SUMMARY: BMW named this yellow hue after the iconic Dakar Rally, the ultimate rally raid style endurance race that originally trekked from Paris to Dakar, though presently is now held in Saudi Arabia. Though BMW automobiles has never competed as a factory at Dakar, BMW Motorrad won the motorcycle class of the Dakar Rally six times, including its first victory in 1981 when Hubert Auriol won on the R80 G/S. Though we don’t know for sure, it’s a safe guess that these victories are quite likely the inspiration for the name of this almost buttery shade of yellow BMW used to debut the BMW M3 type E36.
Dakar Yellow (dakargelbii; non-metallic uni; 337; BMW) is considered one of BMW Individual’s most iconic colors, and has been a popular choice through BMW Individual since that E36 era. Worth noting, there is also a color known as Dakar Yellow II, though it shares the same 337 color code with the main difference noted by enthusiasts as simply Dakar Yellow with a UNI clear coat.
SUMMARY: Borusan Turkish Blue (borusantürkischblau; non-metallic uni; P9E; BMW) is an intense racing blue on the green side of the blue spectrum, established as a go-to color from its use on the BMW M4 GT4 racing cars of the Turkish racing team Borusan Otomotiv Motorsport. Launched in 2008, Borusan Otomotiv Motorsport, working with BMW Individual to develop this blue as a special color specifically for its cars. In more recent years, mounting success for the team has brought their signature color to the fore.
In developing the blue hue, the team was seeking an eye-catching unique color to give their cars a distinctive look on track. Following their ordering a special edition roadgoing BMW M4 Coupé in the color, the team and BMW were so impressed with the result that the color was made accessible via BMW Individual to a wider range of BMW buyers.
If you’re nostalgic for the 90s era of BMWs (looking at you E36), then you know your way around Dakar Yellow (dakargelbii; non-metallic uni; 337; BMW). The hue was a standard and much beloved color on that era M3, and it remains one of the most revered BMW Individual paint colors as a result. So, when we find another generation M3 Coupe painted the same color from the factory, we take notice. Take for instance this 39,000 mile 2011 E92 M3 Competition Coupe in New Rochelle, NY that we’ve found on Facebook Marketplace.
The car’s a Competition with V8, so already rare and sought-after. The owner reports it is “likely” one of one in the USA thanks to that color. We have not verified the claim with BMW and it sounds like the owner may not be entirely certain, but it’s definitely rare (Editor’s Note: Check below for more information on the rarity). The color is listed as Dakar Yellow II (dakargelb; non-metallic; 337; BMW Individual), with two-tone Palladium and Black Novillo leather. Other options beyond the BMW Individual paint include Style 359 M wheels, Sunroof, iDrive Navigation and DCT dual clutch automatic.
It’s got a few modifications, but nothing extreme. These include KW V3 coilover suspension and an Eisenmann exhaust.
The owner also states that it’s been featured on YouTube, so we’ve embedded that video in this story.
UPDATE#1: The difference between Dakar Yellow and Dakar Yellow II is the addition of a clear coat.
UPDATE #2: David, a commenter below, added this reference information in regards to the rarity of a Dakar Yellow E92 Competition. In it he stated:
Worldwide, 140 E92 M3s left the factory in this colour. – 40 for North America (28 for USA, 12 for Canada) – 30 for the Rest of the World in LHD – 70 for the Rest of the World in RHD
19 of the 28 USA examples came with the Competition Pack.
This particular car was No.14 of the 28 USA cars to be made and the only one of the 28 to come paired with the Palladium Silver & Black Novillo Leather interior leather.
Manufactured on 30-June-2011 it was originally supplied by Winslow BMW of Colorado Springs on 12-August-2011.
This isn’t the first time we’ve featured BMW Individual Borusan Turkish Blue (borusantürkischblau; non-metallic uni; P9E; BMW). Just a few weeks ago, BMW M shared an M4 Competition in the hue on their social media channels. This week, BMW Welt / BMW Museum is doing the same, only this time it’s a long roof.
