[Toon902]

I took delivery of a 2023 G29 M40i in 2022 because my Dream Car, Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 was on allocation. Shortly after taking delivery of the Z4, my Porsche dealer called me with an allocation for a 2024 Porsche Cayman GTS 4.0 Manual Transmission, so I ordered it and traded in the G29, getting almost full value with 7K kms on the odometer.

Now I’ve had a summer with the Cayman, and there’s lots to love, but I find myself missing several things about the BMW. I especially miss driving a convertible, but I also miss things like the HUD.

Now that the G29 M40i is available in a manual, I’m feeling conflicted.

I’m also intrigued with the 440i Convertible. Heavier, not a roadster but it still looks like it would scratch many of my itches, albeit with only 2 pedals.

So for the convertible itch, how would you decide between the 2025 Z4 M40i w/Manual Transmission or 440i Convertible?

[StanDiego]

Originally Posted by Toon902

I took delivery of a 2023 G29 M40i in 2022 because my Dream Car, Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 was on allocation. Shortly after taking delivery of the Z4, my Porsche dealer called me with an allocation for a 2024 Porsche Cayman GTS 4.0 Manual Transmission, so I ordered it and traded in the G29, getting almost full value with 7K kms on the odometer.

Now I’ve had a summer with the Cayman, and there’s lots to love, but I find myself missing several things about the BMW. I especially miss driving a convertible, but I also miss things like the HUD.

Now that the G29 M40i is available in a manual, I’m feeling conflicted.

I’m also intrigued with the 440i Convertible. Heavier, not a roadster but it still looks like it would scratch many of my itches, albeit with only 2 pedals.

So for the convertible itch, how would you decide between the 2025 Z4 M40i w/Manual Transmission or 440i Convertible?

The M40i will feel more intimate, a more closed cockpit feel, easier to heat/cool with less wind buffeting at speed (with top down), and it'll definitely feel more nimble but 440i will definitely be no slouch in any category and the xDrive will give you better traction control.

If I planned to drive mostly with the top closed, I might lean toward the 440i but I'm a top down person so the 4 series wouldn't be a consideration for me. I don't recall looking at the trunk of a 440i but suspect the trunk may actually be smaller with the top down because the top is stored in the trunk whereas the M40i is not. I suspect the top goes up and down faster with the M40i as well.

[Argo]

Looks, size/weight, rear seats.

Also xdrive vs rwd and manual availability.

[Westside Guy]

IMHO, The Z4 has a far prettier grill and sexier lines. unless you need the rear seats of the 440i this is a simple answer.

Get the MT Z4.

[RigaTony1982]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

IMHO, The Z4 has a far prettier grill and sexier lines. unless you need the rear seats of the 440i this is a simple answer.

Get the MT Z4.

The rear seats are useless anyway, unless the people sitting in the front are under 5’5”

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by RigaTony1982

The rear seats are useless anyway, unless the people sitting in the front are under 5’5”

Actually if I were in the driver’s seat which I push all the way back and someone is sitting next to me up front the rear seat is only good for one short person on the passenger side.

[Argo]

Originally Posted by RigaTony1982

The rear seats are useless anyway, unless the people sitting in the front are under 5’5”

You can put a pair of dogs back there, which for some people might be a factor.

[Westside Guy]

Another thing to consider with the 440i convertible is the side view. Several owners have removed their rear headrests to clean up the look of their cars.

https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...&postcount=197

[Balr14]

I have owned several convertibles with rear seats. I am short, so there is usually reasonable leg room behind me. That was fine when the grand kids were small. but as they got bigger, the fun of riding in the back seat of a convertible dies pretty fast. There is just way too much wind buffeting. They would sooner ride in an SUV and play with their phones, now. So, unless you need the back seat for storage space, a dog or an occasional passenger, I'd get the Z4. It's more fun to drive and feels much more nimble.

[Living Dead]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

Another thing to consider with the 440i convertible is the side view. Several owners have removed their rear headrests to clean up the look of their cars.

https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...&postcount=197

Prior to this Z4 I had an M240i convertible, the rear headrests were very annoying so I removed them, I also removed them on my wife's 2020 A5 convertible, with the top up and the headrests in the rear visibility was practically non existent. In both instances the top down profile of the cars were greatly improved.

[IcewaterPete]

F33 440i owner here. I'm a cold weather dweller so I grabbed the final year of the retractable hard top, but opted out of xdrive as I prefer rear drive having grown up driving rear wheel drive cars in the winter in the mountains...and I'm still alive! Also ride a bike without a helmet, but I digress.

I only have the 440 because I have two younger kids at home that need a lift from time to time and the back seat comes in handy. It's quick and fun. However, since it's an auto it just doesn't scratch the engagement itch. I too have removed the rear headrests to clean up the look and increase visibility.

