add the $700 Driving Assistance Package for adaptive cruise and collision warnings-it’s like having a co-pilot who doesn’t backseat drive. The Z4’s low center of gravity also reduces rollover risk to nearly zero, per crash tests.
I once saw a Z4 dodge a rogue deer on a mountain road, thanks to its sharp steering. That’s the kind of agility that keeps you safe.
Before buying, check for recalls on your VIN-BMW’s fixed most issues, but better safe than sorry. A safe car means fewer headaches and more top-down joyrides.
Elevate the Roadster Experience with Customization
The Z4’s your canvas, so paint it bold. BMW offers colors like San Francisco Red ($650) and wheels that scream “look at me.” A custom build can boost resale value-buyers love unique specs.
I’d go for black leather with blue stitching for that James Bond vibe. Aftermarket mods like a louder exhaust ($1,500) or lightweight wheels ($2,000) add flair, but don’t overdo it-resale suffers if you go full Fast and Furious.
I saw a Z4 at a car meet with a custom wrap that turned heads like a supermodel. The owner spent $3,000 but said it was worth every cent for the stares. Stick to reversible mods to keep value high. Your Z4 should feel like your Z4, not a dealer’s floor model.
Join the Z4 Community for Support and Value
Car people are your people, and the Z4 crowd’s tight-knit. Forums like Bimmerpost and Reddit’s r/BMW are goldmines for tips on everything from oil changes to track days.
Owners swap stories about fixing convertible tops or scoring deals on parts, saving you hundreds. Plus, car shows and roadster rallies are a blast-nothing beats cruising with 20 other Z4s, tops down, music blaring.
I joined a BMW meetup once and left with a new friend who tipped me off to a $500 discount on tires. These communities aren’t just fun-they’re a financial lifeline. Get involved, and your Z4 becomes more than a car; it’s a lifestyle that holds its value.
The BMW Z4’s extended run to 2026 is your chance to own a roadster that’s equal parts thrill and investment. From its manual gearbox to its resale potential, this car’s a unicorn in a world of SUVs.
Buy smart, customize wisely, and join the community to stretch your dollars further. As I always say, life’s too short for boring cars-so grab a Z4, drop the top, and make every drive an adventure. Who’s with me?