# BMW 6 Series (F12)
The BMW 6 Series (F12) is the factory code for the third-generation [BMW 6 Series](https://www.edgepedia.org/bmw-6-series) convertible, a two-door, 2+2-seat luxury soft-top built at BMW's Dingolfing plant in Germany from May 2011 to 2018.[1](https://australiancar.reviews/review-bmw-f12-6-series-convertible-2011-18/) It shared its platform and engines with the F13 coupé and, from 2012, the four-door F06 Gran Coupé, and replaced the E64 convertible, of which 49,053 units had been sold between 2004 and 2010.[2](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/africa-dom-easteurope/article/attachment/T0090274EN/136485)
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Production | Dingolfing, Germany; convertible sold 2011–2018, with a facelift (LCI) from 2015[1](https://australiancar.reviews/review-bmw-f12-6-series-convertible-2011-18/) |
| Launch engines | 640i: 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six (N55), 235 kW and 450 Nm; 650i: 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 (N63), 300 kW and 600 Nm, both with an eight-speed ZF automatic[1](https://australiancar.reviews/review-bmw-f12-6-series-convertible-2011-18/) |
| 650i upgrade | From September 2012 the N63TU V8 produced 330 kW at 5,500–6,000 rpm and 650 Nm at 2,000–4,500 rpm[1](https://australiancar.reviews/review-bmw-f12-6-series-convertible-2011-18/) |
| Roof | Power soft-top in "fin" design, opens in 19 seconds and closes in 24 seconds, operable at speeds up to 40 km/h[1](https://australiancar.reviews/review-bmw-f12-6-series-convertible-2011-18/) |
| Dimensions | 4,894 mm long, 1,894 mm wide, 1,365 mm high, 2,855 mm wheelbase; boot 300–350 liters[1](https://australiancar.reviews/review-bmw-f12-6-series-convertible-2011-18/) • [3](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/attachment/T0127532EN/207801) |
| Performance (launch) | 650i: 0–62 mph in 5.0 s, 155 mph limited, 249 g/km CO2; 640i: 5.7 s, 185 g/km[4](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/united-kingdom/article/detail/T0090154EN_GB/the-new-bmw-6-series-convertible?language=en_GB) |
| Weight | 1,840 kg (640i) and 1,915 kg (650i) unladen to DIN[3](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/attachment/T0127532EN/207801) |
## Launch and design
BMW announced the convertible in November 2010 as a longer, lower, and wider car than its predecessor: 74 mm longer at 4,894 mm, 39 mm wider at 1,894 mm, 8 mm lower at 1,365 mm, with a 75 mm longer wheelbase of 2,855 mm.[1](https://australiancar.reviews/review-bmw-f12-6-series-convertible-2011-18/) Static torsional rigidity increased by about 50 per cent over the E64, achieved with a multi-material body using high- and ultra-high-tensile steels, aluminum doors and bonnet, and plastic front side panels and boot lid.[1](https://australiancar.reviews/review-bmw-f12-6-series-convertible-2011-18/) • [5](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/attachment/T0089173EN/182586)
**The fin roof.** The soft-top carried a distinctive "fin" architecture along its flanks, available in three colors including a new Anthracite Silver effect.[4](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/united-kingdom/article/detail/T0090154EN_GB/the-new-bmw-6-series-convertible?language=en_GB) The roof opened in 19 seconds and closed in 24 seconds, and both operations worked at speeds up to 40 km/h; a small glass rear window could be opened separately.[1](https://australiancar.reviews/review-bmw-f12-6-series-convertible-2011-18/) • [6](https://www.autobild.de/artikel/bmw-6er-cabrio-fahrbericht-1013646.html) Boot capacity was 300 liters with the roof down, enough for two golf bags, and 350 liters with it closed.[4](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/united-kingdom/article/detail/T0090154EN_GB/the-new-bmw-6-series-convertible?language=en_GB)
## Powertrain
At launch the range consisted of the 650i, on sale from May 2011, and the 640i, which followed in August.[1](https://australiancar.reviews/review-bmw-f12-6-series-convertible-2011-18/) The 640i used the 3.0-liter N55 turbocharged inline six with 235 kW at 5,800–6,000 rpm and 450 Nm at 1,300–4,500 rpm; the 650i used the 4.4-liter N63 twin-turbo V8 with 300 kW at 5,500–6,400 rpm and 600 Nm at 1,750–4,500 rpm, its turbochargers mounted in the V between the cylinder banks.[1](https://australiancar.reviews/review-bmw-f12-6-series-convertible-2011-18/) • [4](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/united-kingdom/article/detail/T0090154EN_GB/the-new-bmw-6-series-convertible?language=en_GB) Both drove the rear wheels through an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with steering-wheel shift paddles.[1](https://australiancar.reviews/review-bmw-f12-6-series-convertible-2011-18/)
In September 2012 the 650i received the revised N63TU engine with 330 kW at 5,500–6,000 rpm and 650 Nm at 2,000–4,500 rpm.[1](https://australiancar.reviews/review-bmw-f12-6-series-convertible-2011-18/) A diesel 640d was also offered in some markets.[7](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0117933EN/specifications-of-the-new-bmw-6-series-convertible-09/2011?language=en) [Car and Driver](https://www.edgepedia.org/car-and-driver)'s test of the 2012 650i [Convertible](https://www.edgepedia.org/convertible) recorded 0–60 mph in 4.7 seconds, 0–100 mph in 11 seconds, and 0.89 g on the skidpad, at 192.8 inches (4,898 mm) long.[8](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15123857/2012-bmw-650i-convertible-road-test-review/)
