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      05-11-2017, 09:17 AM   #221
silver28
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I first attempted it for 10 minutes and couldn't do it. Then I read this thread, and built up the courage to use some extra force. Lots of info on here so I can't add much more but I started with upper right side on driver's side. Used fingers at first and then used this tool for the sides and bottom. It's just from a metal shed hook and I bent it into this shape. Took 6 minutes the second time around. Good luck everyone!
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      05-11-2017, 10:07 AM   #222
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I posted this a while ago. There's no need to go through the hassle of dismantling the front bumper.

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...44&postcount=1
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      05-12-2017, 12:52 PM   #223
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick Hunter View Post
I posted this a while ago. There's no need to go through the hassle of dismantling the front bumper.

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...44&postcount=1
Thanks for this! I'm going to try when I get home! Did you paint your own grilles or install aftermarket?
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      05-12-2017, 01:45 PM   #224
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BMW M Performance Grilles
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      05-17-2017, 02:04 PM   #225
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BMW M Performance Grilles
Its a good idea but there may be a risk of breaking off either the outer or inner tabs .. you did it this way w/o a hitch?
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      05-17-2017, 08:31 PM   #226
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No risk whatsoever.
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      05-18-2017, 08:41 PM   #227
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I'll throw in my two cents. Takes two seconds to do this once you figure it out. I have long skinny fingers so that helps but you should be able to do it regardless.
I started with the far outside clip on the first grill. It was simple to reach in and pull the clip back. Once you have one it will be easier to get the rest. Don't let it clip back in, and then get ready to pull on that side of the grill. Reach in to the next clip over on the bottom side and then pull it up the right way, then swift yank and it should come out clean (I fell on my ass when it popped out).
The next side is simple with the other removed
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      05-19-2017, 08:49 PM   #228
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Quote:
Originally Posted by silver28 View Post
I first attempted it for 10 minutes and couldn't do it. Then I read this thread, and built up the courage to use some extra force. Lots of info on here so I can't add much more but I started with upper right side on driver's side. Used fingers at first and then used this tool for the sides and bottom. It's just from a metal shed hook and I bent it into this shape. Took 6 minutes the second time around. Good luck everyone!
++1 on doing it without unscrewing the hood.

I fashioned a hook similar to yours from a pair of kitchen tongs.

First undid the side clip with just my finger, that was easy enough to reach.

Then worked my way through the others using my hook.

Important to give the grill a strong tug after each clip is disengaged.

Once one grill is out, unclipping the other through the big, gaping hole is a piece of cake.

And of course, the replacement grill simply snaps right in. Total process took me barely 10 minutes. Yay!
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      07-10-2017, 02:01 PM   #229
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Looking to do this for my Blue Msport F30.
Anyone with a link to where I can buy.?
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      07-13-2017, 07:19 AM   #230
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blackabass View Post
Looking to do this for my Blue Msport F30.
Anyone with a link to where I can buy.?
eBay is replete with Chinese made grills for under $50. That's what I have on my bimmer, and they're perfectly good quality.
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      07-15-2017, 03:18 PM   #231
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mountain_Commando View Post
eBay is replete with Chinese made grills for under $50. That's what I have on my bimmer, and they're perfectly good quality.
Cheers mate. I got one from eBay and have fixed it already...looks really good.
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      07-16-2017, 05:18 AM   #232
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Done and looks good.

Honestly, I think BMW should stop fitting Chrome Kidney Grills to the F30s. Anyways this is my first ever retrofit. I hope to do much more soon on my Bleu MSport F30.

The first step get your grill. I got mine from here. → http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/231708287003

It arrived next day in the post.