We should probably start by applauding BMW Welt / BMW Museum. That the brand has their own social media channels for their headquarters consumer welcome facility is worth noting. Not all brands do it, but BMW spent a lot of money on creating the ultimate year-long BMW Group auto show space just across from the iconic cylindrical BMW Museum so why chince out when it comes to budget to communicate it. BMW didn’t, and as a result owners like the guy taking delivery of this M3 Touring get highlighted on an official platform, and nerds keeping track of attractions at the brand’s Münich headquarters or keeping close eye on tailored builds such as this one benefit from the extra effort. Kudos to you BMW.
And, kudos for cars like this one getting built. Borusan Turkish Blue as a color is a bright and bold blue, set on the more cyan/teal side of the blue spectrum. It’s not altogether that different from something like a Porsche Riviera Blue, and we’d love to see the two next to each other. One of the reasons we ran this story even though we recently featured that other post by BMW M is because these are real world shots in bright sun, whereas the previous post was in a medium to low light studio. That contrast gives those keeping track a better idea of the color, so we wanted to include it.
Alas, we don’t get the M3 Touring in the United States and that’s a real shame, but we are about to get the M5 Touring and BMW Individual is also alive and well on this side of the pond. To that end, we hope you feel inspired. We know we do.
Roadster design study put smiles on faces of car fans at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2024
Hugely positive response inspires BMW to produce 50 examples of the elegant two-seater
Latest strictly limited-run special-edition model of the last few years
Munich. BMW is poised to set pulses racing among fans of exclusive driving pleasure and collectors of automotive masterpieces once again with a strictly limited-run small-series model. Following in the tyre tracks of the BMW 3.0 CSL – revealed in 2022 to mark the 50th birthday of BMW M GmbH – is the BMW Skytop (fuel consumption, combined: 11.6 litres/100 km [24.4 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions, combined: 264 g/km in the WLTP cycle, CO2 class: G; provisional values). The BMW Skytop wraps the joy of driving for which the brand is renowned in a timelessly elegant design characterised by precision craftsmanship in every last detail. Initially shown in design study form as the BMW Concept Skytop at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2024 on the shores of Lake Como, the two-seater roadster sent waves of excitement through the assembled connoisseurs and automotive aficionados. This rapturous response prompted BMW to convert the concept into a strictly limited production run of 50 examples.
The decision was announced by Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design, at an event hosted by the House of BMW in Milan, Italy, where the highly desired design study was again on display. It was also revealed here that all examples of the BMW Skytop reserved for enthusiasts and collectors found their future owners within a very short space of time. “The BMW Skytop is a truly exotic design and offers a combination of driving dynamics and elegance at the highest level,” said van Hooydonk. “To finally be able to announce that this car will be built is like a dream come true. Thank you for the very positive response around the globe and to the passionate team that worked on the project.”
Dynamism and elegance continue the tradition of legendary BMW roadsters.
BMW recently presented the likewise strictly limited-run BMW 3.0 CSL. Production of this exclusive sports car was also capped at 50 cars. In both concept and design, the special edition served as a homage to the legendary BMW 3.0 CSL “Batmobile” of the early 1970s.
The BMW Skytop is another desirable collector’s item from the Bavarian premium carmaker. The open-top two-seater celebrates BMW’s history of iconic roadsters, among them the BMW 507 and BMW Z8. The sculptural athleticism of its body is constructed from taut, muscular surfaces defined by a few precise lines, the BMW Skytop emitting a powerful sense of dynamism before it even turns a wheel. The pronounced arrow shape of the bonnet, evocative BMW shark-nose design and tightening tail are all carefully chosen references to the BMW Z8.
