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BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > F30 DIYs and Coding Discussions > F30 328i 335i Front Kidney Grill / Grille removal and replacement DIY
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      09-08-2013, 02:28 PM   #89
cwolf521
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I actually just tried to remove the grills and found it very hard. I could not even remove one. Not sure if the grill
On my 2013 is different or what, but I couldn't get the clips to come out.
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      09-16-2013, 11:38 PM   #90
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Just did my grill, great directions , very easy to do .
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      09-17-2013, 02:59 PM   #91
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Just ordered black kidneys. Thanks for sharing :-)
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      09-23-2013, 12:34 PM   #92
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Just did it.

Followed your DIY to the tee. Thanks!
It was a pain (literally) to get my regular size hands and fingers in there but it can be done. A long flat head would definitely help. I also added the 3 color strips to my liking.

All done!


I notice my chrome grille has a different shape.

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      09-24-2013, 12:21 AM   #93
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I have a 2014 328xd Sport Wagon and there is no way to remove the grills without following the DIY....FYI
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      09-24-2013, 07:00 PM   #94
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Finally installed it!

Last edited by TPYD; 09-25-2013 at 11:05 PM..
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      10-12-2013, 08:48 PM   #95
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Received my grill today and installed it. Thanks op. Was easy but a pain to reach the clips on the first side.
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      10-21-2013, 06:34 PM   #96
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Thanks OP! I used your instructions step by step and was done in 15 mins!
Really appreciate you taking the time to post this in such detail
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      11-02-2013, 08:48 PM   #97
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I just installed mine. Boy, it was bitch getting clips off on first one.
After first one, it was much easier to take off the second one.
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      11-03-2013, 09:50 AM   #98
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hansolo1019 View Post
I just installed mine. Boy, it was bitch getting clips off on first one.
After first one, it was much easier to take off the second one.
Tell me about it!
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2008 E92 Black Sapphire - Black Interior - Aluminum Trim
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      11-20-2013, 03:57 PM   #99
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Just used this F30 DIY guide for my F32.

Not as "30 second" easy as some people are claiming. The arm suffered a little bit... but in the end, all worth it
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      12-04-2013, 06:00 PM   #100
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I was able to release the top and side clips with my hands going through the grill slates, but then due to my short fingers couldn't release the bottom middle one. Got into a fit and just yanked them off. Unfortunately broke 3 clips total on the 2x grills, but oh well, i'm not changing back to the original grills anyway. overall wasn't a bad experience.
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      12-04-2013, 10:31 PM   #101
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Only Top and Bottom clips? Do both side have clips also?

I do it once last time and did not success, I can make the top clips out, but I really cannot unclip the bottom one, what can I do? As u see the picture, it's really hard to unclip the bottom one. Do I need to press down the clip or pull up?

Sorry for quoting your picture.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Glassy View Post
Just used this F30 DIY guide for my F32.

Not as "30 second" easy as some people are claiming. The arm suffered a little bit... but in the end, all worth it
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Last edited by F30 Black Sapphire; 12-04-2013 at 10:41 PM..
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      12-06-2013, 03:29 PM   #102
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1.fresh.f30.335
Hey guys,

This is a quick guide to removing and replacing your kidney grills.

Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes

Tools Necessary:
T20 Torx
T30 Torx
small flat head or pick tool

Steps:

1. Locate the rubber hood seal at the front of the engine bay.

Attachment 703162

Attachment 703163


2. Remove the seal, starting at a side will make it easier.

Attachment 703164


3. There are going to be 8 screws (6) T30 torx and (2) T20 torx which need to be removed. A T20 torx screw is located over each headlight

Attachment 703165

Attachment 703166

Attachment 703167


4. Now that all 8 screws are removed, the bumper cover should slide forward. Be careful and make sure to pull straight forward rather than up as there are 4 metal clips which hold the bumper in place which would break.

Attachment 703168

Attachment 703169


5. The bumper cover is flexible to a reasonable extent, allowing for a hand or tool too fit behind the grills. Moving away from the center of the bumper allows for more flex, anyone with big hands would probably find it easiest to start on the outside and work inward.

Attachment 703170

Attachment 703171


6. Now using the flat head or pick tool press the release tabs on the grill while gently pulling on the grill from the outside, there are 3 clips on both the top and bottom of the grill as well as 1 clip on each side.

Attachment 703172

Attachment 703173

Attachment 703174

Attachment 703175

Note: the bottom clips are going to require using your hand rather than the screw-driver because they face the ground.

Attachment 703176


7. Once the first grill is free of the bumper you can easily access the other grill... Don't be impatient and pop a new grill in before having both sides removed, it makes more work for yourself.

Attachment 703177

Attachment 703178


8. Now just gently push the new grills into place, run your hand around the gloss black trim piece to ensure all the clips are secured

*use a microfiber cloth if you don't want fingerprints*

Attachment 703179


9. After the new grills are in place, line the metal clips up with the bumper cover, and then slide it back into place.

Attachment 703180

Attachment 703181

Attachment 703182



10. Once in place replace all 8 screws and prior to tightening them ensure that the bumper cover is even, I did this by comparing two of the outermost points.

