Fin roof: perfect protection, perfectly styled.
- Distinctive, coupé-like flowing roofline.
- Superior noise and temperature insulation, top can be raised and lowered by remote control or while driving, stows compactly in the variable soft-top compartment.
- Independently opening, heated rear window.
Exclusive to this model, the new BMW 6 Series Convertible features a poweroperated
fabric fin-structure soft top. Designed in the classic style of a large
BMW convertible, the soft top also brings significant weight savings and
stows compactly in the soft-top compartment between the rear seats and the
boot. Even more than on the previous model the “fins”, which extend along
the sides of the vehicle and into the rear, enhance the elegant silhouette,
which is long and extended, and ensure that the BMW 6 Series Convertible is
instantly identifiable. They also create a coupé-style soft transition between
the roofline and the rear of the vehicle.
The multi-layer soft top, which has undergone further improvements in its
acoustic properties and the stiffness of its frame, offers excellent thermal
insulation to keep the interior snug and comfortable whatever the time of
year. Acoustic and thermal insulation is provided by an intermediate
polyurethane (PU) layer between the outer covering and the interior lining.
The seam-free lining adds to the sense of interior harmony and spaciousness.
The new BMW 6 Series Convertible’s fin roof is available in three different
colours. Black and beige are joined for the first time by a new, optional
Anthracite Silver effect version, for an upscale “shimmering” look.
Fully automatic soft-top mechanism can be operated by remote control and while on the move.
The automatic soft-top lowering/raising function is controlled by a button on
the centre console. Lowering is completed in 19 seconds and raising in
24 seconds. Both operations can be performed even while driving, at speeds
of up to 40 km/h (25 mph). A separate button, located in the driver’s door, is used to lower or raise the side windows. This function automatically lowers or
raises both the front and rear side windows in tandem. The windows can also
be opened from a distance of up to 30 metres (approx. 100 ft.) away from the
vehicle, using the remote function on the vehicle key.
It is also possible to remotely operate the soft top itself, from a distance of up
to 1.5 metres (5 ft.) from the vehicle, using the optional Comfort Access
function. Over the same range, Comfort Access can also be used to remotely
close the side windows.
During the lowering process the soft top also folds, in a precisely defined
sequence, and stows away compactly in the soft-top compartment. The
variable soft-top compartment features a special mechanism that allows
luggage space to be maximised when the top is raised. Using a recessed grip
accessed via the boot, the empty soft-top compartment can be simply folded
up out of the way. This provides up to 50 litres (1.7 cu. ft.) of extra luggage
space.
Independently opening rear window for versatile fresh air control.
The heated, vertical glass rear window, which is situated just behind the rear
seats, is retracted independently from the soft top itself. This reduces the
volume of the soft-top components that actually need to be stowed in the
soft-top compartment, leaving more room for luggage in the low-profile boot
of the new BMW 6 Series Convertible. The independent rear window also
allows just the right amount of fresh air to be admitted to the car. When the
soft top is raised, a pleasant level of ventilation can be provided by lowering
the rear window. Conversely, leaving the rear window up while lowering the
top helps to keep air turbulence in the rear to a minimum.
Airflow in the passenger compartment can be carefully regulated with the
optional wind deflector, which mounts quickly and easily in the rear of the new
BMW 6 Series Convertible. The upper frame section of the wind deflector
can be raised or lowered manually. The wind deflector is fully collapsible, and
when stashed away in its bag takes up little space in the boot.
Driving experience: top-class dynamic capability and poise.
- V8 and six-cylinder in-line petrol engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo, 300 kW/407 hp and 235 kW/320 hp.
- State-of-the-art chassis technology, Drive Dynamic Control as
standard.
- Unique in its segment: Integral Active Steering, Adaptive Drive.
Inspiring design and groundbreaking technology define the character of the
new BMW 6 Series Convertible. It is instantly recognisable and reveals more
of its character with each passing kilometre. The new soft-top BMW is already
an enthralling sight standing at the kerbside, but on the move the aesthetic
allure of its styling shines through even more brightly. In the same way, the
performance figures of the 6 Series Convertible give a clear hint of its
impressive sporting capability, but you’ll only experience the huge potential of
the car’s drive and chassis technology when you actually drive it.
