For decades, BMW has churned out some of the best driver’s cars on the market. While far from cheap, enthusiasts could get behind the wheel of a Bavarian driving machine for much less than it would cost to buy an exotic sports car, without sacrificing an ounce of fun.
While tin-top models tend to be better track missiles, it’s hard to argue against a convertible for fun road use, and that’s where most of these cars will be driven anyway. Let’s look at some of the best BMW convertibles ever.
Why We Picked These Convertible BMWs
We’ve dug deep into BMW’s history to find the Bavarian brand’s 20 best and/or coolest BMW convertibles ever made, based on a mix of design, performance, rarity, cultural impact, and enthusiast appeal. These aren’t just the fastest or most expensive drop-top Bimmers; they’re the ones that truly made a mark.
All the info is from BMW or reputable automotive sites, such as Car & Driver, Top Gear, and others. The cars are not ranked in any particular order.
BMW E30 M3 Convertible (1988–1991)
BMW M says only 786 E30 M3 Convertibles were made, making it an ultra-rare and highly collectible model. This was the first convertible M car, and the only drop-top M3 powered by the original four-cylinder S14 engine.
It was based on the M3 homologation special, which means it’s practically a race car underneath. Early cars had 195 horsepower, but this was later pumped up to 215 hp, giving the four-seater a top speed of 149 mph — almost unbelievable at the time!
BMW 507 Roadster (1956–1959)
The 507 is the original BMW super-roadster, and is often considered the Holy Grail of vintage BMWs. It also happens to be one of the most breathtaking cars to ever emerge from Bavaria. According to the BMW Group, the 507 was introduced at the request of New York-based car importer Maxie Hoffman.
As per Mason & Sons, Hoffman had previously convinced Mercedes to build the 300 SL Gullwing and was also involved in developing the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider and the Porsche 356 Speedster. Unfortunately, the aluminum-bodied 507 was too expensive and never found success, even though Elvis Presley and Fred Astaire, among other superstars, owned one. When production ended in 1959, only 252 cars were made, and it nearly bankrupted BMW. Still, we’d love to take one of these beauties for a spin, just to hear that 150-horsepower 3.2-liter V8 engine roar.
BMW Z8 Roadster (2000–2003)
The Z8 is a retro-modern V8 masterpiece built to celebrate the aforementioned BMW 507, and even appeared in the James Bond movie The World Is Not Enough. As reported by MotorTrend, you’d find the 295-hp 4.9-liter V8 engine from the contemporary M5 under its hood, which translates to a sub-five-second 60 mph time and a potential top speed of 180 mph… except BMW decided to limit it to 155 mph.
At the time, it consistently outperformed many of its competitors, but some journalists and owners complained that it was too track-focused. In 2003, Alpina took over production and turned it into a more relaxed grand touring car, and some enthusiasts say that version is much better for daily use.
BMW Z1 Roadster (1989–1991)
BMW introduced the Z1 in 1987 as a stylish roadster with a low-slung body. It was way ahead of its time, and to this day, the Z1 remains one of BMW’s quirkiest and coolest creations. It came armed with some groundbreaking features, such as plastic body panels and drop-down doors. As per the BMW Group, these plastic panels were designed to be swapped quickly so owners could change their car’s color in less than an hour.
The Z1 was only available with the 2.5-liter engine and manual transmission from the E30 3-Series, and with 170 hp, it was decently quick for the era.
BMW E46 M3 Convertible (2001–2006)
Some car enthusiasts will tell you that the E46 BMW M3 is one of the brand’s most iconic cars. Okay, I admit it. It’s me. I’m that enthusiast! But there are some good reasons for this.
As per BMW M, the E46, like the original E30 M3, had wider fenders than the regular 3 Series lineup, separating it from the rest. It also featured other exterior changes, such as aerodynamic mirrors and different bumpers. Packing a high-revving, naturally-aspirated 3.2-liter straight-six engine, BMW Blog reports that it feels just as raw and analog as the coupe, and that’s a good thing!
BMW E36 M3 Convertible (1994–1999)
Whereas its predecessor and successor, the E30 and E46, respectively, are considered raw driving machines for the purists, the E36 M3 offers a more mature and understated experience, but it’s still quick and fun. It’s worth noting that the North American version is not as good as the European one we’re talking about here.
