Fascinating design, thrilling technical features, athletic top-of-the-range performance – precisely these are the ingredients offering four passengers unlimited driving pleasure with only the sky above: Introducing the new 6 Series Convertible, BMW has created a dream car in both its looks and technical highlights.
Thanks to its new side fin roof, the 6 Series Convertible, like the 6 Series Coupй, stands out through its sheer presence and elegant lines – the fins offer the same visual effect as wide C-pillars, with a coupй-like, exclusive look. And with the roof down, the Convertible clearly reveals its unique character, skillfully combining the athletic attributes of the sporting Coupй with styling elements of a luxurious 2+2-seater Convertible. At very first sight, therefore, the new Convertible offers a glimpse of the exceptional driving agility so typical of the BMW 6 Series.
A car for the demanding customer.
Driving with the roof down, the purchaser of a convertible wishes to express his – or her – personal lifestyle. Precisely for this reason, BMW has created this unique, authentic variant of the 6 Series for the true aficionado of open-air motoring. So that each and every customer is able to choose his own exclusive car rendering his personal dreams in motoring.
In both cases the supreme innovative power and exemplary quality standard offered by BMW guaranatee that the Convertible and the Coupй come with optimum driving pleasure, supreme motoring comfort, outstanding safety and everyday driving qualities all in one.
V8 power unit for dynamic open-air driving pleasure at all times.
The Convertible is entering the market in the guise of the top-of-the-range 4.4-litre 8-cylinder BMW 645Ci. Maximum output is 245 kW/333 bhp, maximum torque 450 Newton-metres/332 lb-ft. Infinite adjustment of virtually all relevant parameters such as valve timing (bi-VANOS), valve lift (VALVETRONIC) and the length of the intake manifolds enables the engine to adjust perfectly to all demands and requirements.
The big advantages for the customer are supreme power and performance, fuel consumption of only 12.8 litres premium plus/100 kilometres or 18.2 mpg US on the manual gearbox model and only 11.5 litres (20.3 mpg US) on the automatic transmission version certainly economical for an 8-cylinder engine of this calibre, as well as superior environmental compatibility (EU4/LEV). So this is definitely an outstanding engine in an outstanding car, with qualities confirmed not least by the International Engine of the Year 2002 Award.
Ideally combined with one of three six-speed transmissions available on the new model – among them BMW's well-known SMG Sequential Manual Gearbox carried over from Formula 1 and controlled by buttons on the steering wheel – the 645Ci Convertible offers a standard of driving performance only very few sports cars are able to match: Acceleration from 0-100 km/h comes in 6.1 seconds (manual gearbox version; automatic transmission model in 6.2 seconds) and top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h or 155 mph.
Lightweight construction and drive assistance systems for dynamic performance of the highest standard.
Driving the 6 Series Convertible is a genuine pleasure in every respect – particularly thanks to the extra-stiff body which, benefitting from the special carrier structure, reduces vibrations to a level otherwise only matched by an excellent two-seater roadster and quite unique in the 2+2 convertible segment.
At the same time consistent lightweight engineering limits the weight of the 645Ci Convertible to just 1815 kilos or 4002 lbs (manual gearbox model; automatic transmission version 1820 kg or 4013 lb), allowing axle load distribution of almost 50:50 again so typical of BMW.
Together with rear-wheel drive ideal on a car with this kind of weight distribution and keeping the steering free of any adverse influence from the drivetrain, the all-aluminium chassis and suspension has everything required for driving characteristics far above the usual standard even in this class, serving in particular to ensure extremely precise response and behaviour.
Among the wide range of BMW chassis and suspension control systems improving the very good regular suspension of the 6 Series Convertible to an even higher standard, particular emphasis should be given to DSC Dynamic Stability Control with its wide range of features and "intelligent" Dynamic Drive available as an option. Dynamic drive compensates body sway in bends almost completely and, by carefully distributing sway motion front to rear, reduces the steering angles required on the road. This, in turn, keeps the Convertible very stable and calm under all driving conditions, allowing the driver to choose a particularly agile, direct and sporting style of motoring.
Active Steering for even better handling.
BMW's innovative Active Steering serves to additionally boost your safe and comfortable driving pleasure already "standard" on the 6 Series thanks to BMW Servotronic. Now, benefitting from Active Steering available as an option, the driver is able to control his 6 Series Convertible even more directly at low speeds and, as a result, with a far higher standard of agility and precision, while the steering becomes less direct at higher speeds for even better and smoother directional stability.
Active Steering also features yaw rate control and is networked directly with the DSC system. It is thus able to intervene at an early point in time via the steering angle on the front wheels, stabilising the car and allowing small corrections, which in turn reduces intervention of DSC Dynamic Stability Control in the lower response range. In a nutshell, therefore, Active Steering and DSC form an ideal team.
Adaptive Headlights for even greater safety on the road.
Optional Adaptive Headlights are another breakthrough innovation from BMW. These headlights significantly improve the very good illumination already provided by the bi-xenon lights on the new 6 Series Convertible, the swivelling headlight units illuminating the road ahead and the surroundings up to 90 per cent better than before.
