In the beginning of the year we all exchange the best wishes for another, and it is therefore only fitting that we focus here on the unique programme BMW has in store for its customers, which makes all their wishes come true, and which is named « BMW Individual ».

The BMW can be personalized through individual paintwork, upholstery, interior trim and last but not least interior equipment. The array which is on offer here is truly amazing, and we can cite here only a few examples, lifting only a tip of the veil… and truly, we were amazed ourselves ! It is a good example of what « upmarket » manufacturers are doing in this respect nowadays, and show you the « state of the art » solutions now on offer…

BMW individual paintwork

The BMW Individual paint finish is far more than just a color. It has a characteristic brilliance and unique changing effects : depending on the light, the fine pigment coating creates ever-changing nuances in the paint finish, giving a sense of depth to the surface.

Special paint « high tech » provides also unique effects. For instance, BMW offers Xirallic® paint

colors. Xirallic®, which is actually developed by the company Merck, is paintwork that has an iridescent glitter effect and an extraordinary color brilliance. For the Individual programme, it is available in the colors Ruby Black metallic and Azurite Black metallic.

Then there is the unique shimmering effect obtained by the use of mircronized Titanium Dioxide. This pigment, abbreviated TiO2, has a brightness which it is surpassed only by diamond…and is used in the BMW Individual paint color « Moonstone metallic » and « Aventurine Silver metallic » and

generates a light effect that changes between bluish and golden yellow. Finally, there is the BMW Individual colour « Diamond Metallic », which uses Variochrome®, designed by BASF, to change color depending on the viewing angle of the observer…

BMW Individual Upholstery

The BMW Individual programme offers a so-called « Merino » leather, which is a largely natural, thick leather with great texture. The leather receives no additional surface treatment, neither coatings nor artificial stamping; high demands are placed on quality already in the raw material stage, since only hides with a flawless surface (as few lesions or mosquito bites as possible) can be used.

BMW Individual has also introduced an innovative SunReflective Technology, SRT, which is especially

suited for cabrios. Due to a special treatment of the leather, areas that are exposed to direct sunlight are not heating up…

BMW Individual Interior trim.

A car interior can really stand out with its exclusive trim. And here too, the Individual programme has a few things in store for the connaisseur. The fine woods are of course hand sorted and of the finest quality and finish.

For lovers of classic yachts, the trim « Mahogany Maritime » is just fine. It is made from mahogany wood,

the maritime character of which is highlighted by means of maple strips. But if you are more the artistic type and appreciate discrete elegance, you can also choose the moulding « Piano lacquer », which makes use of piano lacquer technology…

Individual Interior Equipment.

Besides map-reading lamps with large illuminating power are integrated in the console insert of the rear roof lining, BMW has also for its demanding (business) customers a Multifunctional Centre Console in the rear car interior.

You have a choice between four function units integrated in this centre console.

Each function unit has a swivel table to which you can also add a second table, a storage shelf, a bar compartment or a multifunctional communication unit according to your individual requirements.

You can have a centre console with two tables, or a centre console with one table and storage shelf, where you can tuck away your laptop for example. Or you can choose a console with table and bar equipment and last but not least a console with table and multifunctional communication unit.

BMW Individual Rear Seat Infotainment

Of course rear passengers can be entertained by two 6.5 inch LCD monitors which are integrated elegantly into the headrests of the front seats. While you are travelling, it is possible to receive television broadcasts and watch DVD films in 16:9 format…

As said, we are only lifting a tip of the veil here, as you can also choose the Infotainment online system, with individual online access for both rear passengers, and of course the computer tucked in the luggage compartment of the car.

If course there is the High End Audio system to choose from, with a perfect matching of the loudspeakers and time-aligned reproduction through DIRAC signal processing results in a unique sound experience. This DIRAC signal processing is used exclusively by BMW. This means time-delayed sound reflections in the interior of the vehicle that superimpose the original sound are reduced. The vehicle is acoustically measured and corresponding corrective functions are calculated. This leads to a sound fidelity reproduction previously unheard of and guarantees time-aligned reproduction for all occupants….

Sounds great isn’t it ?

Further individual options

Finally, you can personalize your BMW with logos on the headrests, individual soft top colours and individual logos on the rear sublinds for example… and of course your initials in the I-drive controller for that unique individual BMW « signature » … or have your favorite watches with you as in this BMW especially made "Indivdual" for Gerard Perrigaux...

Hans Knol ten Bensel