[chris-c]

I'm looking at adding some mesh to protect my radiator from stones as it seems like there is far too much open area for big lumps to fly through the holes in the grille. I'm just wondering if anyone on here has done it and if so what they have used.

I know there are people on babybmw talking about it but thought I'd ask you. Also would you go for mesh close up to the grille or mesh further back.

I'm thinking if I swap the grilles out for black ones I could put some black mesh directly behind them to catch any debris.
Something like this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Auto-...item2a84a8fc66

[chris-c]

Admin / Mods feel free to delete this thread as I've spent more time looking and found these threads:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1471446&page=2
http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=819472
http://www.babybmw.net/forum/viewtop...06211&start=30
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=795906

[creepy coupe]

The BMW part number for the "rock guard" is 17118485042. I'm wondering if it could be adapted in some way. As mine doesn't have it fitted.

[chris-c]

Originally Posted by creepy coupe

The BMW part number for the "rock guard" is 17118485042. I'm wondering if it could be adapted in some way. As mine doesn't have it fitted.

Looks like they are ~£35 each (x2) then mounting accessories or bodging. Might just be easier to custom make something.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/161302...2/41936996091/

Instead of using the mesh from halfords at £20-25 a sheet this will be perfect with a can of black paint
https://www.wickes.co.uk/Products/Bu...eets/c/1004001

[creepy coupe]

Originally Posted by chris-c

Looks like they are ~£35 each (x2) then mounting accessories or bodging. Might just be easier to custom make something.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/161302...2/41936996091/

I think you're right. i don't fancy taking the bumper off though.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/500mm-X-160...8842219&crdt=0

[chris-c]

You'll need to get the bumper off to get the BMW ones on anyway.
Good work on spotting that ebay link, that is cheaper than my wickes offering

[jdw7]

I did mine using this:-

MESH

It took a good few hours getting the bumper off, cutting the mesh to size & attaching and putting it all back together but with the help of some youtube 'f30 bumper removal' tutorials it wasn't that difficult. Someone better at this kind of thing would be able to do it much quicker. Car needs washing, I know.

[chris-c]

Any details on how you attached it or what mesh you used?

[scouse stelth]

I am looking on doing this as I have just had a bolt go thorough my ac condenser but Bmw changed it under warranty but won’t be doing it again.

[jdw7]

Originally Posted by chris-c

Any details on how you attached it or what mesh you used?

The upper case 'MESH' on my last post is a link to the Ebay item I used.

This is a good video to help with removing the bumper:-

I cut the mesh quite snug (measure twice, cut once) so it didn't need anything more than a few cable ties to keep it in place.

[jaddie]

Just a quick heads up, if you contact a dealership now -- there is a retrofit kit which has been introduced for this exact design change which took affect on newer cars as of December 2017 to fit these rock guards. This retrofit kit is for cars without it standard fitted & includes a new low temp rad, the module left & right, then 2 rock guards. Due to recent introduction it currently carries a £350 discounted price tag instead of ~£442.

Get in contact with your dealership, if they play dumb, ring BMW UK & they'll get a CSR to tell the dealership how to order the kit for your car if suitable.

[Kal101]

Originally Posted by jdw7

I did mine using this:-

MESH

It took a good few hours getting the bumper off, cutting the mesh to size & attaching and putting it all back together but with the help of some youtube 'f30 bumper removal' tutorials it wasn't that difficult. Someone better at this kind of thing would be able to do it much quicker. Car needs washing, I know.

Just a thought.

Could you get some black mesh from Halfords etc. Cut to shape ,remove grilled and then mount onto the clips prior to pushing the grilles back into place using it as an interference type fit ?

[chris-c]

Originally Posted by jaddie

Just a quick heads up, if you contact a dealership now -- there is a retrofit kit which has been introduced for this exact design change which took affect on newer cars as of December 2017 to fit these rock guards. This retrofit kit is for cars without it standard fitted & includes a new low temp rad, the module left & right, then 2 rock guards. Due to recent introduction it currently carries a £350 discounted price tag instead of ~£442.

Get in contact with your dealership, if they play dumb, ring BMW UK & they'll get a CSR to tell the dealership how to order the kit for your car if suitable.

Then add £300 labour ontop. You could alternatively get the rock guards and araldite them to the body. The rock guards are £25 each.

In the end I've had all this done under warranty.