Just like its legendary roadster ancestor, the BMW Skytop takes to the road with the most powerful V8 in the brand’s armoury. The 4.4-litre petrol unit generates maximum output of 460 kW/625 hp and teams up with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. Maximising traction is the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which distributes the engine’s power between all four wheels as required, and optimises stability and driving dynamics in any situation. With this drive configuration in place, the handsome two-door will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in around 3.3 seconds.
Exclusive materials and traditional craftsmanship.
The exclusivity of this unique masterpiece of automotive craftsmanship is also reflected in its timelessly elegant appearance. Headlining the exterior design is the pronounced spline that extends from the bonnet to an aluminium bar on the boot lid, emphasising the dynamic flow of the special edition’s form. Winglets discreetly integrated into the door shoulders take the place of conventional door handles and – together with the light-alloy wheels with their intricate fins between the spokes – feed into the car’s clean, graceful appearance. The illuminated BMW kidney grille and the headlights also play their part in the progressive look of the front end. The LED units are positioned on aluminium carriers and have the slimmest profile currently available for automotive headlights. They were custom developed for the BMW Skytop and group together all the lighting functions. The rear lights likewise have an arrestingly slim design and carry the progressive design theme of the BMW Skytop into the rear end.
Like the leather-covered rollover bar behind the seats, the fully retractable rear window and leather-trimmed soft-top roof generate a pure-bred roadster feeling. The two removable roof sections, which are finished with high-quality synthetic leather, stow away in a special compartment in the luggage area.
The harmonious colour scheme ensures a smooth visual transition from interior to exterior – both with the soft-top open and closed. At the rear of the car, the reddish-brown of the roof flows into the Floating Sundown Silver exterior paint finish, whose chrome shadow effect gives it impressive visual impact. The elaborate colour gradient was applied by hand by experienced master painters.
Inimitable ambience, exquisite appointments and high-quality equipment.
Inside the BMW Skytop, too, precision craftsmanship, handpicked materials and warm, monochrome colour tones create a feel of cosseting luxury and singular elegance. In common with other elements of the interior design, the leather seats, accented by brogue-style decoration, come in the same shade of brown used for the roof. Crystal applications embedded ornately into the cockpit also contribute to the sumptuous on-board ambience.
The exclusive character of the BMW Skytop is additionally underscored by high-quality equipment features such as a soft-close function for the doors and the stunning Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional includes the full-colour BMW Head-Up Display, which projects driving and navigation information directly into the driver’s field of view.
The fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, electric power consumption and operating range figures are determined according to the European Regulation (EC) 715/2007 in the version applicable. They refer to vehicles in the German market. Where a range is shown, the figures take into account the impact of any optional extras.
All values were calculated based on the new WLTP test cycle. WLTP values are taken as the basis for determining vehicle-related taxes or other duties based (at least inter alia) on CO2 emissions as well as eligibility for any applicable vehicle-specific subsidies. Further information on the WLTP and NEDC measurement procedures can also be found at www.bmw.de/wltp.
Further information on official fuel consumption figures and specific CO2 emission values of new passenger cars is included in the following guideline: ‘Leitfaden über den Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen’ (Guide to the fuel economy, CO2 emissions and electric power consumption of new passenger cars), which can be obtained free of charge from all dealerships, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at https://www.dat.de/co2/.
In the event of enquiries please contact:
The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.
When you think of the auto show circuit, chances are the Geneva Motor Show comes to mind. Before COVID turned the world on its head, Geneva in March was must-see TV for auto enthusiasts around the world. Manufacturers would bring concepts and incredibly high spec builds, all positioned atop 7 to 8 figure booths, in an attempt to gain as many eyeballs as possible. This Tailored Driver is especially special to us because per the seller, it happened to be on BMWs booth in 1998.
Yes, adjacent to the then new E46 generation 3 series sat this BMW Individual Bronzit Metallic (bronzit; metallic; 139; BMW) 323ti Sport Edition (VIN: unknown). While we can’t seem to find any images to support this claim, we certainly can picture this sitting under the lights, being crawled over by journalists, customers, and engineers from competing companies all the same. BMW Individual Bronzit Metallic really pops here in the most late-90s way possible.
