BMW Z4 trim comparison
2024 BMW Z4 sDrive30i vs M40i
The Z4 sDrive30i starts at $53,600 while the M40i is $66,300. That $12,700 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 2.0L I4 Turbo to 3.0L I6 Turbo. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
If you would notice the 3.0L I6 Turbo every week, the M40i makes sense. If not, the sDrive30i is the cleaner stop because this jump matters for the powertrain first and the trim badge second.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $224/month more over 60 months, or roughly $13,440 extra all-in once interest is included. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
The sDrive30i and M40i are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $12,700 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $2,117 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 7 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | sDrive30i | M40i |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $53,600 | $66,300 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L I4 Turbo | 3.0L I6 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 382 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 25 | 23 |
| Highway MPG | 33 | 31 |
| Combined MPG | 28 | 26 |
| Fuel Tank | 13.7 gal | 13.7 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,050/yr | $2,250/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,287 lbs | 3,543 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 97.2" | 97.2" |
| Length | 170.7" | 170.7" |
| Width | 73.4" | 73.4" |
| Height | 51.4" | 51.3" |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion | 12yr/unlimited | 12yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/unlimited | 4yr/unlimited |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 BMW Z4 sDrive30i vs M40i Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the BMW Z4 lineup, the BMW brand hub, the Sports Cars, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 Z4 M40i cost than the sDrive30i?
The M40i starts at $66,300 compared to $53,600 for the sDrive30i. That is a $12,700 difference, or approximately $224/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 BMW Z4 sDrive30i and M40i have the same engine?
No. The sDrive30i uses a 2.0L I4 Turbo (255 hp, 295 lb-ft), while the M40i has the 3.0L I6 Turbo (382 hp, 369 lb-ft). That is 127 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Do the 2024 Z4 sDrive30i and M40i have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with RWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
What warranty does the 2024 BMW Z4 come with?
All 2024 BMW Z4 trims, including both the sDrive30i and M40i, come with BMW's standard warranty: 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2024 BMW Z4 M40i worth $12,700 more than the sDrive30i?
The $12,700 buys the 3.0L I6 Turbo. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the sDrive30i does the same job for less.
Which 2024 BMW Z4 trim gets better fuel economy, the sDrive30i or the M40i?
The sDrive30i is the more efficient of the two at 28 combined MPG, versus 26 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Is the Z4 M40i Worth $12,700 More?
Spending $12,700 more on the Z4 M40i buys the 3.0L I6 Turbo engine (+127 hp). These are the kind of differences you notice every time you drive.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
Engine is where these two diverge most: 2.0L I4 Turbo in the sDrive30i, 3.0L I6 Turbo in the M40i. That means 127 more horsepower and 74 more lb-ft of torque. A significant jump that changes the driving experience. In return, expect about 2 fewer combined MPG.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Z4 sDrive30i gets 2 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $115 per year or $575 over five years of ownership.
Bottom Line
The Z4 M40i costs $12,700 more than the sDrive30i (about $224/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 6 meaningful changes at $2,117 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
BMW Z4 sDrive30i
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the sDrive30i best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
BMW Z4 M40i
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the M40i when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
As an Amazon Associate, TrimAtlas earns from qualifying purchases.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with BMW or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.