Mini is turning to 3D printing technology to offer its customers a wider range of personalisation options.
From 2018 onwards new and existing Mini owners will be able to design their own exterior and interior trim components via a dedicated online configurator. "Individualisation has always been a big topic with Mini," said Thomas Schmitz, product manager of Mini Yours Customised. "Now we want to take individualisation to the next level."
The upgrade package includes 3D-printed side indicator inlays and dashboard trim, as well as personalised sill plates and LED puddle lights. The indicator inlays and dashboard facia come in one of five colours and can display text, simple images and textured patterns, or one of a small selection of cityscapes. Using a laser etching technique, meanwhile, the illuminated sill plates can present text in the owner’s handwriting, basic graphics and even star constellations. Additionally, when the doors are opened, the puddle lights project personalised text onto the ground.
The components, which are designed to be fitted at home, will be manufactured in Munich, with Mini anticipating a four-week lead time once the designs have been submitted. Each component is subject to the same BMW Group crash and durability tests as any other item of trim.
Given the cost and complexity of 3D printing, Mini teamed up with computing giant Hewlett Packard to refine the process. UK pricing is yet to be confirmed but European customers will pay €40 (around £35) for a pair of personalised puddle lights and €140 (£124) for the dashboard facia.
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You know, reading about Mini rolling out 3D printed puddle lights and custom sill plates actually hit me right in the DIY heart. I’ve spent way too many evenings messing with my own printer, trying to figure out cool things to 3d print that don’t look like failed spaghetti experiments. But here’s the thing—what Mini is doing with laser-etched handwriting and cityscape dash trims? That’s the exact moment when a car stops being an appliance and starts feeling like your own weird little signature on the road. Just keep in mind: home fitting sounds great until you snap a clip or misalign a wire, so maybe let a shop handle the puddle light wiring if you value your sanity. And honestly, €40 for custom lights is cheaper than most branded floor mats—I’d say go for it, but order a spare set, because the first design you’ll probably hate in six months anyway.
they should try redesigning this latest ugly version
The latest version is not a pretty sight the rear light cluster taking over the back end and the five door design of doors looks horrendous and very heavy, looks like made by council house metal window manufacturers from the 60's.Much prefer the previous generation.
If I could afford it, I would
If I could afford it, I would have “My other car is a Phantom” on my Mini, lest people think I wasn’t important, and “My other car is a Mini” on my Phantom’s gallery, lest people thought I wasn’t caring.