The engines available for the new BMW 6 Series Convertible from launch
boast the sporting performance characteristics you would expect of BMW,
combined with a level of efficiency no competitor in their respective classes
can match. Customers can choose between a V8 powerplant and a sixcylinder
in-line unit, both of which have BMW TwinPower Turbo technology
and direct injection. The new BMW 6 Series Convertible is the first car in its
segment to be equipped as standard with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Meanwhile, advanced chassis technology provides even greater dynamics and
ensures a noticeable improvement in ride comfort over its predecessor. The
new BMW 6 Series Convertible comes as standard with Drive Dynamic
Control, which allows the driver a choice of suspension settings. And the
Adaptive Drive system, complete with electronically controlled dampers and
roll stabilisation, can be specified as an option. The standard Electric Power
Steering and optional Integral Active Steering are both unique features in this
segment.
Majestic power fuelling unbeatable dynamics: V8 engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo in the BMW 650i Convertible.
Instantaneous power development, majestic torque, outstanding smoothness
and an exemplary level of efficiency mark out the V8 engine lurking under the
bonnet of the range-topping BMW 650i Convertible. The 4.4-litre eightcylinder
unit, which brings together BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and
petrol direct injection, develops a maximum 300 kW/407 hp between 5,500
and 6,400 rpm. Peak torque of 600 Newton metres (443 lb-ft) is available
between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm.
Drivers will be thrilled by how this unique engine, with its turbochargers and
catalytic converters positioned in the V-shaped space between the cylinder
banks, generates instantaneous and sustained power delivery. The key
elements underpinning the innovative construction principle of the allaluminium
engine are its compact dimensions and a model-specific
arrangement of the intake and exhaust ducts. Their reduced pipe length and
larger cross section minimise the pressure losses on the intake and exhaust
sides of the engine. The two turbochargers each supply four cylinders with
compressed air, ensuring an exceptionally fast throttle response. Indeed,
impressive torque is on tap from low down the engine speed range, and the
new BMW 650i Convertible sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in
5.0 seconds. Intoxicating reserves of power are still available at higher speeds
as well, the engine electronics holding fire until the car has reached its 250
km/h (155 mph) top speed before curtailing its acceleration.
One of the main contributors to the V8 engine achieving such an extraordinary
level of efficiency for this output class is its extremely precise petrol direct
injection system. The principle of spray-guided injection with injectors
positioned centrally between the valves and very close to the spark plug
ensures that precise amounts of fuel are injected into the cylinders. The
combination of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and direct injection gives
the 4.4-litre V8 the output of conventional naturally-aspirated engines with 10
or 12 cylinders and far greater displacement. And the V8 weighs less and has
significantly lower fuel consumption and emissions values than such larger
engines. In the new BMW 650i Convertible this outstanding efficiency is
expressed in average fuel economy of 10.7 litres per 100 kilometres (26.4
mpg imp) in the EU test cycle and CO2 emissions of 249 grams per kilometre.
An ideal combination of a free-revving character and impressive efficiency: the six-cylinder in-line engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo in the BMW 640i Convertible.
In addition to BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and petrol direct injection,
the six-cylinder in-line engine in the new BMW 640i Convertible also enjoys
the services of VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control. This allows the 3.0-
litre powerplant to produce maximum output of 235 kW/320 hp at 5,800 rpm
and peak torque of 450 Newton metres (332 lb-ft) between 1,300 and
4,500 rpm.
The combination of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and direct injection
also proves to be an extremely efficient way of boosting output in the sixcylinder
engine. Its charge system – which operates according to the twinscroll
principle, whereby the ducts from each set of three cylinders are kept
separate in both the exhaust manifold and the turbocharger itself – develops
power from low engine speeds and therefore ensures immediate responses to
every movement of the accelerator. In tandem with the hallmark high-revving
characteristics of a BMW straight-six engine, this produces enthrallingly sporty
performance.
VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control, moreover, maximises the engine’s
responsiveness. This technology controls the amount of lift of the intake
valves, rendering the throttle butterfly used in earlier engine generations
superfluous. Throttle losses in the gas cycle are therefore minimised, which
has a positive impact on both the efficiency of the powerplant and its torque
development.
This variant of the six-cylinder in-line engine has been developed exclusively
for the new BMW 640i Convertible to deliver specific output and torque levels,
and enables the car to power from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in
5.7 seconds. The top speed of the BMW 640i Convertible is electronically
limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). It burns an average 7.9 litres of fuel per
100 kilometres (35.8 mpg imp) in the EU test cycle, while CO2 emissions
stand at 185 grams per kilometre.