To provide this superior function, the control unit for the high and low beams receives the latest information from the car's on-board network on the steering angle, yaw rate, and road speed, swivelling the bi-xenon headlight modules in both directions as required while on the road by means of an electric motor. The result is a significant improvement of safety when driving on winding roads at night.
Roof with perfect noise and heat insulation.
The newly developed roof clearly underlines the practical qualities of BMW's new Convertible: The noise- and heat-insulating layer made of PUR plastic between the rubberised outer layer and the inner lining dampens exterior noise just as effectively as it braves the wind and weather. The result is a very low noise level within the 6 Series Convertible, allowing relaxed conversation within the car even at high speeds.
The vertical rear window between the fins on the roof is made of glass and is electrically heated. As a further feature, the rear window can be retracted completely into the luggage compartment bulkhead by means of an electric motor with the roof both open and closed. This creates a draught-free ventilation effect similar to that offered by a sliding roof in a saloon.
It almost goes without saying that all side windows can also be retracted fully into the body of the car.
Opening with full power operation, the softtop disappears completely within a matter of seconds beneath the firm cover on the roof compartment. And once the roof has been closed, the variable roof compartment folds up conveniently with just one turn of your hand, providing even more space within the luggage compartment.
The all-electric process in opening the roof starts with automatic release of the front roof bracket on the upper windscreen frame, comfort opening enabling the driver to open or close the roof completely from his cockpit simply by pressing a button or turning the key on the door. Indeed, this you can even do when setting off or in stop-and-go traffic up to a speed of 30 km/h or 20 mph, all windows closing in the process and the softtop locking and unlocking.
The wind deflector, finally, turns the Convertible into a two-seater almost free of draughts. And whenever you need all four seats, the deflector folds up conveniently into the luggage compartment.
Driving comfort for up to four adults.
As a fully-fledged 2+2 convertible, the 645Ci Convertible offers all passengers supreme seating comfort, luxurious features, and an ambience full of style and elegance. Electrical adjustment of the driver's and front passenger's seats featured as standard, with a triple memory function on the driver's seat, adds the final touch of convenience to the seats finished in sophisticated Dakota leather and with an ergonomic body contour.
Sports seats available as an option and also adjustable electrically come with even firmer upholstery and offer even better body support particularly under dynamic driving conditions. A further feature in this case is the adjustable thigh supports.
Judging by the usual benchmark in a convertible, the rear-seat passengers also enjoy the very best in style and luxury: Although the roof is low and aerodynamic like on the Coupй, even adults will enjoy ample headroom at the rear. The two extra-deep, separate leather seats and the contoured backrests offer passengers good side support.
Both rear seats are convenient to reach thanks to Easy Access on the driver's and front passenger's seat. A big advantage in this context is that the seat belts are integrated in the front seats themselves, meaning that the passengers need not fear tripping up when getting on to the rear seats or when getting out again.
Last but certainly not least, luggage compartment capacity of 300 litres with the roof open and 350 litres with the roof closed enhances the practical benefits of the new Convertible. This is sufficient space for one large and one small hard-shell suitcase or, respectively, two 46-inch golf bags plus a medium-sized hard-shell suitcase. And thanks to optional through-loading as well as the ski-bag, the driver and passengers are able to take along two pairs of skis or a snowboard without limiting space available inside the passenger compartment.
Dynamic harmony within the interior.
Inside, the Convertible bears a clear resemblance with the 6 Series Coupй, again following the philosophy of "dynamic harmony". The term "dynamic" relates in this case to the tension and motion of surfaces and lines, "harmony" standing for the way in which these surfaces and lines interact and relate to one another. As a result, the interior corresponds perfectly with the attractive exterior design of the 6 Series Convertible.
Perfectly finished materials such as high-quality leather, wood or metal, as well as careful choice of matched and contrasting colours in discreet style, create a luxurious ambience without neglecting the need for superior function. Accordingly, all functions significant to the driver are located ergonomically on or around the steering wheel. And nearly all functions relevant to both the driver and front passenger alike are to be found in the area of the centre console.
The central control element in this area is the Controller allowing the driver (and front passenger) to mastermind nearly all comfort functions in the 6 Series Convertible via the Control Display.
Head-Up Display presenting the most important features to the driver.
BMW's highly innovative Head-Up Display available as an option projects important information while driving directly into the driver's line of vision. This includes the current road speed, navigation instructions, speed limits and feedback from the Check/Control. The virtual image provided by the Head-Up Display is presented in front of the driver seemingly on the road ahead, allowing even more relaxed and thus safer motoring, since the driver is no longer required to take his eyes off the road.
Innovative voice entry system.
Like the Head-Up Display, the innovative voice entry system enhances BMW's iDrive control philosophy in the interest of even greater motoring comfort and safety. This system is available in conjunction with the Professional navigation system and the Car Communication Computer (CCC).
The key feature of voice entry is the option to select all essential iDrive comfort functions by voice entry while driving, without taking one's eyes off the road even for a split-second. This allows the driver to activate nearly all display functions through his voice alone.
Since the system operates independently of the individual speaker or voice, there is no need to train your voice in a time-consuming process of trial and error.
An intelligent text-to-speech function serves in addition to read out e-mails, SMS messages, the names of radio stations, as well as lists of other selected items.
Entering defined short commands, the driver is also able to activate an extended range of iDrive functions, and last but not least the Control Center enables the user to access BMW Online services providing selected internet-based options.
Audio system in HiFi quality.
A HiFi system with 8 loudspeakers fitted as standard offers optimum audio quality for the driver and passengers enjoying the new BMW Convertible. And the optional TOP HiFi system with a total of 11 loudspeakers, finally, turns the new BMW Convertible into a genuine open-air concert arena. In this case the central loudspeaker integrated in the instrument panel, subwoofers in the rear side panels, as well as the five-channel LOGIC7 equaliser concept ensure a particularly authentic all-round sound effect in studio quality, regardless of the audio format the driver may prefer.
Supreme passive safety also when driving with the roof down.
It goes without saying that the BMW 6 Series Convertible meets the toughest safety standards, one important feature being the automatic rollbars fitted as standard and activated whenever required, regardless of whether the roof is open or closed. The new Convertible also comes with the most advanced restraint systems such as inertia-reel belts with belt latch tensioners integrated in the seat backrests, intelligently controlled head and side airbags, as well as knee airbags for the driver and front passengers (USA).
Interacting with the ultra-stiff body and, in particular, the specially reinforced A-pillars, these safety features in the 6 Series Convertible offer excellent crash safety of the same supreme standard as in the 6 Series Coupй.
1.2 The Fin-Structure Roof: Fascinating Looks and Outstanding Benefits.
Introducing the new 6 Series Softtop Convertible, BMW is offering the aficionado of open-air motoring the classic type of roof many customers regard as natural and, indeed, absolutely essential on a convertible, just like circular dial instruments in a sports car. BMW thus offers all the benefits of a soft roof versus a collapsible metal roof in terms of design, package dimensions, and weight. At the same time innovative ideas serve to minimise the inherent disadvantages of a softtop, particularly in terms of soundproofing and thermal insulation.
Design: fin look with the roof open and closed.
Featuring fin softtop technology for the first time in automobile production, the new Convertible comes with the same dynamic contours as the 6 Series Coupй. And to provide the same characteristic, smooth line from the roof to the rear end of the car, the C-pillars are appropriately wide, creating this special concept of "fins". A further, by all means desirable side-effect of this design concept is that this is the first convertible in the world with that typical "Hofmeister kick", the design element in the rear side window so characteristic of BMW.
Further attention to detail is borne out in this context by the shaft strip on the rear side window split into two pieces to precisely continue the colour of the roof at the end of the "Hofmeister kick" into part of the shaft trim.
Repeating the design and look of the fins in the form of plastic trim on the roof compartment, the new 6 Series Convertible retains its characteristic look even with the roof open. To match the colour of the interior, this cover comes in either Basalt grey or Black. Through its colour and shape as well as its flair full of quality and sophisticated style, it perfectly rounds off the flowing lines of the interior with its harmonious and dynamic design.
Roof dimensions: folding into a compact package for an extra-large luggage compartment.
The roof structure made of steel bars proves the superior strength and solidity of the 6 Series Convertible. The most significant advantage of this steel structure, however, is its compact dimensions: Although the roof has to cover a relatively long passenger compartment from the windscreen to the rear window, it folds up into a very compact package providing extra space for a luggage compartment very large for a convertible. A collapsible metal roof, by contrast, takes up much more space when folded.
This benefit is also attributable to the plastic trim on the roof cover serving not only to ensure good looks, but also superior functions: Surrounded by PUR foam plastic, the LFI (long-fibre injection) moulded element is hollow inside and therefore forms the upper edge on the roof compartment.
Vertical rear window between the fins.
A conventional window at the rear would have taken up a great deal of space and capacity, since such a glass window integrated in the softtop would have been very large due to the shallow rake of the roof, with a corresponding reduction of luggage compartment capacity when driving with the roof down. And at the same time visibility to the rear would have been significantly impaired, since the tightening bracket on a conventional roof extending from one side to the other would have seriously obstructed the open line of vision available.
Now the fin structure makes such a tightening bracket superfluous. And instead of a huge flat window at the rear, the 6 Series Convertible comes with a vertical window hardly taking up any space in the luggage compartment while at the same time, despite its far more compact dimensions, offering the driver much better visibility to the rear. Yet a further advantage is that this vertical rear window is fully independent of the roof structure and bars, and may be moved up and down by itself, regardless of whether the roof is open or closed.
Unique air extraction ensuring a perfect climate inside the car.
With the softtop closed the glass window between the roof fins allows a very special comfort function unique the world over: The rear window moves up and down electrically between the luggage compartment and the rear bulkhead, retracting fully into the body for effective, draught-free ventilation of the interior. The effect is at least as good as with a sliding roof on a fixed head coupй, and when it comes to driving noise this structure is even quieter and more efficient.