Part of the reason why it’s so much fun is found at the front. Early Euro-spec E36 M3s were packing a 3.0-liter straight-six unit producing 286 hp, and it grew to 3.2 liters and 321 hp in 1995. With that kind of power, the BMW M3 was able to sprint to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds
BMW E85 Z4 M Roadster (2006–2008)
The E85 Z4M is the rawest of the Z4s, and that’s exactly what makes it so desirable. Like certain other Bimmers from this era, the Z4 has aged like fine wine, and I think it actually looks better today than it did a decade ago. The E85 BMW Z4 M succeeded the BMW Z3, and just like its predecessor, it’s something of a parts-bin special. However, that doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s an excellent sports car, as reported by Evo Magazine.
Under the hood, it has the same inline-six engine as the E46 M3, and all its firepower is aimed at the rear wheels via a manual transmission, resulting in a 0 to 60 mph time of just 4.8 seconds. A true enthusiast’s car!
BMW G29 Z4 M40i (2019–Present)
The original Z4 is a bit long in the tooth, and its rawness certainly isn’t for everyone. BMW’s latest Z4 M40i is a much more sophisticated affair, and arguably the best everyday car of all the Z4 generations.
Many enthusiasts already know that its platform is the same as the one Toyota’s latest Supra is built on, but that’s not a bad thing. As reported by Car and Driver, this roadster has a sporty character thanks to its powerful engine and dynamic handling. It features a 3.0-liter inline-6 twin-turbo engine producing 382 German racehorses, and it’s now available in a Handschalter trim (German for handshifter), meaning it has a manual transmission. There’s also an M-specific aerodynamic package and M Sport brakes, and the interior includes M Sport seats and digital features like the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
BMW F91 M8 Convertible (2020–Present)
BMW’s M8 convertible is a fast and flashy grand tourer with M car credentials. According to BMW M, it’s available with the Competition Package, meaning its M TwinPower Turbo 8-cylinder gasoline engine will deliver an astonishing 625 hp, giving it near-supercar performance.
Zero to 62 mph is dealt with in a mere 3.3 seconds, and the driver has plenty of assists and settings to play with, whether it’s to optimize on-track performance or cross continents in style and comfort.
BMW i8 Roadster (2018–2020)
The sound of car enthusiasts’ jaws collectively hitting the floor reverberated through the automotive world when BMW unveiled the i8 at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Unlike anything we’d seen from BMW since the M1, this futuristic plug-in hybrid offered proper supercar looks. Granted, the final car wasn’t superfast, but it’s still incredibly cool — especially the Roadster that arrived in 2018.
As Car and Driver explains, the i8 had a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine from the Mini behind the driver, and it got some assistance from an 11.6-kWh battery pack and two electric motors, for a total of 369 hp. The icing on the cake? The i8 Roadster offered 35 MPGe and could travel 22 miles on electricity only.
BMW G14 M850i Convertible (2019–Present)
Scott Evans at MotorTrend said the 8 Series drop-top is a large and heavy brute, but other than its width, it still feels as nimble and agile as its smaller 4 Series sibling. We have modern technology to thank for that.
Under the long, sleek hood, there’s a 4.4-liter V8 pumping out 523 horses and a glorious soundtrack. The power is sent to all four wheels, with a bias towards the rear.
BMW E88 135i Convertible (2008–2013)
While the BMW 1M is going down in history as one of the coolest Bimmers ever made, it was never available in convertible form, so we’ll have to settle for the 135i. No worries, though, as it’s still a very competent little car. Compact, RWD, and powered by a turbocharged inline-6, some would say this was the last of the small, tossable BMW convertibles.
Under the hood, the 135i has a turbocharged 3.0-liter producing over 300 hp, as per Autoevolution. This little demon puppy also has a design that has stood the test of time, and it still looks stylish today.
BMW E30 3 Series Convertible (1985–1993)
We’ve already covered the rare E30 M3, but even the regular E30 3 Series convertible impressed motoring journalists back in the day. This is the quintessential classic BMW cabriolet, complete with an elegant, boxy design. While it’s never been considered rare, it’s now a sought-after collector’s item, and prices have skyrocketed.
According to BMW Group, it was the first convertible Bimmer built in the factory since the 503 model from the 1950s. BMW offered it with a range of four and six-cylinder powerplants, but we’d steer clear of the lethargic smaller engines and opt for a 325i with 170 hp and a manual transmission.
