2012 & 2013 BMW Convertible Reviews & Ratings

German luxury auto manufacturer BMW has been around since 1917, and its convertible models have always been an important part of the company's image. BMW is known for extreme attention to quality and detail and luxurious, sleek styling. Currently, the German auto manufacturer has five convertible models (with several variants and trims available) in its lineup: the 2012 BMW 1 Series convertible, the 2012 BMW 3-Series convertible, the 2012 BMW M3 convertible, the BMW Z4 convertible, and the 20... (full review continues below)

German luxury auto manufacturer BMW has been around since 1917, and its convertible models have always been an important part of the company's image. BMW is known for extreme attention to quality and detail and luxurious, sleek styling. Currently, the German auto manufacturer has five convertible models (with several variants and trims available) in its lineup: the 2012 BMW 1 Series convertible, the 2012 BMW 3-Series convertible, the 2012 BMW M3 convertible, the BMW Z4 convertible, and the 2012 BMW 6 Series convertible. All of these convertible models are known for their sleek appearance and amazing power.

The BMW 1 Series was first launched in 2004 and is the company's smallest sized car. It is also available in coupe and hatchback variants. This convertible shares many technology, hardware, powertrain, chassis, and structural features with the more grandiose BMW 3 Series. The 1 Series debuted as an answer to BMW enthusiasts that wanted a lower point of entry in the market for the brand as the BMW 3-Series began inching its way up in price. The first 1 Series convertible variant produced in the summer of 2007, but the first 1 Series was a three-door hatchback. This convertible is produced in the manufacturer's home country of German and has a starting price around $37k for the BMW 128i Convertible and around $44k for the 135i Convertbile. For the 2012 year, 1 Series convertible comes with through-load rear seats standard, and the Alpine White paint color has been added to the line for no extra fee. All 3-Series vehicles come with iPod and USB integration. These convertibles compete with the Chevy Camaro and the Ford Mustang.

The BMW 3 Series is a line of compact executive cars which has been produced since the 1975 model year and is now in its sixth generation. It comes in coupe, sport sedan, convertible, and station wagon variants. The 3 Series Convertible comes in the following models: the 328i convertible, the 335i convertible, and the 335i xDrive convertible (in order of lowest to highest price, around $47k-$61k). The 3 Series is known for blending excellent handling, good looks, and a roomy interior. The 2012 BMW M3 Series is based on the standard 3 Series, but it has a lot more power. This M convertible's pricing starts around $68k, and it produces 414 horsepower. It competes with the Volvo 370 and the Saab 9-3.

The BMW 6 Series is the company's grand touring luxury sport line and is based on the platform of the 5 Series. The 5 Series coupe first appeared in 2002 when it replaced the BMW Z3 and Z4. For 2012, the 6 Series convertible only comes in one trim, which is priced at $108,150. The 6 series vehicles are some of the largest BMW offers. They have a long hood and a sleek, curvy body.

The BMW Z4 convertible is priced starting around $49,000. The first Z4 came in coupe and roadster form and was produced in 2002. It offers good looks and moderately sporty performance. Three trims are available: the sDrive28i Convertible, the sDrive35i Convertible, and the sDrive35is Convertible. For 2012, the Z4 doesn't include its traditional handbrake-an electrical button-activated unit has taken its place. It competes with the Porsche Boxster and the Audi TTS.