In the summer I also have my M2C 6 speed available. Here's the thing to consider. Even if it's 75 and perfect convertible weather I'm grabbing the keys for the M2 just so I can row the gears. It's also why I'm here on the G29 pages because i'm about 99% ready to trade in the 440 to get a manual Z4.

If you don't need the rear seats I think there is only one correct answer!

...almost forgot...G29 face and overall shape is very good looking. Total classic roadster to the core and will always look great. That G platform 440i is a face only a mother may like...may...but not likely.

Good luck with your decision!!

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by IcewaterPete

...almost forgot...G29 face and overall shape is very good looking. Total classic roadster to the core and will always look great. That G platform 440i is a face only a mother may like...may...but not likely.

IMHO, 440i's grill is a total turnoff.
The only way it looks half decent is on a darker color with the Shadowline treatment and even then it is only so-so. What was BMW thinking when they designed it.

The G29 is super sexy from front to back like a roadster should be!

[IcewaterPete]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

The G29 is super sexy from front to back like a roadster should be!

And with such great styling it will age very well which reduces the urge to sell it off for something else down the road. With so few produced it retains that head turning status.

[SpeedyATL]

I actually think the better purchase decision is between the Z4 M40 and an M4 convertible. At least that's the one I battle with regularly.

Love my Z, but the M is enticing. More weight but more POWER. Nowhere near as pretty, but did I mention the additional power?

A used M4 CV and a new Z4 are not that far apart in price either. I think the Z4 is more fun to drive, but the grip and performance of the M4 is worth considering.

[hinckley]

Not to take this too far OT, but I’m reading thru this forum because I’m a lifelong MT guy who is currently driving a G83 AT M4. What say you all about going from an AT M4 to a MT Z4??

[Cliffj335]

Originally Posted by SpeedyATL

I actually think the better purchase decision is between the Z4 M40 and an M4 convertible. At least that's the one I battle with regularly.

Love my Z, but the M is enticing. More weight but more POWER. Nowhere near as pretty, but did I mention the additional power?

A used M4 CV and a new Z4 are not that far apart in price either. I think the Z4 is more fun to drive, but the grip and performance of the M4 is worth considering.

My dilemma exactly. Love my Z4 40i, but a CPO M4 convertible is tempting because I have three grandkids that would like to ride. Cant do the front of the 440i C, but somehow the M4 C works better.

[StanDiego]

Originally Posted by Cliffj335

My dilemma exactly. Love my Z4 40i, but a CPO M4 convertible is tempting because I have three grandkids that would like to ride. Cant do the front of the 440i C, but somehow the M4 C works better.

I understand your predicament but, FWIW, I've heard the ride in the M4 can be brutal, just a data point to consider.

[Rob_G77]

No brainer for me, Z4 all the way. Driving a convertible coupe is just not for me. I had an M850i and it just wasn't the same experience. The rear seats are completely useless and get covered over with the bulky wind deflector anyhow.

Rob

[hinckley]

Originally Posted by StanDiego

I understand your predicament but, FWIW, I've heard the ride in the M4 can be brutal, just a data point to consider.

Personal preference thing, I think. I drive with my M4's suspension in Sport or Sport Plus. Comfort is available for those who think those are too harsh.

[BMWGirlFL]

Originally Posted by hinckley

Not to take this too far OT, but I’m reading thru this forum because I’m a lifelong MT guy who is currently driving a G83 AT M4. What say you all about going from an AT M4 to a MT Z4??

Suggest testing AT Z4. 97.2" wheelbase. You may find agility, etc. worth any tradeoff(s). Very FUN car.

[jliuod]

I guess the grass always appears greener on the other side. I recently sold my 19' Miata RF for a 21' M440i. That was my 6th Miata and the only reason I sold that car was because it was getting more difficult for me to get in and out of the vehicle.

I finally gave in and got the M440i convertible hoping that I would get use to the auto tranny. Well, 4 months into owing the M440i I have to say I have mixed feelings on this car. I went in knowing the M440i is a heavier car so the handling will never be the same as my Miata. But getting in an out of the M440i definitely is much easier. I like the power and the more "comfortable" ride with the M440i. But I sure missed the nimble handling and the manual transmission of my Miata.

Now that the Z4 is coming out with a manual tranny definitely has caught my attention. I had a 2007 Z4Si before. It was a nice car but to me it wasn't much different than any of my Miata. But with the B58 engine in the new Z4 that changes everything. At the end of the day I guess I will have to test drive the new Z4 manual to see. Decisions, decisions!

[StanDiego]

Originally Posted by jliuod

Now that the Z4 is coming out with a manual tranny definitely has caught my attention. I had a 2007 Z4Si before. It was a nice car but to me it wasn't much different than any of my Miata. But with the B58 engine in the new Z4 that changes everything. At the end of the day I guess I will have to test drive the new Z4 manual to see. Decisions, decisions!

Good luck finding a Z4 manual to test drive any time soon.