BMW F83 M4 Convertible (2014–2020)
2014 brought with it a bunch of changes for BMW’s sporty convertible. The M4 now replaced the M3, and BMW also got rid of the V8 as they returned to the trusty straight-six. Some things didn’t change, as the new F83 M4 Convertible still had a metal folding roof, just like its predecessor.
As mentioned, a six-cylinder now lived under the hood, and thanks to its M TwinPower Turbo technology, it housed 431 horses. The Bavarians weren’t satisfied, however, and in 2016, power increased to 450 stallions in the Competition model. It also received Adaptive M suspension as standard and a better exhaust note. Zero to 62 mph was done in just 4.3 seconds, and with the M Driver’s Package, it managed a top speed of 174 mph.
BMW E64 M6 Convertible (2006–2010)
At first glance, there’s not much that separates the E64 BMW M6 Convertible from its lesser siblings. Sure, there are two extra exhaust end-pipes at the rear, and a larger front apron. Other than that, it seems normal enough. Until you fire up the engine.
Thanks to its infamous 5.0-liter V10 mill, this is convertible madness! It looks tame, sounds like an F1 car, and with over 500 hp, it drives like a cruise missile. It’s not the most reliable Bimmer ever, but it certainly is one of the coolest.
BMW E46 330Ci Convertible (2003-2007)
As awesome as the E46 BMW M3 is, the 330Ci is almost as good for a fraction of the price. You don’t have to take my word for it, James Martin from JayEmm on Cars says it’s way better than the M3.
The 330Ci has a 3.0-liter straight-six engine with roughly 230 hp, sending it to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Subtle, clean design with solid performance thanks to its agile chassis, rear-wheel drive, and manual gearbox, it’s the perfect Sunday car. Few cars from this era can match the Bimmer’s driving dynamics, and right now, it’s probably as cheap as it’ll ever be.
BMW F12 M6 Convertible (2012–2018)
BMW may have discontinued the V10 engine for the F12 generation M6 Convertible, but it certainly wasn’t lacking in the power department. With a twin-turbocharged V8 engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, this was a refined brute offering GT comfort and massive performance.
Unlike its predecessor, this M6 looked much meaner than the rest of the 6 Series lineup, as reported by Autoevolution, and it had a sporty yet luxurious interior that road trip enthusiasts would love to spend their time in.
BMW Z3 M Roadster (1997-2002)
BMW sold the Z3 M Roadster between 1997 and 2002, and it’s a traditional sports car in every sense, with a front-mounted six-cylinder engine, manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, and a convertible roof.
Today, the Z3 M is an underappreciated classic, often overlooked in favor of the E46 M3 or the newer Z4 models. Under its long hood, we find the same naturally aspirated inline-six as used in the E36 M3, and with 321 hp, it would launch to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds.
BMW E93 M3 Cabriolet (2007-2013)
Introduced in 2007, the E93 BMW M3 is a unique model as it’s the only mass-produced M3 powered by a V8 engine. And what a V8 it was! This 4.0-liter mill pumped out over 400 racehorses, and combined with the new double-clutch transmission M DKG, the BMW M3 Convertible sprinted from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.1 seconds.
The V8 and transmission weren’t the only new innovations, as the E93 also had an electro-hydraulic metal folding roof, so it was more coupe-like when the roof was up, adding to its racetrack affinity.
E85 Alpina Z4 Roadster S (2003–2006)
As reported by MotorAuthority, Alpina is now owned by BMW, but that wasn’t always the case. In fact, up until 2022, Alpina was a separate company. While we looked at the E85 BMW Z4 M earlier, the Alpina Roadster S is a very different animal. It may look like a regular Z4 with different rims and a body kit, but according to the Alpina Register, the tuning company made over 2,000 changes to the BMW Z4.
Alpina based it on the 3.0i Z4, but gave it a larger 3.4-liter engine. The Roadster S was produced for three model years, and only 370 cars were built.
A Small Selection of Drop-Top Bimmers
As we’ve now covered, BMW has built some of the best cars for driving enthusiasts who want to feel the wind in their hair while traveling on their favorite stretch of road.
This article was far from exhaustive, and if you feel there are some models that deserve a spot, let us know in the comments.