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BMW 6 Series Convertible Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 4
First production year: 2004
Engines: Diesel, Gasoline
Body style: Convertible (spider/spyder, cabrio/cabriolet, drop/open/soft top)
BMW 6 Series Convertible LCI (F12) photo gallery

BMW unveiled a life-cycle impulse on the 6 Series in 2015, four years after the F13 introduction on the market, and that affected both the coupe and the convertibles.

The 6 Series nameplate was revived by BMW in 2003, after a 14 years hiatus, and it was an instant hit. Despite its controversial design, the car sold well, and eight years later, it resulted in a less-contested version, the F13 lineup. But even if this GT design suited it, it had to go through some changes. Moreover, the car had to be adapted to the new Euro 6c emission standards.

One of the most important changes was at the front, where the car received new LED fog lamps to accompany the full LED headlights. In addition, the bumper sported a new design with a wide center grille in the lower apron, flanked by two air intakes needed to cool the brakes. On the sides, the sculptured door panels and rear quarter panels formed a unitary, flowing shape, while at the back, the redesigned bumper featured corner-mounted reflecting stripes. The canvas roof was removable at a touch of a button and could disappear behind the cabin.

But a GT couldn't be upgraded without additional touches on the interior, where the drop-top 6 Series received new piano-black trims on the center console, around the climate controls. The carmaker offered the convertible fitted with either comfort or sport bucket seats. Also, there was room in the back for two passengers, separated by the tall transmission tunnel.

A 313 hp turbo-diesel was specially built for European customers, while the U.S. buyers got only the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter or the twin-turbocharged V-8. All versions were available with rear or all-wheel-drive and featured a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox.

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BMW 6 Series Convertible (F12) photo gallery

After successfully introducing the third generation of the 6 Series in 2011, the German automaker launched the expected open-top version for it in 2012.

Imagined as a personal luxury vehicle or a grand tourer, the 6 Series deserved a convertible version to compete against its main rivals from the premium segment. And the wait wasn't long since both cars were developed in parallel.

Featuring the same "shark nose" as its coupe sibling, the 6 Series convertible showed an aggressive front fascia. Its swept-back headlights and the chromed "kidney grille" were part of the carmaker's signature design. In addition, the lower bumper sported a broad lower air intake in the apron and a pair of LED daytime running lights. From its profile, the thick A-pillars that supported the windshield were angled so that the air could go over the front occupants' heads at speeds above 60 kph (38 mph). In addition, all four side windows could've been rolled down. At the back, the third brake light was incorporated into the trunk's lid.

The cabin boasted luxurious materials with leather and high-quality plastic. The dashboard, covered in a soft material, mostly reflected the heat rather than absorbing it. Like most BMWs, the front seats were bolstered so the occupants wouldn't slide during high-speed cornering. The rear seats lacked the necessary legroom for long travels since the bench was pushed forward to make room for the retractable roof. The automaker offered as an option a windscreen that could've been installed behind the front seats.

Under the hood, BMW offered the 2012 6 Series Convertible with a choice of gasoline or turbo-diesel engines ranging from 308 hp (313 PS) and 443 hp (450 PS). For selected versions, the automaker offered an all-wheel drive system.

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BMW 6 Series Convertible (E64) photo gallery

BMW introduced a facelifted version for the second generation of the 6 Series in 2007, even though there were little things to do with this grand tourer vehicle.

When the German carmaker introduced the second generation of the 6 Series in 2004 after a 14 years hiatus, BMW's fans were more than happy. The coupe was launched in 2003, and the open-top version appeared at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show the following year. Its design was controversial, and everybody expected a significant change in the facelifted version that came in 2007. And yet, they were minimal.

The facelifted version came with slightly different headlights and a new bumper that featured thicker angled slats on its air dam. But the back of the car raised the most eyebrows with its downward lines and the small, corner-mounted taillights. Adding the third brake light into the trunk's lid was not enough to improve things. Not even the redesigned bumper fitted with broader reflecting materials could. But still, the open-top version benefited from four power windows and a generous power roof that could've been retracted under a lid between the rear bench and the trunk.

One of the most important upgrades on the interior was the gear selector, which was not a slider anymore and followed a sequential pattern. In addition, the gear stick looked more like a golf club than a standard shifter. Furthermore, the i-Drive infotainment unit received an upgrade, and later on, in 2009, it got an even better system.

Under the hood, the carmaker introduced a turbo-diesel powerplant, especially for the European market. Its high torque and excellent fuel efficiency made some purists forget it was an oil burner. The base model, a 3.0 gasoline-fueled engine, gained more power, and a 4.4-liter V8 powerplant was added to the list.

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BMW 6 Series Convertible (E64) photo gallery

The second generation of the 6 Series had received the much wanted convertible version. The original, 1977 model, didn't have that and most of the potential buyers just asked "why". But in 2004, they quit complaining.

The E64 6 Series convertible was the first of its kind in the BMW lineup. A soft-top Granturismo vehicle that could roll nice and quiet despite its big engine, or fast and loud with the throttle planted. Its design was a mix of likes and dislikes, mostly due to the design of the headlights. The front bumper featured a shark-like lower grille split in three and the small kidney grille on the upper part. On the side, the long beltline was nice looking, starting from the front wheel arches but suddenly dropped from the middle of the rear fenders.

Inside, tons of features made the driver happy, from the i-Drive to the head-up display offered as an option. The big, comfortable seats up front were electrically adjustable in all the possible ways. It had two seats in the back, but with limited legroom. But if nobody was seated there, a wind-stopper could have been placed over the rear seats. It was a very effective device, especially if the side windows were up.

Under the hood, there were three engine choices: an inline 6 and two V8. All were available with manual or automatic transmission, but only RWD.

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