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For many years, BMW has churned out among the finest driver’s vehicles available on the market. Whereas removed from low cost, lovers might get behind the wheel of a Bavarian driving machine for a lot lower than it might price to purchase an unique sports activities automotive, with out sacrificing an oz. of enjoyable.
Whereas tin-top fashions are usually higher monitor missiles, it’s arduous to argue towards a convertible for enjoyable street use, and that’s the place most of those vehicles will likely be pushed anyway. Let’s take a look at among the finest BMW convertibles ever.
Why We Picked These Convertible BMWs
We’ve dug deep into BMW’s historical past to search out the Bavarian model’s 20 finest and/or coolest BMW convertibles ever made, based mostly on a mixture of design, efficiency, rarity, cultural affect, and fanatic attraction. These aren’t simply the quickest or costliest drop-top Bimmers; they’re those that really made a mark.
All the information is from BMW or respected automotive websites, reminiscent of Automotive & Driver, Prime Gear, and others. The vehicles are usually not ranked in any specific order.
BMW E30 M3 Convertible (1988–1991)
BMW M says solely 786 E30 M3 Convertibles have been made, making it an ultra-rare and extremely collectible mannequin. This was the primary convertible M automotive, and the one drop-top M3 powered by the unique four-cylinder S14 engine.
It was based mostly on the M3 homologation particular, which implies it’s virtually a race automotive beneath. Early vehicles had 195 horsepower, however this was later pumped as much as 215 hp, giving the four-seater a high pace of 149 mph — nearly unbelievable on the time!
BMW 507 Roadster (1956–1959)
The 507 is the unique BMW super-roadster, and is usually thought of the Holy Grail of classic BMWs. It additionally occurs to be one of the breathtaking vehicles to ever emerge from Bavaria. In accordance with the BMW Group, the 507 was launched on the request of New York-based automotive importer Maxie Hoffman.
As per Mason & Sons, Hoffman had beforehand satisfied Mercedes to construct the 300 SL Gullwing and was additionally concerned in growing the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider and the Porsche 356 Speedster. Sadly, the aluminum-bodied 507 was too costly and by no means discovered success, although Elvis Presley and Fred Astaire, amongst different superstars, owned one. When manufacturing resulted in 1959, solely 252 vehicles have been made, and it practically bankrupted BMW. Nonetheless, we’d like to take one among these beauties for a spin, simply to listen to that 150-horsepower 3.2-liter V8 engine roar.
BMW Z8 Roadster (2000–2003)
The Z8 is a retro-modern V8 masterpiece constructed to have fun the aforementioned BMW 507, and even appeared within the James Bond film The World Is Not Sufficient. As reported by MotorTrend, you’d discover the 295-hp 4.9-liter V8 engine from the up to date M5 beneath its hood, which interprets to a sub-five-second 60 mph time and a possible high pace of 180 mph… besides BMW determined to restrict it to 155 mph.
On the time, it persistently outperformed lots of its rivals, however some journalists and house owners complained that it was too track-focused. In 2003, Alpina took over manufacturing and turned it right into a extra relaxed grand touring automotive, and a few lovers say that model is a lot better for every day use.
BMW Z1 Roadster (1989–1991)
BMW launched the Z1 in 1987 as a classy roadster with a low-slung physique. It was method forward of its time, and to today, the Z1 stays one among BMW’s quirkiest and coolest creations. It got here armed with some groundbreaking options, reminiscent of plastic physique panels and drop-down doorways. As per the BMW Group, these plastic panels have been designed to be swapped rapidly so house owners might change their automotive’s shade in lower than an hour.
The Z1 was solely accessible with the two.5-liter engine and handbook transmission from the E30 3-Sequence, and with 170 hp, it was decently fast for the period.
BMW E46 M3 Convertible (2001–2006)
Some automotive lovers will let you know that the E46 BMW M3 is likely one of the model’s most iconic vehicles. Okay, I admit it. It’s me. I’m that fanatic! However there are some good causes for this.
As per BMW M, the E46, like the unique E30 M3, had wider fenders than the common 3 Sequence lineup, separating it from the remainder. It additionally featured different exterior adjustments, reminiscent of aerodynamic mirrors and completely different bumpers. Packing a high-revving, naturally-aspirated 3.2-liter straight-six engine, BMW Weblog studies that it feels simply as uncooked and analog because the coupe, and that’s a superb factor!
BMW E36 M3 Convertible (1994–1999)
Whereas its predecessor and successor, the E30 and E46, respectively, are thought of uncooked driving machines for the purists, the E36 M3 affords a extra mature and understated expertise, but it surely’s nonetheless fast and enjoyable. It’s value noting that the North American model is inferior to the European one we’re speaking about right here.
