Can you imagine any BMW being overlooked?

Neither could I.

But some don't get quite the notice from buyers and enthusiasts as the others, and this summer, as you do your shopping, you might want to take notice.

	The BMS 6 Series coupe. Click image for larger version.

The BMW 6 Series is a lovely coupe and convertible that are at the top of their game when it comes to road manners and style. Prices start at $74,700 and top out at $81,700, so that leaves a good number of us out. But we can all dream can't we?

These cars have lots to recommend them. Handling is top notch -- the best I've encountered for a car its size. It has just the right balance of steering and brakes so that you aren't overtaxed, but still engaged in how the car is driving. The interior is beautiful and made only of the best materials. And if you're traveling, it has a nice-sized trunk.

Problems? The styling may be a bit too over the top for some, but I liked it. The iDrive system isn't a lot of fun to fiddle with. And if you order the SMG sequential manual transmission, you may find that shifts aren't always as precise as you'd like and sometimes happen at inopportune moments in the automatic mode.

Standard equipment is extensive, including stability control, antilock brakes, a brake standby system that tightens the brake pads to the rotors if the driver suddenly steps off the gas pedal to prepare for a hard stop, side curtain air bags in the coupe and rollover protection in the convertible, real time traffic updates on the navigation system, a four-year subscription to BMW Assist, and an MP3 player input jack.

Now let's take a look at a BMW that is getting a lot of notice. But let me ask you a question first: Are you ready for some high energy this summer?

Then get yourself a high energy car -- the all new 2007 BMW 3 Series Convertible

I was lucky enough to drive a 335i convertible several months ago, and found it to be terrific traveling companion. The car handles like it's on rails, and it's structurally one of the tightest convertibles I've ever driven. I didn't see any cowl shake similar to what you see in convertibles everywhere -- there are plenty of extra structural reinforcements, I'm told.

And while we're talking structural matters, the big news is that the convertible has a hard top for inclement weather and cold conditions. It lifts at the touch of a button, and when it's down, it looks almost exactly like the roofline of the coupe.

The nice thing is that the power is both plentiful and spread across the entire engine range, from the time you start until you hit the high portion of the tachometer. The 300 horsepower, 3.0 liter in-line six really keeps things spirited, and it feels as fast as earlier generations of M3 BMWs of yore.

Word is that both models, when equipped with the powerful 3.0 liter in-line six, have performance so strong that they equal the legendary M3 of several years ago. The coupe version hits 60 in 4.8 or 4.9 seconds and I expect the convertible turn similar acceleration figures.

Convertible prices start at around $46,000. Prices range from $35,995 to $41,295. Expect mileage to be rated around 20 mpg city/30 highway.

As you might imagine, the standard equipment list is long and includes side air bags, ABS, traction and stability control systems, alloy wheels, flat tire warning indicator, full power accessories, xenon adaptive headlights with automatic leveling, eight-way adjustable seats and heated mirrors. There are the other niceties, such as your choice of four different trims for your interior -- dark burl walnut wood, light poplar natural wood, gray poplar wood and brushed aluminum.

What's coming in 2008

It's b-a-a-c-k!

BMW's bad boy M3 is about to reappear, this time with a new 414 horsepower, 4.0 liter V-8, and the all-new Three Series coupe body style that debuted earlier this year. This will be fun, I'm sure, especially when you consider that it will have even sportier suspension settings, a lightweight carbon fiber roof and other goodies.

In other news, the on-again, off-again BMW 1 Series, design to serve as an entry level product to draw people to the BMW line, is now on again, apparently for good. Look for a cute two-door coupe to hit showrooms in mid 2008, powered by either a 230 horsepower 3.0 liter six, or a 300 horsepower twin turbo inline six. It will be rear-wheel drive, have a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission option as well.