Since it left that show in Switzerland, this BMW Individual Bronzit Metallic 323ti Sport Edition has covered an impressive 345,000 km (214,000 mi), and so far as we can tell remained in good visible shape and largely unmodified apart from a Supersprint exhaust. With a slightly dipping Euro to USD ratio, the asking price of 9,900EUR (about $10,800 at time of writing) makes it a pretty interesting proposition too.
If you’re ready to own a piece of history, you can find additional details here.
BMW M8 Competition M xDrive Limited edition car to commemorate the end of production of the current model in the Japanese market
Luxurious optional equipment as standard equipment
Limited to 8 units in Japan
BMW Co., Ltd. (President: Masatoshi Hasegawa) is a limited edition car “BMW M8 Compet” to commemorate the end of production of the current BMW M8 Competition M xDrive model in the Japanese market. ition M xDrive Coupe The Final Edition – 1 of 8 (M Eight M xDrive Coupe The Final Edition One of Eight), “BM W M8 Competition M xDrive Cabriolet The Final Edition – 1 of 8 (Cabriolet)”, “BMW M8 Competition M xDrive Gran Coupe The Final Edition – 1 of 8 (Grand Coupe)” orders will be accepted only on the order acceptance website from today until 11:59 p.m. on October 8 this year. It will be introduced in Japan, limited to 8 units, and if the number of orders exceeds the limited number, only the winners will be notified after October of this year. The car is scheduled to be delivered after January 2025.
BMW M8 Competition Coupe The Final Edition – 1 of 8
27,488,888 yuan
BMW M8 Competition Cabriolet The Final Edition – 1 of 8
27,988,888 yuan
BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe The Final Edition – 1 of 8
27,188,888 yuan
The above manufacturer’s suggested retail price is the vehicle price that does not include accessory prices, taxes (excluding consumption tax), insurance premiums, and various expenses associated with registration.
Right handle, AT specification.
The breakdown of the limited number and body color is as follows. BMW M8 Competition M xDrive Coupe The Final Edition – 1 of 8: Limited to 2 Alpine White and 2 Black Sapphire. BMW M8 Competition M xDrive Cabriolet The Final Edition – 1 of 8: Alpine White is limited to 1 unit and Black Sapphire is limited to 1 unit. BMW M8 Competition M xDrive Gran Coupe The Final Edition – 1 of 8: Alpine White is limited to 1 unit and Black Sapphire is limited to 1 unit.
In addition to the high driving performance comparable to the pure sports model, the BMW 8 series highlights the elegance and sensual personality created by the elegant and beautiful roof line that fascinates everyone and the glossy rear fender shape. By comblancing pe styling in a high dimension, it is a new luxury coupe, and it is a model with a strong presence, and based on the two-door coupe model, a cabriolet that allows you to enjoy an open-air drive, coupe There are three variations of the Gran Coupe that enhance convenience with 4 doors while realizing the pe design.
The BMW M8 Competition M xDrive is a high-efficiency 4.4L V-type 8-cylinder with a maximum output of 625PS (460kW)/6,000rpm and a maximum torque of 750Nm/1,800 -5,860rpm The BMW twin-power turbo gasoline engine adopts a crossbank exhaust manifold to achieve dynamic driving with 8-speed M steptronic transmission (with Drivelogic) ) and it is an M high-performance model developed by BMW M, which enables high-performance driving on the circuit, combined with BMW’s intelligent four-wheel drive system M xDrive.
Production of the current BMW M8 Competition M xDrive model in the Japanese market will end at the end of June this year. The limited edition car announced this time is a limited edition car to commemorate the end of production, and the optional equipment is M carbon fiber trim, carbon exterior package, M driver’s package, Bowers & Wilki The ns Diamond Surround Sound System, sun protection glass, heat comfort package, and dedicated hill are standard equipment, and “The Final Edition – 1 of A batch written on “8” is attached to the center console, indicating that it is a limited car.
