E64 · 650i Convertible

What the BMW E64 Is

The BMW E64 is the soft-top convertible version of the 6 Series, sharing its underpinnings and much of its front-end styling with the E63 coupe. Penned during the polarizing Chris Bangle era, the E64 pairs dramatic, flowing bodywork with a genuine four-seat grand-touring mission. Its multi-layer fabric roof retains classic convertible character while folding cleanly to preserve trunk usability. Underneath, the platform borrows heavily from the contemporary E60 5 Series, giving the E64 a stiff structure, aluminum front suspension components, and a rear-biased chassis balance that rewards spirited driving.

These are the 2007-2010 facelift ("LCI") cars, which brought revised electronics, updated iDrive, and detail styling changes over the earlier pre-facelift 6 Series. You can confirm exactly what you're looking at with our VIN decoder.

Models & Engines Offered

In the United States, the E64 was offered in two distinct flavors:

• 650i Convertible — powered by the 4.8-liter N62 V8, producing around 360 horsepower and paired with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. This is the effortless cruiser of the lineup, delivering strong torque and relaxed long-distance manners.
• M6 Convertible — the high-performance flagship, powered by the screaming 5.0-liter S85 V10 derived from BMW's Formula 1-era engineering. Making roughly 500 horsepower and revving past 8,000 rpm, it was mated to the seven-speed SMG single-clutch automated manual.

To understand how these engines fit into BMW's broader engineering story, see our BMW DNA overview.

What It's Like to Own & Buy

The E64 delivers a rare combination: open-air motoring with serious performance credentials. The 650i is the more sensible ownership proposition, offering V8 muscle without the complexity of the M car. The M6 Convertible, by contrast, is a specialist purchase—the S85 V10 is spectacular but demands meticulous maintenance, and the SMG gearbox has a distinct, sometimes jerky low-speed character that not every driver enjoys.

Buying Considerations

• M6 V10: budget for premium maintenance, including rod bearing awareness, and verify a documented service history.
• SMG transmission: confirm smooth operation and check for stored fault codes; hydraulic pump health is important.
• Convertible top: exercise the roof fully during inspection and check for hydraulic leaks or motor faults.
• Electronics: the iDrive and comfort systems are complex—verify everything functions.

Notable Strengths

The E64 stands out for its exotic-feeling driving experience, particularly in M6 form where the V10 soundtrack is unmatched among production BMWs. Build quality is high, the chassis is composed, and the design has aged into a genuine modern classic. Cross-shoppers may also consider the related E65 7 Series for similar-era luxury technology, but the E64 remains the definitive open-top expression of this generation.