Eight-speed Sports automatic fitted as standard: maximum shift comfort, rapid and precise gear changes, shift paddles on the steering wheel.
The eight-speed Sports automatic gearbox fitted as standard in the new BMW
6 Series Convertible lends it a combination of sporting prowess, shift comfort
and efficiency none of its rivals can match. In the BMW 640i Convertible the
automatic gearbox also enables the driver to use the Auto Start-Stop function,
which switches the engine off automatically when the car stops at junctions or
in a traffic jam.
The eight-speed automatic gearbox stands out with its innovative gear set
configuration. This allows it to offer more gears and a wider gear range than
the six-speed automatic fitted in the predecessor model without having a
negative impact on the system’s size, weight and inherent efficiency. Eight
forward gears and the reverse gear are provided by four simple gearsets and
five shift elements. This is the first time that these elements have been
arranged in this way in an eight-speed automatic. Only two of the total of five
clutches are open at a time in each gear, ensuring that drag losses are much
lower than those of automatic gearboxes available on the market up to now.
With the number of gears having risen to eight, smaller increases in engine
revs are required when changing gear between the smallest and largest ratio
despite the wider gear range. When the driver accelerates, the harmonious
gradation of ratios ensures an extremely consistent increase in speed. The
eight-speed gearbox has even shorter reaction and shift times than the sixspeed
automatic, which enhances both comfort and driving dynamics. Only
one clutch has to be open when changing up or down. Direct “target gear”
finding capability also allows the driver to change up or down through more
than two gears extremely quickly. The downshift that usually takes place
under sudden acceleration (kickdown) from eighth gear to second is likewise
a direct shift, which only requires one clutch to open.
The eight-speed Sports automatic is operated with a specifically designed
gearshift lever on the centre console which the driver can use to select the
driving mode and for manual gear changes. In Sport mode the gear changes
are adjusted to achieve top performance. Modified clutch control allows
extremely fast switches between engine speeds and minimal shift times.
If the manual gearshift program is activated, the gears can be changed
sequentially through push and pull movements on the gearshift lever. The new
BMW 6 Series Convertible also comes with gearshift paddles on the steering
wheel. Their operating logic follows the principle which has proved so effective
in BMW M cars: upshifts are with the right paddle, downshifts with the left.
The shift paddles are fixed to the steering wheel, enabling the driver to change
gear through corners without having to take his hands off the wheel.
Advanced chassis technology allows unbeatable dynamics without compromising on comfort.
The cutting-edge chassis technology in the new BMW 6 Series Convertible
provides all the ingredients for sporty handling and exceptional levels of
comfort. Both the double wishbone front axle and the integral rear axle are
made chiefly from aluminium. The chassis set-up is geared to the
requirements of drivers with sporting ambitions, although the dampers still
respond sensitively to uneven patches in the road under high lateral
acceleration. Plus, the front and rear axle form a roll axis running almost parallel
to the road itself. This leads to strikingly harmonious and stable cornering
which is not impaired by diagonal roll.
Precisely adjusted wheel camber allows the front axle kinematics to ensure
optimum contact between the tyres and the road. In this way, high lateral
forces can be transferred and, in so doing, both outstandingly sporty driving
characteristics and a comfortable chassis set-up can be achieved. The impact
of disturbing forces on the steering is also minimised.
The integral rear axle of the new BMW 6 Series Convertible absorbs the drive
and dynamic forces acting on the suspension through the wheel carriers, rear
axle subframe, rocker arm and three control arms. The innovative
elastokinematic mounting for the rocker arm allows longitudinal forces to be
offset to the rear through direct, straight spring action. This ensures that radial
and axial forces acting on the rocker arm’s rubber mounts are kept clearly
separate from one another. By, in effect, separating the suspension from the
road and the drivetrain the rear axle provides first-class acoustic comfort and
minimises vibrations.
An option for optimum handling: Adaptive Drive.
The optionally available Adaptive Drive system, which includes Dynamic
Damper Control and the Dynamic Drive active roll stabilisation system, boasts
even more precise responses. The electronically controlled dampers adjust to
both the nature of the road surface and the driver’s style at the wheel in order
to prevent unwanted vehicle movements. The driver can use Drive Dynamic
Control to modify the damper control characteristics by selecting either a
comfortable, normal or sporty setting.