Contrary to common opinion, driving with the roof down on a very hot day is not necessarily advisable, since sunglare is simply excessive and the car's occupants may easily suffer sunburn or even a heat stroke. Lowering the side and rear windows, however, the driver and occupants enjoying the new 6 Series Convertible can still take in all the fresh air they want – almost like driving with the roof down, but at the same time well protected from the sun.
When driving with the roof down and with passengers at the rear, a further option is to leave the rear window standing upright to protect at least somewhat shorter rear-seat passengers from draughts and air swirls. And another advantage of this very special rear window is that in winter the heated window de-ices much more quickly, since ice or snow are hardly able to rest and cling tight to the window due to its vertical position.
Low weight of the softtop benefits the car's driving dynamics.
Last but certainly not least, another advantage of the softtop roof is its lower weight compared with a collapsible roof structure – especially on a car as dynamic as the BMW 6 Series. An important point to be considered in this context is that extra weight not only impairs road performance in general, but also has a very negative effect in this case, with the roof, when opened, being stowed directly above the rear axle. With a soft roof, however, this extra load is so small that the 6 Series Convertible retains its ideal 50:50 load distribution typical of a BMW almost in full. The bottom line, of course, is that the 6 Series Convertible is an extremely dynamic car regardless of whether the roof is open or closed.
Ultra-modern technology for superior comfort.
To give the softtop the same high standard as a collapsible roof cabrio as well as a fixed-head coupй also in terms of acoustics and thermal insulation, the rubberised upper roof layer absolutely wind- and water-tight is backed up by PUR foam inside. This innovative polyurethane foam insulation is much more effective than a conventional layer of fleece, reducing wind noise by up to 3 dB (A).
The fully automatic power roof opens both by remote control and by means of a button in the instrument console, a total of six hydraulic cylinders performing the actual opening and closing movement on both the roof and the roof compartment lid. With the roof open, the roof compartment lid made of special SMC plastic protects the softtop within the compartment with maximum efficiency, keeping out water and dirt.
The complete process of opening or closing the roof takes less than 25 seconds. Within this short period the rear window and all side windows are also retracted or moved up as required, and the softtop is fastened electrically on to the windscreen frame and, respectively, the roof lid.
Opening and closing the roof even while driving.
Many a customer often wishes to use a short stop at the traffic lights to open or close the roof. And should the short time available in such a case ever be insufficient, the driver of the 6 Series Convertible need not worry, since he is able to start off all the same, continuing the process of opening or closing the roof up to a road speed of 30 km/h or 20 mph. Then, should the driver exceed this speed limit, he will be informed by a warning signal that the process of opening or closing the roof has not yet been concluded.
The 6 Series Convertible comes with a specially developed wind deflector as special equipment when driving with up to two occupants with the roof down. Designed and optimised in the wind tunnel, this special equipment offers the driver and front passenger utmost comfort in terms of draught-free motoring and open-air driving pleasure. Fitted above the rear seats, the wind deflector is obviously conceived for use by the driver alone or with only one passenger at the front. Then, collapsing at two points, the deflector goes into a special bag taking up only very little space inside the luggage compartment.
The wind deflector itself is made of a fine-mesh net within a powder-coated aluminium profile frame fastened on to the body of the car by means of glass-fibre-reinforced plastic cornerpieces and hinges.
When driving with the roof down and with four passengers in the car, the vertical rear window offers the passengers at the rear a certain degree of protection from wind and draughts, although admittedly this cannot be compared with the superior protection provided by a full-size wind deflector.
1.3 Design: Dream Looks of a Dream Car.
Many enthusiasts will agree that a dream car simply cannot have a – fixed – roof. Instead, a real "dream-mobile" comes with nothing but the sky above, naturally enhanced by athletic power from the engine and supremacy on the road in every situation.
More than any other type of body design, therefore, the convertible offers all the ideals of freedom, joy of life, and thrilling technical features. This applies particularly to the new BMW 6 Series Convertible blending all the virtues and the heritage of other open-air two- and four-seater BMWs with the attributes of BMW's highly advanced luxury performance models in the market today: dynamic performance, superior comfort, aesthetic design, and sheer exclusivity.
An individual car for the individual customer.
Like driving in the open air, driving a coupй is the expression of an individual – but very different – lifestyle. And precisely with this in mind, BMW has created a very different and convincing version of the new 6 Series full of character for the aficionado of both coupй and convertible motoring. Indeed, any other alternative would have been a – poor – compromise: a convertible with a collapsing roof, a coupй for driving in the open air.
A closer look at such a compromise clearly reveals its drawbacks: A collapsing hard roof takes up a lot of space in the luggage compartment and adds extra weight detracting from the car's dynamic driving pleasure.
Precisely this is why BMW has opted in favour of a more sophisticated solution for the 6 Series Convertible, even though the concept chosen was more expensive in development and is more demanding in production. The result, however, is that every customers receives "his" exclusive car reflecting all his automotive dreams. At the same time the high standard of BMW innovation and exemplary quality so typical of the brand ensure that both the Coupй and the Convertible give the customer unrestricted driving pleasure, supreme comfort, beautiful design, maximum safety, and all-round everyday driving qualities.