The E36 generation of BMW M3 is a modern young timer classic, meaning any clean and modestly-miled up specimen is likely to draw a premium. Throw in special paint such as BMW Individual Daytona Violet (daytonaviolett; metallic; 283; BMW) and now you have something extra special. Take for example this 1995 M3 Coupe we’ve just run across.
There’s something about the E36. It lacks the 80s-tastic box flares of the E30 M3, or the truly unique M3 cues of the E46. Instead, like other performance cars of the early 90s (looking at you Porsche 964, Audi S2 or Volkswagen Golf VR6 Highline), it’s understated enough that casual observers might have a hard time picking it out of a lineup of lesser yet well-kitted 3 series models. Well… maybe lesser models in normal colors.
This specific M3 Coupe isn’t just interesting because of its spec. If you decide you want it, it’s also going to be interesting to get transact upon. Why? Well, it’s located not far from Cannes, France. So, you’d have to import it.
On the downside, it’s a U.S. spec car meaning less horsepower. On the upside, U.S. spec cars tend to hold their value better when resold in the American market, and we’re guessing any importation duties were paid back in 1995 when BMW brought the car into the U.S.A. in the first place. You don’t have to pay those duties a second time.
Not paying a second round of duties is a bonus you wouldn’t enjoy on a European spec car, though we doubt it’ll cover your shipping. You’d also have to find someone to import it at the very least. For that we’d suggest Orchid Euro in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Orchid specializes in importation of cars older than 25 years, uses automotive transport vessels rather than risking it shipping in containers, and has a network of people in Europe who can get eyes on and even handle transport to the port of Emden, Germany from which they ship. That all comes with a fee, but we’ve found them to be reasonable and have used their services ourselves.
So, interested in chasing this M3 down? You can find it listed HERE.
Editor’s note: while not a BMW Individual build, Daytona Violet was a one year only color, with just 519 sold in the US. As such, we found it a fitting addition to our records, and a vehicle well worth featuring.
BMW M continues to share ideas of what you can do with its BMW Individual paint program, this time painting a figuratively green SUV like the XM in a literally green color Urban Green. Listed as “Urban Green solid” on the associated social media post, we’re assuming that means it’s non-metallic or pearlescent.
We’re loving the throwback nature of colors like Urban Green. They seem to hark the olive greens and tans of the late 70s that you’d see on an early E21 3-series or the like. They look fantastic on a thoroughly modern crossover like the XM.
One other thing worth mentioning is the link in the post by BMW M (the post HERE). That link takes you to the BMW Individual Configurator, which makes for a great way to spend a couple hours imagining the possibilities.
While we sadly are not able to verify, this Tailored Driver screams “Auto Show special.” It’s a relatively simple concept- a manufacturer needs to maximize eyeballs in a competitive environment, so they swing for the fences. This is generally even more apparent in large markets events that are manufacturer supported, with shows like Miami and LA being the best examples. If that is indeed the case with this BMW Individual Austin Yellow (austingelb; metallic; B67; BMW) 435i, we say it’s a job well done.
Painted in the aforementioned BMW Individual Austin Yellow paint, more commonly seen on the F80 generation M3, this 435i (VIN: WBA4B1C55GG241995) is a fairly divisive proposition. Apart from the color, BMW simply calling this a 4-series rather than a 3-series was something that rattled the enthusiast community. Thankfully, BMW quickly put that fire out by unveiling the new 4 series with it’s controversial grille.
Getting back on topic, we’re big fans of Austin Yellow and the similar Phoenix Yellow that precedes it, and while Ivory White leather isn’t at the top of our list, we think the build works incredibly well. This Tailored Driver has covered approximately 34,000 miles since new, and is currently on offer at Hollywood, Florida’s Godspeed Motors for an asking price of $25,995. See all the details about this BMW Individual Austin Yellow 435i, here.
