BMW Convertibles Since 2001

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I seldom write about convertibles because passenger compartment greenhouses require plenty of styling effort that's not required for convertibles.  However, I am now inspired to write about some BMW convertibles because my fiancée recently bought the 2013 328i convertible shown in the photo above (that's my '19 Toyota RAV4 in the background).

Hers is a retractible hardtop model that requires a good deal of space in the trunk area.  The following image of a 2014 BMW 4 Series Convertible retraction stage might offer an idea as to what goes on and why aft ends of BMW convertibles are shaped the way they are.


The images below of various BMW convertibles starting with the 2001 model year are side views intended to show the top storage areas in profile for comparison.  All images are factory-sourced photos.   Some cars shown have retractible hardtops, others are conventional soft top convertibles.

Gallery

2001 BMW M3 Convertible
All the cars shown here have a high, nearly flat trunk lid area top -- regardless of whether the retractible top is hard or soft.

2007 BMW 335i Convertible
This is an early variation of my fiancée's car.  Note the aft cut line for hardtop retraction.

2012 BMW 1 Series Convertible
The smallest BMW convertible, probably a soft top model.

2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible
The convertible version of the 5 Series sedans --  soft top raised.

2014 BMW 4 Series Convertible
The same car as in the retraction photo in the text above.  The 4 Series name was introduced for 2014 to differentiate convertibles and coupes from 3 Series sedans.

2015 BMW 6 Series Convertible
A 6 Series with the top lowered.

2018 BMW 2 Series Convertible
Convertible version of 1 Series BMWs.

2018 BMW 4 Series Convertible
Recent 4 Series.  Restyled, but the high trunk area is retained.

2019 BMW 8 Series Convertible
Recent convertible version of 7 Series sedans.  The rear overhang is longer than on 2 Series and 4 Series cars.

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