Exterior design: emotional from every angle.
It's a simple fact of life that you choose a convertible with your heart – and often your first impression remains forever. The 6 Series Convertible, reflecting this philosophy, is full of presence, striking appeal and interesting highlights from every angle. The curved surfaces are a clear symbol of power and arouse emotions. The strong character lines flow softly along the car, without a strict beginning and a fixed end. Harmoniously, they join the front, side and rear to form an entity reminiscent of a living sculpture.
Like only a few other convertibles, the 6 Series Convertible is a perfect blend of all shapes and dimensions. The car's design language is consistent, taking up and reflecting the principles of sculptural design re-interpreted in a very special, unique manner. With the roof open or closed, the design of the 6 Series Convertible reflects the look of a timeless, three-dimensional sculpture which, regardless of light, location and line of vision, powerfully attracts the attention and emotion of the beholder.
From the front: sharp eagle eyes with a truly fascinating look.
The dual headlights with strongly curved contours at the bottom give the very low and wide Convertible (width 1855 millimetres/73.0", height 1373 millimetres/54.1") a very powerful look full of presence from the front. Indeed, this look may certainly be compared with the eyes of an eagle in a double sense of the word, the Convertible's bi-xenon headlights featured as standard truly being very "sharp" thanks to Adaptive Headlight technology available as an option.
Parking light rings on the high and low beams present the clear message that this car is a luxury performance BMW, the headlights themselves almost being reminiscent of pupils. The direction indicators extending across the headlights like a narrow horizontal strip merge down almost like an "eyeliner" to the muscular, curved wheel arches, enhancing the impression of a powerful automotive "face".
Two flowing lines serve to stretch out the look of the body, extending to the rear from the extra-wide double kidney grille and, respectively, from the headlights themselves. The upper line swings back along a dynamic curve as a wide "V" from the double kidney down the long engine compartment lid and into the almost delicate A-pillars. Moving down almost dramatically at the sides, this line clearly contours the powerdome on the engine compartment lid to create a particularly muscular impression. The lower line, in turn, starts from the inner "eye corners" of the headlights and first runs parallel to the upper line along the engine compartment lid, then continuing along the sides as the shoulder line.
Reaching the rear of the car, this distinctive line once again takes on its V-shape, ending in a gentle slope around the diffuser lip. The visual impression is a beautiful blend of the front lid and side panels, giving the Convertible a very powerful and determined look from the front.
The athletic qualities of the 645Ci Convertible are symbolised by the front spoiler with its wide air intake between the foglamps at the left and right. And the sporting qualities of the car are borne out last but not least by a drag coefficient of 0.31 – a truly unique figure in the 2+2-seater convertible market.
From the side: unique and beautiful all in one.
Closely related with the 6 Series Coupй, the new Convertible is a truly unique car to behold at very first sight. Measuring 4820 millimetres or 189.8" in length, the silhouette flows from front to rear in beautiful organic lines initially rising up steeply at the front and then extending smoothly and gently along the engine compartment lid in a slightly upward curve followed by the dynamically designed A-pillar moved slightly back to the rear.
Benefitting from the wide "C-pillar" formed by the fin roof, the Convertible is both sporting and elegant to behold with the softtop closed. Extending as a transparent opening from front to rear, the fully retractable side windows without any frame sections or visible edges create a feeling of lightness almost hovering in the air. And at the same time this design feature gives the 6 Series Convertible a unique touch beyond comparison.
The side-line flows gently from the roof to the rear section, ending in a short and "sluggy" spoiler integrated in the rear lid. This design feature accentuates the sculptural form of the rear end and enhances the special look of the tail lights extending far round into the side of the car and merging at the top into the V-shaped shoulder line extending down in a gentle curve.
The convex character line stretches out beneath the door handle from the muscular curvature of the front all the way to the rear wheel arch, harmoniously defining the side view of the car as two horizontal surfaces creating the impression of a very low side panel and giving the Convertible an even "lighter" and more dynamic appearance. Light falling on to the body above and below this line creates that perfect interaction of light and shade so characteristic of BMW's new design philosophy. And marking the beginning of this line, the side trim complete with its integrated direction indicator in the side intakes reminds the aficionado of classic BMW sports cars such as the BMW 3.0 CSi Coupй or the legendary BMW 507 Roadster.
Symbols of power: 18-inch wheels and 245 tyres featured as standard.
The character line and the striking, curved side-sills beneath the door and in the short overhangs "stretch" the Convertible in its looks and attract the eyes of the beholder to the 18-inch cast aluminium rims in radial-spoke design running on 245/45 R 18 runflat tyres. Both 18- and 19-inch wheels with different-sized tyres (245 at the front, 275 at the rear) are available as an option, including particularly extravagant 19-inch forged aluminium wheels.
From behind: unmistakable with a unique vertical rear window.
With the softtop closed, the rear window fitted in vertical arrangement between the roof fins gives the entire rear end of the new BMW Convertible a truly unique, unmistakable look. Retracting electrically between the luggage compartment and the rear bulkhead, the rear window ensures perfect air extraction from the interior without the slightest draught – a feature otherwise only matched by a sliding roof. When driving in the open air with four passengers in the car, in turn, you can leave the rear window in its upright position, protecting the rear passengers – provided they are not too tall – from draughts and air swirl. And with the roof and rear window fully retracted, the rear view of the car proudly highlights the headrests at the rear as well as the generous and luxurious ambience of the interior.
Fin look also on the roof compartment lid.
The sculptured, beautifully contoured rear end of the new 6 Series highlights an aerodynamic "lip" integrated in the rear lid, reducing both rear lift and air resistance and thus serving to enhance driving stability and at the same time reduce fuel consumption.
Beneath the rear lid, the driver and his passengers will enjoy a luggage compartment unusually large for a convertible, offering capacity of 300 litres with the roof open and even 350 litres with the roof closed. This extra space is made possible by special plastic trim in fin look on the roof compartment and the variable configuration of the compartment itself housing the softtop when lowered. Then, once you close the roof, the roof compartment folds up within a matter of seconds to provide extra space for luggage and other items.
The two-piece rear lights are an outstanding example of attractive design and functional technology. Rising up above the bumper, the upper section of the rear lights is integrated in the side panels, ensuring good visibility of the car also from the side in the dark. And with the front direction indicators extending into the side panels as a kind of "eyeliner" above the headlights, the rear direction indicators form a clear border beneath the rear lights. Like at the front, finally, the direction indicators when active emit a yellow light, but otherwise come in a white look when switched off.
The rear lights are formed by six LED-fed light conductor rods, integrating the particular design and style of the parking light rings now so characteristic of BMW in the headlights at the front. The lower section of the tail lights forms a delicate light window in the bumper comprising the rear fog warning light, reversing lights, and the reflecting beams.
Together with the upper light element and the high-rise brake light integrated in the airflow lip, this light window ensures very sophisticated and striking light geometry giving the 6 Series Convertible a very high recall factor. Another special feature also helps to make the 6 Series Convertible absolutely unmistakable whenever the driver applies the brakes, LEDs in the high-rise brake light forming a banner of indiviudal light dots and thus taking up the optical impression of the LEDs in the brake lights themselves.
Form and function to the last detail: lights with dynamic airflow contours.
Aerodynamic airflow contours integrated in the rear lights again serve to improve the car's aerodynamic coefficient, minimising both lift forces at the rear as well as yaw momentum in the interest of even better fuel economy and driving stability. In particular, however, the lights ensure an even higher standard of safety by helping to avoid accidents from behind: The extra-bright, fast-response, maintenance- and wear-free LEDs in the brake lights exceed the usual standard by far. At the same time these brake lights feature the Brake Force Display, an adaptive brake light system for even greater safety on the road: Whenever the driver applies the brakes hard or even all-out, the BFD enlarges the brake light area, clearly showing motorists following from behind that the driver of the 6 Series Convertible is braking hard. And this, obviously, minimises the risk of bumper-to-bumper accidents from behind.
Last but certainly not least, a particularly striking touch is added by the flat, oval tailpipes at the end of the twin-chamber exhaust system made of stainless high-standard steel and positioned dominantly to the left and right of the diffuser lip.
Uncovered at the top, covered at the bottom: floor cover for optimum aerodynamics.
The extra-large and smooth underfloor of the 645Ci Convertible makes a significant contribution to the car's drag coefficient of just 0.31 quite exceptional for an open-air model. And the innovative "superlite" material used on the floor cover reduces weight by approximately 35 per cent versus the conventional materials otherwise used for this purpose.
The underfloor cover as such and its specific design and contours ensure a smooth flow of air beneath the car in the interest of minimum drag and lift. The airflow "lips" upstream of the front and rear wheels, in turn, as well as the front spoiler lip, improve the direct flow of air to the wheels, the customer benefitting from this sophisticated aerodynamic design through an even better drag coefficient in the interest of enhanced fuel economy, an even lower noise level, and the effect of dirt and continamation reduced to a minimum.
The interior: dynamic harmony.
The exterior and interior of the BMW 6 Series Convertible blend perfectly to form one complete whole offering a unique feeling of unlimited freedom with the wind rushing by. Here the actual experience is the process of getting to your destination, not necessarily your destination as such.
The innovative design of the interior creates a unique touch of "Dynamic Harmony". "Dynamic", in this case, relates to the interaction, tension and flow of surfaces and lines. "Harmony" stands for the way in which these surfaces and lines support and accentuate each other, the interior and exterior of the 6 Series Coupй thus interacting with unique perfection.
Precisely this is why the design of the interior intelligently takes up specific design features of the exterior, contributing significantly to that unique feeling of Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of BMW. The cowl trim starting beneath the windscreen extends into the doors on both sides in a dynamic curve, from there merging into and around the armrests. Sitting right in the middle of this flowing ambience, the driver and front passenger immediately enjoy a feeling of strength, comfort and sophistication.
