Changing to black kidney grills

McBeemer · 10-06-2017, 04:27 PM

Bought a set of OEM black kidney grills, as I want to replace chrome ones.

I've done a bit of you tube research, but not 100% sure of best method to do this..... anyone got some advice please?

LiquidMercury · 10-06-2017, 04:44 PM

On how to actually remove and install the new grill? At work right now so I'm off YouTube but there's at least a couple of tutorials. Essentially, pop the hood, unscrew a few screws from the top of the front bumper and pry out the top of the bumper enough to get a hand behind the grill and there's I believe 8 tabs you'll need to pop outta place in order to remove the single grill (repeat this for the other obviously). Think there's a tab on each end of the grill, with 3 others on the top and bottom of the grill. It's so much fun doing it by hand too (said no one ever). I had my gf hold the front bumper (don't worry, it's very 'bendy'...like my gf...hey-o!) whist I squeezed my forearm behind the grills. Have fun, lol.

Alternatively, I've seen some actually suggest you simply grab onto the old grill and yank the ever living shit outta it and literally break all the tabs in the process. I personally wouldn't ever do this to my car, or any brand, but thought I'd throw that in there before someone that actually thinks that's a great solution does instead.

XAlp · 10-06-2017, 05:49 PM

Managed to prise the tabs from the front through the slats. Once one grille is out the second is easy.

dangerous_al · 10-06-2017, 05:57 PM

Get a piece of stiff metal bar and bend it so you can feed it through the slats and use it to depress the tabs and so release the grill. Takes minutes, no broken tabs and no need to unbolt anything

Scaleybrat · 10-07-2017, 02:44 AM

Apologies for thread drift. Can anyone recommend where to purchase genuine items? I’m looking to do this change on my F30.

1966-TR4 · 10-07-2017, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McBeemer

Bought a set of OEM black kidney grills, as I want to replace chrome ones.

I've done a bit of you tube research, but not 100% sure of best method to do this..... anyone got some advice please?

Hook them out with a mortice key, 5 minute job.

McBeemer · 10-07-2017, 06:16 AM

Thanks for all the tips everyone.

I just got them from the local dealers, who gave me 20 quid off when pushed.
£100 inc vat

Scaleybrat · 10-07-2017, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McBeemer

Thanks for all the tips everyone.

I just got them from the local dealers, who gave me 20 quid off when pushed.
£100 inc vat

Thanks - Peter Vardy?

McBeemer · 10-07-2017, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scaleybrat

Quote:

Originally Posted by McBeemer

Thanks for all the tips everyone.

I just got them from the local dealers, who gave me 20 quid off when pushed.
Â£100 inc vat

Thanks - Peter Vardy?

Yes & Liam there is really helpful too

McBeemer · 10-07-2017, 11:32 AM

Thank you all for your advice.

Black grills now fitted, along with a couple of plasters !!

These jobs always seem easier when completed & remembering them. Mod filters erase out the difficult bits, otherwise it would inhibit the next modification

Bianchi Dave · 10-07-2017, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scaleybrat

Apologies for thread drift. Can anyone recommend where to purchase genuine items? I’m looking to do this change on my F30.

I got mine from JC in Dundee. Very helpful parts department and will generally price match. I've dealt with Alan Kennedy there a few times.

XAlp · 10-07-2017, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McBeemer

These jobs always seem easier when completed & remembering them. Mod filters erase out the difficult bits, otherwise it would inhibit the next modification

Yes - I found changing the A/C surround was a bit of a swine, but great one completed!

Well done!

10-06-2017, 04:27 PM	#1
McBeemer Lieutenant 261 Rep 548 Posts Drives: 335d Xd MSport Touring Join Date: May 2017 Location: Scotland (Nr Edinburgh) iTrader: (0)	Changing to black kidney grills Bought a set of OEM black kidney grills, as I want to replace chrome ones. I've done a bit of you tube research, but not 100% sure of best method to do this..... anyone got some advice please? __________________ Current: 2017 F31 335d M Sport - Estoril Blue, ACS Sports Suspension (Springs & Dampers), Black Grill, HK Sound & some other bits'n'pieces Gone: 2015 F31 320d M Sport Xdrive Auto
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10-06-2017, 04:44 PM	#2
LiquidMercury Lieutenant 213 Rep 589 Posts Drives: 2012 F30 Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (7)	On how to actually remove and install the new grill? At work right now so I'm off YouTube but there's at least a couple of tutorials. Essentially, pop the hood, unscrew a few screws from the top of the front bumper and pry out the top of the bumper enough to get a hand behind the grill and there's I believe 8 tabs you'll need to pop outta place in order to remove the single grill (repeat this for the other obviously). Think there's a tab on each end of the grill, with 3 others on the top and bottom of the grill. It's so much fun doing it by hand too (said no one ever). I had my gf hold the front bumper (don't worry, it's very 'bendy'...like my gf...hey-o!) whist I squeezed my forearm behind the grills. Have fun, lol. Alternatively, I've seen some actually suggest you simply grab onto the old grill and yank the ever living shit outta it and literally break all the tabs in the process. I personally wouldn't ever do this to my car, or any brand, but thought I'd throw that in there before someone that actually thinks that's a great solution does instead.
	Appreciate 2 McBeemer261.00 Soul_Glo13342.00 Quote

10-06-2017, 05:49 PM	#3
XAlp Major 483 Rep 1,352 Posts Drives: Volvo XC90 T6 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Cambridge iTrader: (0)	Managed to prise the tabs from the front through the slats. Once one grille is out the second is easy.
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10-06-2017, 05:57 PM	#4
dangerous_al Major 403 Rep 1,032 Posts Drives: X3 M40i G01 2020 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Bristol England iTrader: (0)	Get a piece of stiff metal bar and bend it so you can feed it through the slats and use it to depress the tabs and so release the grill. Takes minutes, no broken tabs and no need to unbolt anything
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2017, 02:44 AM	#5
Scaleybrat Private First Class 57 Rep 125 Posts Drives: F30 340i M Sport (now gone) Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Dundee iTrader: (0)	Apologies for thread drift. Can anyone recommend where to purchase genuine items? I’m looking to do this change on my F30.
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10-07-2017, 06:16 AM	#7
McBeemer Lieutenant 261 Rep 548 Posts Drives: 335d Xd MSport Touring Join Date: May 2017 Location: Scotland (Nr Edinburgh) iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all the tips everyone. I just got them from the local dealers, who gave me 20 quid off when pushed. £100 inc vat __________________ Current: 2017 F31 335d M Sport - Estoril Blue, ACS Sports Suspension (Springs & Dampers), Black Grill, HK Sound & some other bits'n'pieces Gone: 2015 F31 320d M Sport Xdrive Auto
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2017, 11:32 AM	#10
McBeemer Lieutenant 261 Rep 548 Posts Drives: 335d Xd MSport Touring Join Date: May 2017 Location: Scotland (Nr Edinburgh) iTrader: (0)	Thank you all for your advice. Black grills now fitted, along with a couple of plasters !! These jobs always seem easier when completed & remembering them. Mod filters erase out the difficult bits, otherwise it would inhibit the next modification __________________ Current: 2017 F31 335d M Sport - Estoril Blue, ACS Sports Suspension (Springs & Dampers), Black Grill, HK Sound & some other bits'n'pieces Gone: 2015 F31 320d M Sport Xdrive Auto
	Appreciate 0 Quote