The Best BMW Convertibles

Your Guide to BMW Convertibles

A clear sky, a twisty road, and a drop top – if that’s your jam, BMW has six vehicles that should suit your fancy. The lineup features loads of horsepower and interior luxury, though critics warn that not all these BMWs handle as well as a buyer might expect.

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2016 BMW 2 Series

Test drivers laud the BMW 2 Series convertible for its powerful engines and precise handling. Available with a 320-horsepower engine, rear- or all-wheel-drive, and your choice of a six-speed manual, eight-speed automatic, or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the 2 Series convertible aims at drivers who want an authentic sports-car driving experience. 

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2016 BMW 2 Series

Don’t plan on bringing many passengers, though. The 2 Series has a back seat, but critics say they’re not made for adults.

The 2 Series placed fourth in our small luxury car rankings, earning high marks for its power and agility, fine interior craftsmanship, and easy-to-use iDrive system. 

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2016 BMW 4 Series

For the BMW shopper looking for a more powerful car than the 2 Series, there is the 2016 BMW 4 Series, a two-door convertible pushing up to 444 horsepower. Expect great handling and acceleration, but don’t expect to seat more than four, and expect the two in the back to be uncomfortable, auto journalists say.

The 4 Series replaces the legendary 3 Series coupe in BMW’s lineup, and reviewers say BMW made it more comfortable, gave it a quieter cabin, and it is all-around more luxurious than the 3-series, though the difficult-to-use infotainment system drew negative comments from critics. 

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2016 BMW 4 Series

In its base configuration, the 4 Series comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 240 horsepower, all mated to a six-speed manual transmission that routs power to the rear wheels. A 300-horsepower turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine is also available, and if you jump to the M4 trim you get the twin-turbocharged 425-horsepower inline six. Keep in mind there is a $33,000 difference between the base model and the M4.

All-wheel drive is available on some trim levels. 

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2016 BMW 6 Series

Although BMWs are not commonly thought of as muscle cars, the BMW 6 Series behaves like one. It is long, does not handle particularly well, and you can get a convertible version with 560 horsepower. It ranked third (of six) in our ranking of super luxury cars, going for between $77,300 and $122,200, depending on options. If you go all out and get the M6 convertible, you will sit behind a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 making 560 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque.

Where it departs from the muscle-car language is on the inside. Its low-key, sophisticated styling and top-rate materials make it every bit the luxury car buyers in this segment expect, reviewers say. 

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2016 BMW 6 Series

If the M is out of your price range, the 640i ($84,800) might be more your style. For that money, you get 315 horsepower, 330 pound-feet of torque, and 31 mpg on the highway. Seating will be tight in the rear and it won’t handle as well as a 2 Series or 4 Series, but even in the base configuration reviewers say the 6 Series is plenty fast. 

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2016 BMW Z4

BMW made its name with the sports sedan, but the Z4 is a true roadster – two seats, rear-wheel drive, manual transmission, and a convertible top.

Sports cars are not known for their interior space, but the Z4 has plenty of it, according to test drivers. The consensus among them seemed to be that the Z4’s ride was more comfortable but less agile than they expected, so buyers looking for a canyon carver might be better off with the 2 Series. 

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2016 BMW Z4

BMW offers its 335-horsepower twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine in the Z4, but most reviewers agreed the base model’s 240-horsepower twin-turbocharged four-cylinder was more than enough engine for a car that weighs just under 3,300 pounds. Besides, that engine gets 34 mpg on the highway compared to 24 from the inline six.

Though it’s far from a track car, reviewers say the Z4’s luxurious styling, large interior, and exciting performance make for an all-around attractive convertible. 

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