An equally tense and exciting line in the centre console generates a dynamic feeling of forward motion. Starting in the instrument panel, this line extends back diagonally along the centre console, around the armrest and into the rear seats. And finally the organic impression of the interior is rounded off by the fin trim on the roof compartment harmoniously taking up and reflecting the design and colours of the interior.
Top-quality materials and harmonious colours.
Creating the interior of a convertible is a genuine challenge for the designer in two respects. First, the driver and his passengers wish to feel pampered, comfortable and genuinely cocooned both with the roof closed and open. The challenge, therefore, is to achieve perfect harmony of aesthetic looks and functional excellence. Dark colours in the interior should not look drab or dreary with the roof closed, while in bright sunshine a light interior might appear cold and rejecting. And it goes without saying that the choice of materials must always live up to the very different light conditions in a convertible, on the one hand offering the desired contours, on the other hand avoiding any undue or excessive reflection.
BMW's interior "architects" responsible for the 6 Series Convertible have met this challenge through the creation of a genuine masterpiece: Perfectly finished materials of the highest quality, for example the very best leather and wood, harmonise ideally with a sensitive combination of discreet, matching colours, creating a truly sporting and elegant ambience in the process.
Apart from the seats, the armrests, door closing handles, door inserts and side panels as well as the covers and lids on the centre console are all finished in leather. Elaborate interior trim coming as standard in Pearl Gloss Ruthenium galvanic finish and as an option in Light or Dark Birch give the Convertible outstanding style and class in every respect. At the same time the wide range of features and colours gives the customer highly individual choice in creating an interior ranging from discreet understatement all the way to extravagant luxury.
Leather seats featured as standard in the 6 Series Convertible.
From the ground up, the standard seats come in top-quality Dakota leather easily braving even the worst wind and weather and at the same time offering the highest standard of luxury. These leather seats are available in Black, Cream Beige, and Chateau, in each case with precisely sewn seams adding the final touch of refinement.
Optional, exclusive High Performance leather upholstery features Pearl leather together with interesting trim highlights, in this case with the centre console, sun visors and front seat backrests at the rear also finished in leather to give the interior an even higher standard of formal harmony. The colours available in this case are Black, Cream Beige, and Reed.
Interior in typical BMW design with a double binnacle.
Again reflecting BMW's interior design philosophy, the Convertible features a double binnacle instrumentation system within the cockpit. The first binnacle accommodates the instrument cluster made up of the speedometer and rev counter in classic two-eye design. Presented in fine-scale chronometer look, both of these instruments come in matte-chrome ornamental surrounds. The fuel tank, oil temperature and other displays are also housed here. The second binnacle right in the middle above the centre console accommodates the Control Display presenting information with the same clarity to both the driver and front passenger.
Driver-oriented cockpit.
All functions crucial specifically to the driver are positioned ergonomically on or around the steering wheel. Nearly all functions relevant to both the driver and front passenger, in turn, are grouped together consistently on and around the centre console. Clearly, this keeps the interior very tidy and uncluttered, with only a few visible switches and controls.
This superior layout and configuration is ensured above all by the Controller serving as the central control unit operated via the Control Display to activate and mastermind nearly all comfort functions in the BMW 6 Series. And with the Controller being fitted in the extension of the armrest height-adjustable to two levels, the user's arm always rests conveniently on top in the interest of extra comfort and control ease.
1.4 The Drivetrain: Supreme Power and Perfect Refinement.
Supreme performance, well-balanced economy, and exemplary environmental compatibility – these are the fortes of the new 6 Series Convertible. And boasting BMW's 4.4-litre 8-cylinder within the engine bay of the top-of-the-range 645Ci Convertible, the new model has all the power and refinement of a truly outstanding driving machine. Indeed, this milestone in engine technology only recently received the International Engine of the Year 2002 Award, the "Oscar" in engine technology, as it is often called – a prize, quite simply, that lauds BMW for developing and building the best 8-cylinder in its class.
The top performance of a thoroughbred sports car.
This praise by experts is confirmed by convincing facts and figures: Maximum output of 245 kW/333 bhp at 6100 rpm, maximum torque of 450 Nm/332 lb-ft at a moderate 3700 rpm.
Clearly, this kind of power means dynamic performance on the road, the 645Ci Convertible accelerating dynamically to a top speed limited electronically to 250 km/h or 155 mph. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes just 6.1 seconds in the manual gearbox model (versus 6.2 seonds with automatic transmission), and in fourth gear the manual gearbox version covers the sprint from 80 –120 km/h (50 – 75 mph) in 5.5 seconds – clear proof of the engine's irresistible muscle and clear confirmation of that extra power and safety so important when overtaking another vehicle. Perhaps the most important point, however, is that the V8 offers an almost sensual driving experience, making it an outstanding pleasure to savour the pure agility and dynamism developed so spontaneously even when pressing down the gas pedal ever so gently.