The electronically controlled damper system in the new BMW 6 Series
Convertible adjusts the compression and rebound settings continuously and
independently from one another. For example, a stiff chassis setting can be
combined with comfortable responses to unevenness in the road surface. The
control unit of the damping system processes the data supplied by sensors on
the lifting movements of the wheels and the ride height of the car. The driving
speed and the damper setting chosen by the driver are also taken into
account in calculating the damping force required for each individual wheel to
even out body movements. This data is fed back to the damper units at
intervals of just 2.5 milliseconds.
The roll stabilisation feature of the Adaptive Drive system reduces, among
other things, body roll in high-speed corners and under sudden changes in
direction. Sensors calculate the amount of body roll based on the driving
situation at hand, and this is then counteracted quickly and precisely by rotary
actuators in the front and rear axle stabilisers, leading to a significant
improvement in the load alteration effect.
Unique in its segment: Electric Power Steering fitted as standard, Integral Active Steering as an option.
The Electric Power Steering (EPS) with Servotronic function in the new BMW
6 Series Convertible combines hallmark BMW precision, comfort and
efficiency and is unique in its segment. In this system an electric motor
generates the power assistance, which is determined according to the speed
of the car. This motor works particularly efficiently, as it is only activated when
power assistance is being used. Added to which, EPS eliminates steering jolts
and other unwanted vibrations extremely effectively.
The model-specific set-up of the Electric Power Steering system provides a
high level of precision and the feedback typical of BMW cars. In addition to this
basic set-up, the driver can also select another steering setting which shows
an even sharper focus on precision. It is activated when the driver selects
SPORT mode through Drive Dynamic Control or when the DSC stability
control system is deactivated.
Electric Power Steering also enables extremely precise control of the steering
responses. The standard Servotronic function provides speed-sensitive power
assistance. For example, when parking or manoeuvring at low speeds only a
small amount of force is required. At higher speeds, the level of power
assistance is reduced to optimise contact with the road surface and straightline
stability.
Added to which, the new BMW 6 Series Convertible is the only car in its class
to be available as an option with Integral Active Steering. This system
combines the Active Steering system for the front wheels (already available for
the predecessor model) with a steering rear axle. The degree of steering
assistance is controlled by Servotronic, the steering angle using the
superimposed transmission of Active Steering on the front axle – both
according to the speed of the car. In addition, the system controls the steering
angle of the rear wheels using a concentrically arranged motor with spindle
drive on the rear axle. Both at the front and the rear, Integral Active Steering
varies the steering angle using an electric motor, whose control unit takes into
account the data gathered by sensors on wheel speed, steering wheel
movement, yaw rate and lateral acceleration, and so ensures optimum
steering responses in any situation. The precisely coordinated wheel turns
help the new BMW 6 Series Convertible to achieve an extraordinarily high
level of agility in dynamic driving situations. Integral Active Steering also
ensures the car is impressively nimble on twisty mountain passes and in city
traffic.
The Active Steering system on the front wheels allows the driver to
manoeuvre the car at low speeds with a small number of steering wheel
movements and without changing grip on the steering wheel. At higher
speeds, however, the steering wheel movement leads to less wheel turn,
optimising precision on the way into corners. By turning the rear wheels by up
to 2.5 degrees when the driver moves the steering wheel, Integral Active Steering further increases the car’s agility in city traffic and through corners.
To this end, the rear wheels are turned in the opposite direction to the
steering angle of the front wheels at speeds up to 60 km/h (37 mph). As well
as reducing the car’s turning circle by around 0.5 metres (1.6 ft.), comfort is
enhanced by the reduced amount of steering effort required. At higher
speeds, Integral Active Steering gives the car incredibly comfortable and
assured reactions when changing lanes and cornering. The rear wheels follow
the same steering movements as the front wheels, enabling the car to follow
the course set by the driver with even greater immediacy and precision.
Drive Dynamic Control allows a choice of suspension settings.
The new BMW 6 Series Convertible is fitted as standard with Drive Dynamic
Control. This system gives the driver the ability to vary the car’s sporting
characteristics and comfort according to the situation at hand. Using a button
on the centre console the driver can choose his desired suspension settings
through the NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+ modes. If he has specified the
Adaptive Drive option he will also be able to select COMFORT mode. As well
as adjusting the accelerator pedal progression, engine responses, power
steering characteristics, DSC intervention thresholds and the shift dynamics of
the automatic gearbox, in this setting Drive Dynamic Control also tweaks the
damper responses and roll stabilisation settings. Whatever mode he chooses,
the driver is activating a preconfigured and coherent overall set-up based on
the right drive and chassis component settings for the job at hand.
