...Purists will still have the option of shifting their own gears with the standard six-speed, but the efficiency advantages belong to the new eight-speed automatic. Getting to 60 mph takes 5.6 seconds in the automatic, or 5.1 in the manual. Both times represent an improvement over the 30i version, by 0.1 and 0.4 seconds, respectively. Admittedly the manual gearbox is the more emotional choice, and it even incorporates automatic start-stop functionality, but the automatic actually suits the Z4Άs easy-going personality better. Even hardcore purists have to admire its quick shifting and perfect rev-matching in sport mode...![]()