## Chassis and equipment
The F12 used all-aluminum double wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link "Integral-V" rear axle.[1](https://australiancar.reviews/review-bmw-f12-6-series-convertible-2011-18/) Drive Dynamic Control was standard, letting the driver choose gearbox, steering, and throttle responses, while the optional Adaptive Drive added electrically controlled dampers and active roll stabilization.[5](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/attachment/T0089173EN/182586) Integral Active Steering, which steered the rear wheels as well as the front, was another option.[5](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/attachment/T0089173EN/182586)
The convertible was the only car in its segment available with a Head-Up Display at launch, and its assistance options included a rear-view camera, Surround View, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, and the Parking Assistant.[5](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/attachment/T0089173EN/182586) Standard safety equipment included front, side, and door-mounted head airbags, an automatically deploying rollover bar, and seatbelt pretensioners.[1](https://australiancar.reviews/review-bmw-f12-6-series-convertible-2011-18/)
## Facelift (F12 LCI, 2015)
The Series II (F12.II) convertible, released in Australia in June 2015, brought Adaptive LED headlights as standard, a redesigned kidney grille and aprons, and five new paint finishes.[1](https://australiancar.reviews/review-bmw-f12-6-series-convertible-2011-18/) Inside it added the latest-generation Head-Up Display and optional bi-color leather.[1](https://australiancar.reviews/review-bmw-f12-6-series-convertible-2011-18/) Standard equipment was extended with DAB+ radio, the Surround View camera system, soft-close doors and a wind deflector, and safety kit gained Driving Assistant Plus with forward collision and pedestrian warning with city braking, monitoring traffic up to 50 meters ahead.[1](https://australiancar.reviews/review-bmw-f12-6-series-convertible-2011-18/) The Parking Assistant could identify parallel parking spaces and steer into them while the driver controlled the pedals.[1](https://australiancar.reviews/review-bmw-f12-6-series-convertible-2011-18/)
## Reception and recalls
Reviewers praised the powertrains, the refined eight-speed automatic, and the interior finish, but were consistent about the car's character. Autocar called it a capable grand tourer that could play almost any role, yet "an uncommunicative driver's car" with lifeless steering and uninvolving handling given its size and weight.[9](https://d2km96w3x5blkf.cloudfront.net/car-review/bmw/6-series-2011-2018) Australian Car.Reviews listed the same trade-offs: powerful engines and competent dynamics against suspension that lacked low-speed compliance, steering without feedback, and a cramped rear seat.[1](https://australiancar.reviews/review-bmw-f12-6-series-convertible-2011-18/)
In 2016, BMW recalled 1,609 US-market 2012 F12 convertibles, built between October 2010 and June 2011, under safety recall 16V-746 for the low-pressure electric in-tank fuel pump, whose connector could be damaged and cause a fuel leak or a stalling condition.[10](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2016/RMISC-16V364-5773.pdf)
## References
1. [Review: BMW F12 6-Series convertible (2011-18), Australian Car.Reviews](https://australiancar.reviews/review-bmw-f12-6-series-convertible-2011-18/)
2. [The new BMW 6 Series Convertible, BMW PressClub (Africa/Eastern Europe media information, 11/2010)](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/africa-dom-easteurope/article/attachment/T0090274EN/136485)
3. [Specifications BMW 6 Series Convertible 640i/650i, valid from 7/2012, BMW PressClub](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/attachment/T0127532EN/207801)
4. [The new BMW 6 Series Convertible, BMW PressClub United Kingdom, 18 November 2010](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/united-kingdom/article/detail/T0090154EN_GB/the-new-bmw-6-series-convertible?language=en_GB)
5. [The new BMW 6 Series Convertible press kit, BMW PressClub Global, 11/2010](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/attachment/T0089173EN/182586)
6. [BMW 6er Cabrio F12: Fahrbericht, AUTO BILD](https://www.autobild.de/artikel/bmw-6er-cabrio-fahrbericht-1013646.html)
7. [Specifications of the new BMW 6 Series Convertible, 09/2011, BMW PressClub Global](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0117933EN/specifications-of-the-new-bmw-6-series-convertible-09/2011?language=en)
8. [Tested: 2012 BMW 650i Convertible, Car and Driver](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15123857/2012-bmw-650i-convertible-road-test-review/)
9. [BMW 6 Series (2011-2018) Review, Autocar](https://d2km96w3x5blkf.cloudfront.net/car-review/bmw/6-series-2011-2018)
10. [Safety Recall 16V-746 In-Tank Fuel Pump, NHTSA](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2016/RMISC-16V364-5773.pdf)
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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Technology and the built world › Transport and spaceflight › Road transport › Automobiles › German automobile models › BMW models*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Oct 15, 2026 · Edited: Oct 15, 2026 · Last review: Oct 15, 2026*
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License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license