In cars also equipped with Integral Active Steering, the basic set-up of the
steering – as well as the degree of power assistance – is adjusted according to
the mode selected. As a result, in SPORT and SPORT+ modes the car’s
sporting responses are sharpened even further.
Drive Dynamic Control offers a specific configuration for SPORT mode. The
driver can use the iDrive control system to select either the normal or the
sporty setting for both the drive and chassis components. This allows the
sporty option to be selected for the drive components even in situations when
the condition of the road discourages stiffer damper characteristics.
Another button can be used to select the DSC settings. Here, the driver can
activate a special traction program which makes it easier to pull away and
drive on surfaces such as loose sand or deep snow. The special DSC mode Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) raises the intervention thresholds of the
stability control system and is also activated in SPORT+ mode, allowing slight
wheel slip on the driven axle. The dynamic oversteer this encourages opens
the door to extremely sporty cornering and controlled drifts.
Selecting DSC Off mode activates dynamic brake intervention, which
performs a similar role to an electronic locking function for the rear differential.
To optimise traction, this technology brakes a spinning driven wheel under
acceleration in tight corners so that the car can maintain drive through the
other driven wheel.
Lightweight brakes and DSC stability control.
The lightweight floating-calliper brakes with inner-vented discs are easy to use
with precision. The front brake discs have a diameter of 374 millimetres
(14.7 in.) on the BMW 650i Convertible and 348 millimetres (13.7 in.) on the
BMW 640i Convertible, while the rear brake discs measure 345 millimetres
(13.5 in.) on both model variants. Both cars also use discs on which the friction
ring is riveted onto the aluminium bowl. Together, this construction – patented
by BMW and now also used by other carmakers – and the frame-type
aluminium callipers on the front axle significantly reduce unsprung masses.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) helps to maximise the effectiveness of the
brakes. This driving stability system brings together technology such as the
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering
Brake Control (CBC) and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC). When braking
temperatures reach extremely high levels, a carefully calculated increase in
brake pressure prevents a drop-off in effectiveness (fading). Regular brake
drying optimises braking performance in wet conditions, and the Brake
Standby function instantly builds up moderate brake pressure if the driver
takes his foot quickly off the accelerator. The Start-off Assistant, meanwhile,
makes it easier to move away from a standstill up an incline. Standard
equipment also includes 18-inch light-alloy wheels on the new BMW 650i
Convertible or 17-inch versions on the new BMW 640i Convertible, as well as
runflat tyres and a runflat indicator. Customers can also specify a range of
other light-alloy wheels as an option – in 18-inch to 20-inch format.
Electromechanical parking brake with Auto Hold function.
The new BMW 6 Series Convertible also comes as standard with an
electromechanical parking brake. This system is activated by a single pull of
the marked switch on the centre console. To release the parking brake the
driver presses this switch at the same time as pushing down on the brake
pedal. This configuration makes it impossible to release the parking brake
unintentionally when the ignition is switched off. Keeping the parking brake
switch pulled up while on the move triggers an ABS-controlled automatic
emergency braking manoeuvre using the DSC hydraulics.
The electromechanical parking brake also has an Auto Hold function, which
enhances comfort in stop-start traffic, in particular. If the car draws to a
standstill – on the flat or on an incline – it is automatically held in place by
constant brake pressure until the driver presses the accelerator again. This
means the driver does not have to keep the brake pedal pressed down during
the holding phase. The Auto Hold function is activated and deactivated using
a separate button on the centre console.
Integrated Chassis Management and FlexRay technology.
Integrated Chassis Management (ICM) ensures the flawless interplay of all the
systems affecting driving dynamics. The driving situation is constantly
analysed (using numerous signals from sensors) to allow the drive and chassis
functions to be harmonised within fractions of a second, and therefore to
ensure optimum stability at all times. Even in abruptly fluctuating conditions –
e.g. changes in road surface, sudden steering movements, or sharp
acceleration or braking – ICM reacts by initiating precise responses from the
DSC actuators and, if specified, the optional Integral Active Steering and
Adaptive Drive system.
The way in which the chassis control systems and drivetrain are linked
together, using the FlexRay high-speed data transfer system, is also unique.
Developed for production by a consortium in which BMW played a leading
role, the system stands out with its unmatched data transfer capacity. BMW is
the world’s first carmaker to introduce FlexRay technology into its seriesproduced
cars.
