BMW 6 Series Convertible joins BMW 6 Series Coupé at March '04 launch

BMW today lifts the lid on the new BMW 6 Series Convertible that will debut at
the NAIAS, Detroit in January. Priced at £55,355 on-the-road (manual) and
£56,705 (automatic), the BMW 645Ci Convertible goes on sale in the UK from
March 2004 alongside the acclaimed Coupé variant.

With its award-winning V8 engine, chassis and body panels using lightweight
materials, an almost perfect 50:50 weight distribution and a stylish roof
design, the new BMW 6 Series Convertible offers an intoxicating mix of sports
car performance, grand tourer practicality and drop-top motoring.

Raising the roof
Available in either grey or black, the vinyl roof is raised and lowered at the
touch of a button on the dashboard or via key fob activated remote control. In
around 20 seconds - and at speeds of up to 20 mph - six hydraulic cylinders
guide the compact roof into its housing, without significantly compromising
luggage compartment space.

Rather than designing a Coupé then removing the roof, BMW designed the
Convertible alongside the Coupé, resulting in the drop-top retaining a near
50:50 weight distribution. The roof's relatively low weight also contributes
to the car's solid driving feel.

With the roof down, drivers will appreciate a throaty exhaust note that
reflects the power of the V8 VALVETRONIC engine. However, when up, exterior
noise is kept to a minimum thanks to noise insulating polyurethane foam between
the rubberised outer layer and inner roof lining. The foam is also heat
insulated.

Coupé contours are reflected in striking C-pillar style 'fins'. A retractable
glass rear window is housed between the fins, offering draft free ventilation,
excellent visibility and impressive levels of noise insulation. This window is
not attached to the roof and can be raised and lowered into the space between
the luggage compartment and rear bulkhead whether the roof is up or down.

Another key factor for open-top motoring is that the designers have ensured
minimal wind ingress into the cockpit through careful attention to the car's
aerodynamics. At speeds of well over 100 mph, driver and front passenger will
experience very little turbulence.

With the roof up, the boot offers a capacious 350 litres of space and 300 when
down which is ample for a medium sized suitcase and up to two 46 kg golf bags.

6 packed with power:
BMW 6 Series Coupé and Convertible models are powered by the 2002 International
Engine of the Year. Under the bonnet, this V8 powerplant pushes the BMW 6
Series Convertible to 62 mph in just 6.1 seconds (6.2 seconds for the auto).
Top speed, available in fifth and sixth gears, is electronically limited to 155
mph.

Power and torque figures are predictably impressive. As with the Coupé, the BMW
6 Series Convertible achieves its maximum power of 333 bhp at 6,100 rpm with
maximum torque of 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) available at 3,700 rpm. BMW's VALVETRONIC
valve control and Bi-VANOS infinitely variable valve timing ensure that power
is used as efficiently as possible.

Three six-speed gearboxes are available, including a standard manual and
optional six-speed automatic with Steptronic. Completing the trio is BMW's
optional SMG Sequential Manual Gearbox, with leather sports steering
wheel-mounted 'up' and 'down' shift buttons offering drivers more than a hint
of Formula One gear changes.

Driving Dynamics Control (DDC) is standard with all gearbox options and is
operated by a Sport button on the centre console. DDC offers a more sporty
drive, by sharpening throttle reaction for more responsive acceleration, as
well as giving a more direct feel from the power assisted steering. Where an
automatic or SMG gearbox is fitted, DDC also up-shifts at a higher rev range.

Lightweight design:
While extremely stiff, the 645Ci Convertible weighs just 1,815kg, using a
combination of aluminium, steel and synthetic materials. This intelligent use
of lightweight materials includes aluminium bonnet and doors, thermoplastic
front wings and boot made of Sheet Moulding Compound (SMC).

The UK will see approximately 1,000 BMW 6 Series Convertible models a year from
2005 (around 6 - 700 in 2004), and along with the BMW 6 Series Coupé, the car
features a host of state-of-the-art and driver-oriented technologies including
Dynamic Drive, Active Steering and Dynamic Traction Control.

Dynamic Drive:
Dynamic Drive is BMW's revolutionary system of active anti-roll bars that
significantly reduces body sway in bends. Optional Dynamic Drive uses step
motors which build up counter forces on two anti roll bars, preventing
occupants being rocked from side to side, absorbing up to 80 per cent of roll
at lateral forces up to 0.6g. The result is a more comfortable ride even when
the car is being put through its paces on twisting mountain roads.

Active Steering and DSC:
Active Steering and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) are two driver assistance
systems that work together to enhance safety and stability of the new BMW 6
Series, without compromising driver involvement.

Debuting on the BMW 5 Series but tuned for the new BMW 6 Series, Active
Steering features a set of planetary gears powered by an electric motor. At low
speeds Active Steering amplifies driver inputs at the steering wheel, making it
easier to manoeuvre in town driving or when negotiating tight turns. Steering
becomes progressively more indirect and firm as speed increases, enhancing
stability and comfort ensuring smooth and precise handling at all speeds.

However Active Steering also helps prevent oversteer in corners by taking
information from DSC yaw sensors and creating subtle steering corrections. The
full range of DSC sensors - measuring steering wheel angle, individual wheel
speed, and yaw rate - supply the data that allows DSC to reduce engine power
and brakes individual wheels if absolutely necessary. However in hard
cornering, where oversteer threatens, the intervention of Active Steering means
DSC operates less frequently. The result is improved safety but a more
involving drive for purists.

For a sporty extension of DSC, drivers can also select Dynamic Traction Control
(DTC) by pressing the DSC button. This raises the limit at which engine torque
is reduced and moves braking to a looser 'slip threshold'. As well as aiding
performance, DTC improves traction on gravel, ice and snow. DSC can be fully
disengaged by pressing the button for over three seconds.

Even more technology
Describing the new BMW 6 Series line-up as a technological tour de force is no
exaggeration, with groundbreaking optional systems like Head-up Display (HUD),
Adaptive Headlamps and voice activated iDrive. It also includes recently EU
homologated Brake Force Display with LED lamps at the rear.

Brake Force Display warns drivers following the BMW 6 Series of any heavy
braking, with a brake lamp cluster that includes two sets of LEDs. Under normal
braking one set illuminate, however in emergency braking or where ABS
activates, a second set light up. Drivers following the BMW 6 Series are
immediately aware of emergency braking and are able to take evasive action,
cutting down on rear end shunts. Brake Force Display is also standard on BMW 3
Series and BMW 5 Series models.

Service Inclusive
Lowering ownership costs, BMW is offering its popular Service Inclusive package
featured on BMW 5 Series and BMW 7 Series models. This Europe-wide service and
maintenance package gives drivers five years or 60,000 miles of
maintenance-free ownership for a fixed fee of £750. It is also fully
transferable if the car is sold within that period.

Ends