A part of the rationale why it’s a lot enjoyable is discovered on the entrance. Early Euro-spec E36 M3s have been packing a 3.0-liter straight-six unit producing 286 hp, and it grew to three.2 liters and 321 hp in 1995. With that form of energy, the BMW M3 was capable of dash to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds
BMW E85 Z4 M Roadster (2006–2008)
The E85 Z4M is the rawest of the Z4s, and that’s precisely what makes it so fascinating. Like sure different Bimmers from this period, the Z4 has aged like effective wine, and I feel it really seems higher right this moment than it did a decade in the past. The E85 BMW Z4 M succeeded the BMW Z3, and similar to its predecessor, it’s one thing of a parts-bin particular. Nevertheless, that doesn’t take away from the truth that it’s a superb sports activities automotive, as reported by Evo Journal.
Underneath the hood, it has the identical inline-six engine because the E46 M3, and all its firepower is aimed on the rear wheels through a handbook transmission, leading to a 0 to 60 mph time of simply 4.8 seconds. A real fanatic’s automotive!
BMW G29 Z4 M40i (2019–Current)
The unique Z4 is a bit lengthy within the tooth, and its rawness actually isn’t for everybody. BMW’s newest Z4 M40i is a way more refined affair, and arguably one of the best on a regular basis automotive of all of the Z4 generations.
Many lovers already know that its platform is similar because the one Toyota’s newest Supra is constructed on, however that’s not a nasty factor. As reported by Automotive and Driver, this roadster has a sporty character because of its highly effective engine and dynamic dealing with. It incorporates a 3.0-liter inline-6 twin-turbo engine producing 382 German racehorses, and it’s now accessible in a Handschalter trim (German for handshifter), which means it has a handbook transmission. There’s additionally an M-specific aerodynamic package deal and M Sport brakes, and the inside consists of M Sport seats and digital options just like the BMW Clever Private Assistant.
BMW F91 M8 Convertible (2020–Current)
BMW’s M8 convertible is a quick and flashy grand tourer with M automotive credentials. In accordance with BMW M, it’s accessible with the Competitors Bundle, which means its M TwinPower Turbo 8-cylinder gasoline engine will ship an astonishing 625 hp, giving it near-supercar efficiency.
Zero to 62 mph is handled in a mere 3.3 seconds, and the motive force has loads of assists and settings to play with, whether or not it’s to optimize on-track efficiency or cross continents in type and luxury.
BMW i8 Roadster (2018–2020)
The sound of automotive lovers’ jaws collectively hitting the ground reverberated by the automotive world when BMW unveiled the i8 on the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Present. In contrast to something we’d seen from BMW for the reason that M1, this futuristic plug-in hybrid supplied correct supercar seems. Granted, the ultimate automotive wasn’t superfast, but it surely’s nonetheless extremely cool — particularly the Roadster that arrived in 2018.
As Automotive and Driver explains, the i8 had a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine from the Mini behind the motive force, and it acquired some help from an 11.6-kWh battery pack and two electrical motors, for a complete of 369 hp. The icing on the cake? The i8 Roadster supplied 35 MPGe and will journey 22 miles on electrical energy solely.
BMW G14 M850i Convertible (2019–Current)
Scott Evans at MotorTrend stated the 8 Sequence drop-top is a big and heavy brute, however apart from its width, it nonetheless feels as nimble and agile as its smaller 4 Sequence sibling. We now have fashionable know-how to thank for that.
Underneath the lengthy, smooth hood, there’s a 4.4-liter V8 pumping out 523 horses and an excellent soundtrack. The ability is shipped to all 4 wheels, with a bias in direction of the rear.
BMW E88 135i Convertible (2008–2013)
Whereas the BMW 1M goes down in historical past as one of many coolest Bimmers ever made, it was by no means accessible in convertible kind, so we’ll should accept the 135i. No worries, although, because it’s nonetheless a really competent little automotive. Compact, RWD, and powered by a turbocharged inline-6, some would say this was the final of the small, tossable BMW convertibles.
Underneath the hood, the 135i has a turbocharged 3.0-liter producing over 300 hp, as per Autoevolution. This little demon pet additionally has a design that has stood the check of time, and it nonetheless seems fashionable right this moment.
BMW E30 3 Sequence Convertible (1985–1993)
We’ve already lined the uncommon E30 M3, however even the common E30 3 Sequence convertible impressed motoring journalists again within the day. That is the quintessential basic BMW cabriolet, full with a sublime, boxy design. Whereas it’s by no means been thought of uncommon, it’s now a sought-after collector’s merchandise, and costs have skyrocketed.
In accordance with BMW Group, it was the primary convertible Bimmer constructed within the manufacturing unit for the reason that 503 mannequin from the Nineteen Fifties. BMW supplied it with a spread of 4 and six-cylinder powerplants, however we’d avoid the torpid smaller engines and go for a 325i with 170 hp and a handbook transmission.