Leadership in engine technology for efficient dynamics.
This supreme performance and the equally outstanding refinement of the engine are attributable first and foremost to infinite control and adjustment of virtually all engine paramerers such as valve timing (bi-VANOS), valve lift (VALVETRONIC), and the length of the intake manifold.
A further feature is the currently most advanced and sophisticated engine management masterminding not only the engine functions as such, but also the Dynamic Drive Control (DDC) for even more sporting and dynamic drive characteristics at the touch of a button. Monitoring the car's on-board power management, DDC switches off power-consuming items currently not required in order to provide sufficient energy to other units and power consumers taking priority at any given point in time.
Finally, DDC also controls the innovative air flow and supply system behind the BMW kidney grille ensuring exactly the right flow of air for cooling the engine and ancillary systems by opening the air vents as required.
Otherwise, when not needed, the air vents remain closed in the interest of superior aerodynamics and to warm up the engine more quickly to its normal operating temperature.
The V8 power unit is a genuine trendsetter also in terms of emission control: Complying with the currently strictest EU4 emission standard in Europe, the BMW 645Ci Convertible already fulfills the requirements today not coming into force within the European Union until 2005 – which in Germany and Sweden qualifies the lucky owner of this car for a reduced rate of road tax. In the USA, in turn, the 645Ci Convertible is rated as an LEV (Low Emission Vehicle), again with all the usual advantages.
This superiority is ensured by the two-chamber exhaust system featuring catalytic converters close to the engine itself, completely welded and made of stainless steel in the interest of a long service life. Exemplary fuel economy and environmental compatibility thus prove that the BMW V8 is exactly the right engine for the driver's emotions and common sense all in one.
A deep, throaty rumble as a clear sign of 8-cylinder supremacy.
The exhaust system with its two striking, flat-oval tailpipes appeals to the passion and common sense of the enthusiast also in its second function by giving the new 6 Series that unique sound of a sophisticated V8: Hardly audible when idling, the engine quickly builds up that "beefy" rumble of an 8-cylinder so typical of a large-capacity sports car power unit when revving up, without appearing pretentious or obtrusive at any time. On the contrary – both the occupants and passers-by will perceive the engine as a deep and throaty chortle – as a perfect reflection of superior power and an appropriate acoustic message highlighting the sporting and dynamic ambitions of the new BMW Convertible.
Six gears for the right ratio at all times.
The 645Ci Convertible comes as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. And despite its low weight of just 53 kg or 117 lb, the gearbox is designed for maximum torque of 600 Nm or 442 lb-ft and a speed limit of 6500 rpm, making it one of the most high-powered manual gearboxes for a passenger car.
Top speed comes in both fifth and sixth gear, in the latter case with an even lower interior noise level thanks to the reduction in engine speed. Gearbox noise, finally, is additionally reduced by the high-rise gear flanks running with a large side angle and with optimum overlap.
With sixth gear serving primarily to ensure smooth and fuel-efficient motoring at high speeds, the gear increments in the lower gears give the 645Ci extremely powerful acceleration at all times and at all speeds, enabling the driver to capitalise on engine power much more efficiently than with a five-speed gearbox.
Offering a crisp, smooth and light gearshift again typical of BMW, the manual gearbox is even more comfortable and precise than before. This is furthermore the first gearbox connecting the gearshift via the central shaft with a gearshift gate within the gearbox housing itself, gear travel transmission featuring swinging arms in order to reduce gearshift forces on the central gearshift shaft.
SMG technology: shifting gears like in Formula 1.
Available as an option, the six-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox offers the sporting and ambitious driver a remarkable choice: He can shift gears either like in Formula 1 by means of paddles on the steering wheel or by briefly "flicking" the centre gearshift lever in the desired direction.
In each case the gearbox control unit is informed by an electric cable (shift by wire) of the gear selected, the control unit reducing engine power and torque for split-seconds during gear transition, disengaging the clutch, shifting the gear as such, engaging the clutch again, and finally building up engine power. The clutch pedal, therefore, becomes a thing of the past and the driver is not even required to take his foot off the accelerator when changing gears.
As the name indicates, the Sequential Manual Gearbox shifts gears in sequence, avoiding any risk of shifting to the wrong gear in the process. Briefly pushing the shift lever or the paddles several times in a row, the driver is nevertheless able to "skip" a gear whenever he wishes.
A further important advantage of SMG is that the driver is able to leave his hands on the steering wheel when shifting gears, since he only needs his fingers to operate the paddles – and this, clearly, means extra safety, for example on a winding mountain road. The main point, of course, is that the a sequential gearshift is faster than any other manual shift process, SMG shifting gears in just 150 milliseconds and significantly enhancing the dynamic performance and sporting character of the 6 Series in the process.
Whenever the driver does not feel like shifting gears manually, he can leave things to the Gearbox Control System in the Drive Mode: Once pre-selected from the central shift lever, this system shifts gears automatically on the 6 Series as a function of map control and the respective driving situation, the gear currently in mesh being clearly presented to the driver on the instrument panel.