Attachment 703183

Attachment 703184


I also repeated this procedure on the rubber seal using the outermost T30 screws as reference points, its not necessary but always helps to keep the car looking it's best.

Attachment 703185

Attachment 703186


I hope this helps answer any questions and Good-luck!
Excellent step by step instructions. Thanks
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      12-07-2013, 03:42 PM   #103
Thackers
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1.fresh.f30.335 View Post
Hey guys,

This is a quick guide to removing and replacing your kidney grills.

Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes

Tools Necessary:
T20 Torx
T30 Torx
small flat head or pick tool

Steps:

1. Locate the rubber hood seal at the front of the engine bay.

Attachment 703162

Attachment 703163


2. Remove the seal, starting at a side will make it easier.

Attachment 703164


3. There are going to be 8 screws (6) T30 torx and (2) T20 torx which need to be removed. A T20 torx screw is located over each headlight

Attachment 703165

Attachment 703166

Attachment 703167


4. Now that all 8 screws are removed, the bumper cover should slide forward. Be careful and make sure to pull straight forward rather than up as there are 4 metal clips which hold the bumper in place which would break.

Attachment 703168

Attachment 703169


5. The bumper cover is flexible to a reasonable extent, allowing for a hand or tool too fit behind the grills. Moving away from the center of the bumper allows for more flex, anyone with big hands would probably find it easiest to start on the outside and work inward.

Attachment 703170

Attachment 703171


6. Now using the flat head or pick tool press the release tabs on the grill while gently pulling on the grill from the outside, there are 3 clips on both the top and bottom of the grill as well as 1 clip on each side.

Attachment 703172

Attachment 703173

Attachment 703174

Attachment 703175

Note: the bottom clips are going to require using your hand rather than the screw-driver because they face the ground.

Attachment 703176


7. Once the first grill is free of the bumper you can easily access the other grill... Don't be impatient and pop a new grill in before having both sides removed, it makes more work for yourself.

Attachment 703177

Attachment 703178


8. Now just gently push the new grills into place, run your hand around the gloss black trim piece to ensure all the clips are secured

*use a microfiber cloth if you don't want fingerprints*

Attachment 703179


9. After the new grills are in place, line the metal clips up with the bumper cover, and then slide it back into place.

Attachment 703180

Attachment 703181

Attachment 703182



10. Once in place replace all 8 screws and prior to tightening them ensure that the bumper cover is even, I did this by comparing two of the outermost points.

Attachment 703183

Attachment 703184


I also repeated this procedure on the rubber seal using the outermost T30 screws as reference points, its not necessary but always helps to keep the car looking it's best.

Attachment 703185

Attachment 703186


I hope this helps answer any questions and Good-luck!
Thanks for the guide
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      12-09-2013, 03:05 PM   #104
Thackers
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mikew2069 View Post
I had this same problem and it wasn't cold outside at all. I endedup using this metal tool I have that was included when Santa brought my kid's trampoline. It has a little hook on the end to stetch the springs. I reached in from the front of the grill and pulled each of the tabs. It was so easy - no need to undo the top of the front bumper if you have a tool like this one.
Can you post a picture of the trampoline tool you used and access point taken?
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      12-09-2013, 03:18 PM   #105
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Quote:
Originally Posted by F30 Black Sapphire View Post
Only Top and Bottom clips? Do both side have clips also?

I do it once last time and did not success, I can make the top clips out, but I really cannot unclip the bottom one, what can I do? As u see the picture, it's really hard to unclip the bottom one. Do I need to press down the clip or pull up?

Sorry for quoting your picture.


I've not got my grills yet BUT
Looking at this photo from above it looks like you push the spring clip down as its located in the recess...Therefore the bottom clips I'm guessing will be simply pushed up from underneath!
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      12-19-2013, 02:32 AM   #106
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Finally Done.
Attached Images
       
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      12-24-2013, 11:33 AM   #107
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After removing 8 screws, nd pulling the cover out, the cover doesnt fully come out, somethings holding it from underneath that I have to unscrew?
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      02-08-2014, 10:08 AM   #108
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You can build a tool with welding wire that lets you remove the kidney grills without any hassle (no need to even open the hood).

If I find some time I will take a picture of it.
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f*ckin' love my car <3
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      02-24-2014, 03:35 AM   #109
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Firstly thanks to "fresh" for the detailed info and pictures. Superb explanation and much appreciated. I have just ordered my replacement black grilles and thought I would do a dry run at removal of on of my existing grilles. I noticed a couple of people within the read have mentioned the use of a home made tool to remove from the front without even opening the bonnet. As I couldn't find any pics, I thought I'd share a pic of the "tool" I bought today from my local hardware. It works a treat as long as you make sure the tip of the tool sits exactly where you want it to be before pulling. Do this by using feel with on finger on the tab and wait for the tool to rest there too. The angles of the tool really help to put pressure on the correct spot and correct angle. Like people have said on here, I found easier to start top/middle, top/left/right, bottom and then the one closest to the BMW badge last. The tool is simply a Shed hook. Here's the pic.
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      03-02-2014, 03:58 PM   #110
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BMW M Performance grills in gloss black fitted to m sport f30. Easy to fit and used the same method as posted on here.
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