BMW F83 M4 Convertible (2014–2020)
2014 introduced with it a bunch of adjustments for BMW’s sporty convertible. The M4 now changed the M3, and BMW additionally removed the V8 as they returned to the trusty straight-six. Some issues didn’t change, as the brand new F83 M4 Convertible nonetheless had a steel folding roof, similar to its predecessor.
As talked about, a six-cylinder now lived beneath the hood, and because of its M TwinPower Turbo know-how, it housed 431 horses. The Bavarians weren’t happy, nonetheless, and in 2016, energy elevated to 450 stallions within the Competitors mannequin. It additionally acquired Adaptive M suspension as normal and a greater exhaust word. Zero to 62 mph was achieved in simply 4.3 seconds, and with the M Driver’s Bundle, it managed a high pace of 174 mph.
BMW E64 M6 Convertible (2006–2010)
At first look, there’s not a lot that separates the E64 BMW M6 Convertible from its lesser siblings. Positive, there are two further exhaust end-pipes on the rear, and a bigger entrance apron. Apart from that, it appears regular sufficient. Till you fireplace up the engine.
Due to its notorious 5.0-liter V10 mill, that is convertible insanity! It seems tame, feels like an F1 automotive, and with over 500 hp, it drives like a cruise missile. It’s not probably the most dependable Bimmer ever, but it surely actually is likely one of the coolest.
BMW E46 330Ci Convertible (2003-2007)
As superior because the E46 BMW M3 is, the 330Ci is sort of nearly as good for a fraction of the value. You don’t should take my phrase for it, James Martin from JayEmm on Vehicles says it’s method higher than the M3.
The 330Ci has a 3.0-liter straight-six engine with roughly 230 hp, sending it to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and on to an electronically restricted high pace of 155 mph. Refined, clear design with strong efficiency because of its agile chassis, rear-wheel drive, and handbook gearbox, it’s the proper Sunday automotive. Few vehicles from this period can match the Bimmer’s driving dynamics, and proper now, it’s most likely as low cost because it’ll ever be.
BMW F12 M6 Convertible (2012–2018)
BMW could have discontinued the V10 engine for the F12 era M6 Convertible, but it surely actually wasn’t missing within the energy division. With a twin-turbocharged V8 engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, this was a refined brute providing GT consolation and large efficiency.
In contrast to its predecessor, this M6 regarded a lot meaner than the remainder of the 6 Sequence lineup, as reported by Autoevolution, and it had a sporty but luxurious inside that street journey lovers would like to spend their time in.
BMW Z3 M Roadster (1997-2002)
BMW offered the Z3 M Roadster between 1997 and 2002, and it’s a standard sports activities automotive in each sense, with a front-mounted six-cylinder engine, handbook transmission, rear-wheel drive, and a convertible roof.
Immediately, the Z3 M is an underappreciated basic, usually missed in favor of the E46 M3 or the newer Z4 fashions. Underneath its lengthy hood, we discover the identical naturally aspirated inline-six as used within the E36 M3, and with 321 hp, it might launch to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds.
BMW E93 M3 Cabriolet (2007-2013)
Launched in 2007, the E93 BMW M3 is a novel mannequin because it’s the one mass-produced M3 powered by a V8 engine. And what a V8 it was! This 4.0-liter mill pumped out over 400 racehorses, and mixed with the brand new double-clutch transmission M DKG, the BMW M3 Convertible sprinted from 0 to 62 mph in simply 5.1 seconds.
The V8 and transmission weren’t the one new improvements, because the E93 additionally had an electro-hydraulic steel folding roof, so it was extra coupe-like when the roof was up, including to its racetrack affinity.
E85 Alpina Z4 Roadster S (2003–2006)
As reported by MotorAuthority, Alpina is now owned by BMW, however that wasn’t at all times the case. In actual fact, up till 2022, Alpina was a separate firm. Whereas we regarded on the E85 BMW Z4 M earlier, the Alpina Roadster S is a really completely different animal. It could appear like a daily Z4 with completely different rims and a physique equipment, however in accordance with the Alpina Register, the tuning firm remodeled 2,000 adjustments to the BMW Z4.
Alpina based mostly it on the three.0i Z4, however gave it a bigger 3.4-liter engine. The Roadster S was produced for 3 mannequin years, and solely 370 vehicles have been constructed.
A Small Collection of Drop-Prime Bimmers
As we’ve now lined, BMW has constructed among the finest vehicles for driving lovers who need to really feel the wind of their hair whereas touring on their favourite stretch of street.
This text was removed from exhaustive, and if you happen to really feel there are some fashions that deserve a spot, tell us within the feedback.
