Fom What I remember when my ex worked for BMW, the Individuals were due to either a special order colour (think there were 7 here - Scarab green, Arizona sun, Velvet Blue Metallic which I had, Estoril blue, Sephia, Diamond black metallic and Brass Metallic - these were the colours available for the sedan here and there were a couple of other colours that were "individual" for the M3. There was a metallic dark red/plum-black colour as well but I have never seen that on an e46 car here - was used on a special e90 run out think prior to e90 LCI) , trim (alcantara, nappa leather), equipment spec (HK sound, navigation, sun roof) and was badged as such on the scuff plates in the sills as well as on the engine bay sticker/tag - otherwise if it was a "normal" spec and colour they were Msports. (stand corrected, but also I believe only the 6 cylinders)
I had two:
1st. Diamond black metallic, black alcantara, HK sound, sunroof, 330i (Diamond black became a mainstream colour around 2003 if memory serves)
2nd. Velvet blue metallic, cream nappa leather, HK sound, navigation, sunroof, 330i
Both badged as individuals due to the spec/combo. The "individual" was mainly referring to special colours accrding to BMWAG and was adopted in some markets to differentiate those from normal Msports.
Thats what I can remember being explained to me....:tiptoe: