THE ULTIMATE TANNING MACHINE
2012 BMW 650i Convertible

By Harvey Schwartz Just in time for warmer spring and summer fun, BMW introduces its all-new, third generation 2012 650i convertible. It comes packaged with sleek and sexy styling, an excellent twin-turbocharged V8 engine, a high-tech eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters, a fully-independent suspension with four modes, large, four-wheel ventilated steel disc brakes—all riding on 20X9-inch alloy wheels that are wrapped with high-performance tires. Under the skin, this latest 6-Series BMW convertible has it all to keep any automotive enthusiast happy behind the wheel. There’s more. The interior is new and very sumptuous, with the latest innovative infotainment and safety features to keep you and your passengers safe. The all-new, third generation 650i convertible is priced at $91,375. Our fully loaded test model stickers for $105,025.

The signature BMW dual kidney chrome grille, a black lower grille, a sweeping hood, aft-set passenger compartment, long wheelbase and muscular profile embody the hallmark proportions of a BMW convertible. It combines these features with a classic, multi-layered canvas soft-top roof with a flying buttress design. When the one-touch, automatic roof is lowered or raised (in just 20 seconds), you’ll notice the chrome strip from the windshield pillar to around the belt line and finishing at the rear of the thick convertible top, giving the car an even more elegant look. HID and LED front and rear lamp clusters, lighted pull-out door handles, deep lower side extensions, a lip spoiler and wide, rectangular chrome dual exhaust tips are just a sampling of the exterior touches. Upon placing pedal to the metal, we are amazed at the power developed by the 4.4 liter, twin-turbocharged, all-aluminum V8 engine. This direct injection design generates 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. The unique ‘reverse-flow’ engine, whose turbochargers are positioned in the V-area between the cylinder banks, produces an instantaneous and sustained wave of power, making it an energetic delight for the enthusiast driver. Mated to the all-new eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters enables you to keep in low gear up to redline, with sprints to 60 mph from a standstill in less than five seconds. The launch control feature is spectacular as you are firmly pinned to the seatback, rocketing out from a standstill. And yet this high-performance powertrain returns a respectable 16mpg/city and 24mpg/highway EPA fuel economy rating.

The driving fun is further enhanced with the standard Driving Dynamics Control, providing four settings to choose from depending on how you want your car to respond. Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport + modes using the large rocker switch on the center console. The fully independent suspension features a double wishbone front axle, active dampers, coil springs and stabilizer bar, while the multi-link rear axle features active dampers, coil springs and a stabilizer bar. The chassis is geared to the requirements of drivers with sporting intentions but a comfortable ride over poorly paved roads is ensured in the comfort mode. The new 650i is the first car in its class that can be equipped with Integral Active Steering. This system combines the Active Steering system for the front axle with a new, steerable rear axle. Precisely harmonized steering angle movements at both axles create a virtual lengthening or shortening of the vehicle’s wheelbase, which fosters great high-speed stability and enhanced maneuverability in city traffic. Quickly and safely slowing you down from speed are large 13.7 inch, vented front discs clamped with four-piston calipers, while 13.6 inch vented discs clamped with dual-piston calipers are in the rear. Precision and effectiveness is reinforced with Dynamic Stability Control, ABS, Traction Control, Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Brake Control, and an automatic Brake Drying function with Brake Fade Compensation, all working together to give you more power and control in emergency situations or when braking on slick pavement.

The comfortable and elegant interior is designed to be a 2+2 with the traditional BMW driver-oriented cockpit. Its interior offers 14-way power adjustable, Nappa leather front bucket seats with variable side bolstering and heating and cooling functions. High quality leather, wood and chrome are meticulously formed to produce an ambience defined by luxury, a sweeping style and Teutonic functionality. The driver oriented cockpit layout features a central section of the instrument panel, containing the iDrive system’s Central Display, the air vents and the controls for the Surround Sound AM/FM/CD/DVD/MP3/iPod/Sirius Satellite premium audio system and A/C, all angled slightly toward you. The gearshift lever and switches for the electronic parking brake, roof operation and Driving Dynamics Control are located on a surface that opens out toward you and is set lower than the front passenger side of the center console. Control and comfort come naturally. Standard equipment includes a rearview camera, ambient lighting, Park Distance Control, navigation system, Bluetooth, all express up/down windows, power door locks, heated side mirrors, self-dimming rearview mirror, and dynamic cruise control. Safety systems include driver/front passenger airbags, side-impact airbags, three-point safety belts, push button start/stop, keyless entry, tire pressure monitoring system, rollover protection, and front/rear/side crush protection. The all-new 2012 BMW 650i convertible is one of the best 2+2 luxury sport coupes on the market, combining the best from BMW’s long history of offering the Ultimate Driving Machine.

© Words and pictures by Harvey Schwartz For more information about BMW products, go to bmwusa.com SPECIFICATIONS Name of vehicle: 2012 BMW 650i Convertible Price: $90,500.00 base/$105,025.00 as tested loaded EPA fuel economy rating: 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway Engine: 4.4 liter, all-alloy,32-valve, twin-power turbo, high precision direct injection, 4-overhead camshafts, and double-VANOS stepless variable valve timing

Horsepower: 400 at 5500 rpm Torque: 450 pound-feet at 1750 rpm Transmission: 8-speed automatic with paddle shifting sequential drive Suspension: Front: independent, double-wishbone, coil springs, active dampers, stabilizer bar Rear: independent multi-link, coil springs, active dampers, stabilizer bar Brakes Front: 13.7 inch vented discs/4-piston calipers Rear: 13.6 inch vented discs/dual-piston calipers ABS, dynamic brake control, brake fade control, brake drying, brake stand-by Wheels Front: 20 X 8.5-inch lightweight alloy wheels/Rear: 20X9in. lightweight alloy wheels Tires Dunlop low profile high-performance Front: 245/35R20 Rear: 275/30R20 Dimensions Total length: 192.8 inches Total width: 74.6 inches Total height: 53.7 inches Curb weight: 4,497 pounds