Launched in early 2011 ahead of the coupe, the BMW 6 Series Convertible F12 brought sweeping elegance, a wider, lower stance and peerless high-speed refinement to the open-top grand tourer class. Retaining the iconic flying buttress soft-top with an electrically retractable vertical glass window, it offers whisper-quiet cruising when closed. Long-term reliability demands dedicated BMW 6 Series maintenance tailored to its specific petrol or diesel powertrain.
The six-cylinder 640i (N55) and twin-turbo diesel 640d (N57) represent the sweet spot for mechanical stamina, pairing brilliantly with the eight-speed ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox. Conversely, the twin-turbo 650i V8 (N63) runs extremely hot in its 'hot-vee' turbo configuration, demanding meticulous checks for turbo coolant line leaks and heavy oil consumption. The electro-hydraulic soft-top roof cycles in 19 seconds but requires clean drainage channels to prevent boot moisture.
Inspect frameless door weatherstripping for wind whistle at speed, and examine front lower wishbones for worn hydro-bushes under the car's substantial two-tonne kerb weight.