BMW uses meteorites as cabin trim.
BMW Individual customization division showcases its extraordinary capabilities by launching the unique M850i Night Sky edition. The unique coupe arrived just in time to witness a meteor shower on January 3, and continued into the early hours of the morning. It also features meteorites as the interior trim. This theme is also reflected in various elements of the cabin and exterior.
Meteorite inlaid hunks decorate the trim plate of the center console, the engine start-stop button and the top strip of the shift knob. They are also part of the door sill plates. They are easily identified by their striated appearance, which experts refer to as a Widmanstatten design after an early 19th-century person who described it. This is the result of iron-nickel meteorites forming over the span of about 10 million years.
The center console lid, which is located just behind the meteorites and stack pieces, is equally eye-catching. It features an LED-illuminated pattern that resembles a constellation of stars.
The embossed stitching pattern used on the headliner and seats also features the angular Widmanstatten design. BMW created mirror caps that match the crystal appearance of the brake discs. It is also found on trim pieces at the front splitter, side air intakes and in the rear.
The Night Sky edition would be unique enough if it used material from outer space. However, BMW Individual makes the M850i special by fitting it with 3d printed brake calipers. According to the company, these pieces are 30% lighter than the 8 Series standard stoppers.
The Night Edition is a way to see the night sky from your eyes. BMW painted the coupe in a dark, non-metallic black. The darkened hue was then covered with San Marino Blue metallic paint. This allowed the brighter shade to be seen until the eye moved down to the coupe’s lower sills.