Background
BMW M6 Convertible (E64) reached the market in 2006 and expanded the M6 family alongside the BMW M6 Coupé (E63) as an open-top grand tourer. The model was based on the BMW 6 Series Convertible, but BMW M GmbH extensively reworked its chassis, brakes and drivetrain. The result was an unusual combination of a luxurious four-seat convertible and a high-performance BMW M car. In spirit, the M6 Convertible continued the tradition established by the M635CSi in the 1980s – combining a large and elegant BMW with some of the most distinctive M technology of its era.
Design and grand touring character
The M6 Convertible retained the long bonnet, low beltline and electrically operated soft top characteristic of the E64, while adding several M-specific details. Larger air intakes, sportier bumpers, dedicated alloy wheels and four exhaust outlets distinguished it from the regular 6 Series. Its appearance nevertheless remained relatively restrained, and the car retained the basic character of a luxury grand tourer. A four-seat interior, high equipment level and long-distance comfort allowed the M6 Convertible to offer both relaxed open-air cruising and very high performance.
S85 V10 engine
The most important technical feature of the M6 Convertible was its 4,999 cm³ S85 naturally aspirated V10 engine, also used in the BMW M5 E60 and M6 Coupé E63. The engine produced 507 hp, or 373 kW, at 7,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 520 Nm at 6,100 rpm. Maximum engine speed reached 8,250 rpm. The high-revving V10 reflected BMW M’s motorsport-focused engineering philosophy of the period and differed significantly from conventional large-displacement luxury-car engines in its response, sound and character. The S85 remained unique in BMW history, as later series-production BMW M models did not use another V10 engine.
Drivetrain and performance
Power was sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed SMG Drivelogic sequential transmission. An electronically controlled M differential helped transmit the V10’s power more effectively during hard acceleration and cornering. The BMW M6 Convertible accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 4.8 seconds, while the standard top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h. M-specific suspension with electronically controlled dampers, more powerful brakes and M Dynamic Mode gave the large convertible a much more sporting driving character than its luxury-oriented appearance might suggest.
Luxury and BMW M technology
One of the defining features of the M6 Convertible was the way it combined two very different worlds. On one hand, it was a large four-seat luxury convertible with high-quality materials, electric comfort features, iDrive and the sophisticated roof construction of the E64. On the other, it offered a 507 hp V10 engine, M-specific suspension and the sporting SMG transmission. As in the M6 Coupé, the Power button allowed the driver to choose between a more relaxed approximately 400 hp setting and the full 507 hp output. This dual character suited the BMW M6 grand tourer concept particularly well.
Production
The BMW M6 Convertible E64 was produced at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in Germany from 2006 to 2010. According to official BMW M figures, a total of 14,152 M6 models of the E63/E64 generation were built. Of these, 9,087 were Coupés and 5,065 were E64 M6 Convertibles. The Convertible was therefore significantly rarer than the Coupé, and its relatively low production volume combined with the unique V10 engine gives it a special place in BMW M history.
Significance in BMW M history
The BMW M6 Convertible E64 is one of the more unusual models in BMW M history. It combined the body of a luxurious open-top grand tourer with one of BMW’s most distinctive series-production engines. The high-revving naturally aspirated V10, rear-wheel drive and dedicated M engineering belonged to an era that ended when the following generation of BMW M models switched to turbocharged engines. Today, the E64 M6 Convertible represents that unique period especially clearly – a time when even a large luxury convertible could be fitted with an 8,250 rpm V10.
Model in the collection
The model in my collection was produced by Minichamps and represents a 2006 BMW M6 Convertible (E64). It was produced in a limited edition of 1,104 examples.
Technical data in brief
Production period: 2006–2010
Place of production: BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, Germany
Body style: two-door four-seat Convertible / grand tourer
Engine: S85 naturally aspirated V10
Displacement: 4,999 cm³
Power: 507 hp / 373 kW @ 7,750 rpm
Torque: 520 Nm @ 6,100 rpm
Maximum engine speed: 8,250 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed SMG Drivelogic
Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive
0–100 km/h: 4.8 s
Top speed: 250 km/h, electronically limited
E64 M6 Convertible production: 5,065 cars
Total E63/E64 M6 production: 14,152 cars
Special feature: a luxury BMW M Convertible powered by a high-revving naturally aspirated V10 engine
Photo of the real car. Source: bmw-m.com