Thursday 6th February 2025

BMW Z4 Handschalter gets new colour options

If green over tan was a bit too old school, more customisation is now possible - including purple...

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While offering the manual Z4 in just the one colour scheme appeared a slightly strange move from BMW, the choice of Frozen Deep Green with Cognac upholstery was at least a good one. A classic colour combo played very well to a traditional kind of roadster, and suited the six-speed Z4 just nicely. But it seemed that BMW agreed that its ‘any colour you want as long as it’s dark green’ approach was an odd decision, and has launched new colours and trims for the Handschalter. 

Thundernight Purple is the big news, seen here on an automatic car but now offered on the configurator when you select manual for an M40i. Which is pretty cool. Especially as it’s a no-cost option, rarely seen these days for the really nice colours. But then when charging £64k for a Z4, perhaps they should be included. The extended colour palette now includes Alpine White, Portimao Blue, Black Sapphire, San Francisco Red, Sanremo Green, Frozen Grey and Skyscraper Grey. So some useful additions there, ones that are likely to broaden the appeal just a bit. 

Particularly with new trim options available also. Those that don’t want the Cognac can opt for Ivory White, Magma Red, or black instead. Just to confirm your hunches, Thundernight with Ivory White leather looks spot on. A very different vibe to the green over tan, still with the same appeal of a manual in the middle. 

Otherwise the Handschalter is unchanged, with the 340hp 3.0-litre B58 straight six turbo providing power. But that’s no issue at all, because the manual is by far the most convincing, compelling G29 Z4 yet. Hopefully these new colours mean an extended shelf life as well - long live the manuals! 

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• BMW Z4 Handschalter | PH Favourite Cars 2024
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[BFleming]

Wow, BMW UK does listen! I'm more shocked than that purple!

[teeCup]

Wonderful news! These always look awkward in photos but the one Handschalter I’ve seen in the flesh (green on tan) looked sensational.

I’d probably still opt for the original colour combo but more choice is a good thing, as are further manual performance BMWs.

[WPA]

Woe that purple is stunning

[zorba_the_greek]

both great colours

[soxboy]

BFleming said:

Wow, BMW UK does listen! I'm more shocked than that purple!

Introducing a wider colour palette just removes one of the excuses for people who bemoan the lack of ‘proper PH drivers cars’ not to buy a new one.

[theicemario]

Shame that Shadowline and those ghastly bicolour wheels are forced on you if you go for the manual.

Nice choice of paint colours, free of charge as well.

This is how I'd spec mine (auto)

[Desiboy]

Thundernight over Cognac would like the business- like a modern take on Techno Violet over Tan that I used to see on e36 M3's.

[teeCup]

theicemario said:

Shame that Shadowline and those ghastly bicolour wheels are forced on you if you go for the manual.

Nice choice of paint colours, free of charge as well.

This is how I'd spec mine (auto)

The wheels don’t work with the purple, but I think they look much better against the green or silver. That said, the blue brake callipers look far more offensive against the purple bodywork than the wheels do!

Did you notice if a proper differential was an option whilst in the configurator, or is it only the “M Sport Differential” available?

[Earthdweller]

Finally BMW U.K. steps in line with the rest of the world and offers choice of colours

Really bizarre decision to only offer one colour/trim combo

Agree about thundernight, a friend has a Z4 M40i in it and it really pops in the sun

[kambites]

That purple is lovely. I wonder if anyone will actually spec it.

[TheMilkyBarKid]

kambites said:

That purple is lovely. I wonder if anyone will actually spec it.

The landlord of my local has one (albeit the standard auto M40) in that very colour, so there’s at least one! Looks lovely in the metal.

[cerb4.5lee]

This is great news, Thundernight Purple for me please.

[The Pistonsdead]

That Green definitely looks the business

[Earthdweller]

TheMilkyBarKid said:

kambites said:

That purple is lovely. I wonder if anyone will actually spec it.

The landlord of my local has one (albeit the standard auto M40) in that very colour, so there’s at least one! Looks lovely in the metal.

This is my mate's seen very dusty and dirty in the Douro valley in Portugal last summer

[BikeSausage]

That’s better, that green looked suspiciously close to Matt black to my eyes.

Purple with silver wheels please. And the black bit could always be sorted? Black wheels in this case would be a travesty.

[rix]

theicemario said:

Shame that Shadowline and those ghastly bicolour wheels are forced on you if you go for the manual.

Nice choice of paint colours, free of charge as well.

This is how I'd spec mine (auto)

I have exactly this spec coming to me next month! Likewise I don't like the shadow line pack either. Not sure if I'm disappointed that I missed the opportunity for a manual thundernight, although an auto is so much better suited to my needs!

In fact, if anyone wants 'my' original car, which I cancelled and reordered to get a 25 plated car, then this is a doppelganger of what's coming my way...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024120670...

And in the metal (I had to pay it a visit in anticipation!)

Edited by rix on Thursday 6th February 18:01

[HocusPocus]

If I bought a loud and proud Handschalter, I would name it the purple helmet

[Justin-ow582]

It's a pity that the configurator makes every single colour look awful.

[CG2020UK]

Really love the design of these.

2 great colours added.

[anonymous-user]

I love these. I would need silver wheels but that's easily sorted. I think this would be my ideal final ICE car to buy and keep forever.