PIONEERING A NEW FORM OF LUXURY.

The BMW Individual M850i NIGHT SKY is the latest example of those possibilities, embodying a new dimension of luxury and striving for absolute uniqueness in design and material selection. Its aesthetics are characterised by craftsmanship and uncompromising quality. The use of 3D printing signals its pioneering spirit and engineering artistry and – together with the meteorite, special paintwork and high-quality leather components – ensures maximum exclusivity.

// The striking appearance of the meteorite material could almost look as if it was created artificially. However, the unique pattern is actually of natural origin and occurs exclusively in cosmic projectiles like meteorites. The pattern, named after the Austrian scientist Alois von Beckh-Widmanstätten and first described by him in 1808, cannot be reproduced naturally on Earth. It is only created under very specific circumstances, when a molten alloy of iron and nickel cools by about 1 degree Celsius every 1,000 years, in conditions where there is very little gravity. In other words, this is one of the most unique materials in the universe.

Externally, components sporting the characteristic meteorite pattern, such as the exterior mirror caps, the front splitters for the side air intakes and the surrounds for the air breathers on the front side panels, are particularly eye-catching. The key to this ambitious task was 3D printing, with a team of around 15 experts successfully turning the NIGHT SKY’s bold vision into reality.

When searching for the right method to implement its ambitious goals, the Additive Manufacturing Centre of the BMW Group in Munich opted for the stereolithography technique. This is a special process that, rather than simply applying one layer of the material, uses a UV ray laser to make the component layer by layer, inside a tank containing a liquid resin sensitive to UV rays.

The work on the paint finish could not be done in one day. After a complete coating in black and white, Johann Bogner, an expert painter with 40 years of experience, did not apply San Marino Blue until the second day and let it drain off precisely in a smooth transition. The NIGHT SKY was then coated with three layers of clear lacquer with fine tinsel and bronze pigments to create light reflections that reproduce the sparkle of the stars in a dark night sky.

Of course, Bogner didn't want to miss the presentation of this unique model once it was finished, travelling to BMW Individual Manufaktur in Munich specially to see it.