Note
  1. You do not need to open the bonnet. I used my hand throughout and no issues or bruise. At some point, I thought of rubbing some cream to avoid bruises or friction on my skin but that didn't happen.
  2. There are 8 clips/lids/locks per grill. 3 at the top and bottom, 1 on both sides

Steps to retrofit
  1. Slide your hand through the grill carefully and pull the lids at the top down while you use the other hand to pull the grill slightly, from the front with little force.
  2. Do this for all 8 clips/lids/locks. Sometimes they go back inside as you do another so may be wedge the open ones with something once they are pulled out.
  3. Once you remove the first grill, the second is easy as you don't have to slide your hands through the grill anymore just put through the back from the side you just removed.
  4. Now that you have both grills removed, wipe the surface clean to remove any dirt.
  5. Place the new grill one at a time making sure the clips/lids/locks are in position then push gently till it goes in and clicks. Repeat same for the other grill and job done.

Pictures added soon as I am able to do so.

Cheers.

Next retrofit on my list.
  1. Glossy black AC Trim
  2. NBT2 EVO + iDrive 5
  3. Adaptive bi-xenon or LED
  4. LCI LED Backlights
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Last edited by blackabass; 07-16-2017 at 05:59 AM..
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      07-17-2017, 10:23 PM   #233
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blackabass View Post
Cheers mate. I got one from eBay and have fixed it already...looks really good.


Quote:
Originally Posted by blackabass
Honestly, I think BMW should stop fitting Chrome Kidney Grills to the F30s.
I couldn't agree more! The black grill just makes a bimmer look so much more sporty and aggressive.
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      08-03-2017, 04:25 AM   #234
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Most of u guys get the matte or glossy? Still thinking to do which for DIY.
My ride is black color.

Last edited by free2d; 08-03-2017 at 04:58 AM..
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      08-03-2017, 09:02 AM   #235
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Quote:
Originally Posted by free2d View Post
Most of u guys get the matte or glossy? Still thinking to do which for DIY.
My ride is black color.
It depends on what you like to be honest and also what colour is your car.
Matt Black is cool but I went for Glossy Black just to give is more sporty trim.
either one is supper cool.
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      08-05-2017, 09:58 AM   #236
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Quote:
Originally Posted by free2d View Post
Most of u guys get the matte or glossy? Still thinking to do which for DIY.
My ride is black color.
On a black exterior, glossy for sure bro. It complements the body color which itself is glossy-ish.
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      01-11-2018, 09:36 AM   #237
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Great write up
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      01-19-2018, 03:27 AM   #238
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1st attempt: fail to remove
2nd attempt: Thanks to all the posts in this thread, I successfully remove the grill without opening front bumper. I did broke one tab due to my clumsy hand. Anyway, I won't use the chrome kidney grill anymore

Love the black grill so much.

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      02-24-2018, 01:32 PM   #239
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I did this today on my F36.
Didn’t even lift the bonnet. Honestly there really is no need. Reach in between the grill slats and release the side ones first. You need to give it a firm tug while simultaneously pulling the clip back. Once you release one of the side clips, the top ones start coming out easier. Took me 7-8 minutes to remove one side and only a minute or so to release the other one. Didn’t break any clips.
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      06-15-2018, 01:56 PM   #240
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I followed this tutorial today and the grill swap went very smoothly! Great write-up, thank you!
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      06-21-2018, 06:42 PM   #241
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Jiminy Crickets, this is WAY more work than necessary. It will take me twice as long to write it up (sorry, no pics) as it did to remove the old grills and install the new ones, and clean up the dirty inside frames.

Step 1: Hook the fingers of both hands around the grill fins.

Step 2: YANK straight out towards you.

Step 3: Repeat on the other grill.

That's it. Clean up the insides of the frames and the new ones pop right in.

It might help to be seated e.g. on a mechanic's stool. The grill fins are a lot stronger than they look. My fingers are not exactly petite, ring size 11, and I had no problem.

It's almost TOO easy. Nothing broke and no blood was shed. It might have helped that it's been miserably hot here all month and the plastics are on the squishy side. ABS is pretty brittle when cold.
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Last edited by Salty B.; 06-21-2018 at 06:54 PM..
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      07-27-2018, 06:53 AM   #242
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Anyone else lose sleep cuz y can't get the bumper to line back up perfectly lol its just like not factory for me anymore but the difference is millimeters

Last edited by xtianrecords; 07-27-2018 at 06:58 AM..
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