F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
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
GetBMWParts
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-27-2018, 12:07 PM   #243
stefanbaumg
New Member
3
Rep
5
Posts

Drives: 2015 335i xDrive
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: New England

iTrader: (0)

I also just did this without removing the bumper or damaging the original grille.

I admittedly have long fingers that made it easy to get to the tabs and I also used some trim removal tools to push the tabs. The first one was a bit of a pain to get out, but the second one is super easy.

Definitely look at the replacement grill to help you locate the tabs and how to push them.
Appreciate 0
      06-19-2019, 04:08 PM   #244
rtgs678
Registered
United_States
0
Rep
1
Posts

Drives: 2017 330xi
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Minnesota

iTrader: (0)

Thanks for the write up. Followed your instructions to the T and worked perfectly. Took 30 mins including cleaning and putzing. Removed trendy black grills and installed old fashioned chrome ones.. much nicer!
Appreciate 0
      06-23-2019, 02:13 PM   #245
robkassab
Rob
robkassab's Avatar
48
Rep
91
Posts

Drives: 2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Boca Raton, FL

iTrader: (0)

Here's my black grille with the center painted the body color--mineral white.
Attached Images
 
__________________
robkassab | 2023 X7 40i M-Sport
Appreciate 0
      06-25-2019, 11:59 AM   #246
435GranC
Private
435GranC's Avatar
14
Rep
66
Posts

Drives: 2016 435i GranCoupe
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: MA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by blackabass View Post
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
Thank you!
Appreciate 0
      11-13-2019, 01:37 PM   #247
Rubes44
New Member
Rubes44's Avatar
United_States
9
Rep
6
Posts

Drives: 2016 328i XDrive
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Mount Olive NJ

iTrader: (0)

All of the grills look awesome! Nice work everyone. After seeing It I had to try it myself! [IMG][/IMG]I just ordered myself Grill replacements for my 16' 328i XDrive. I wanted to give it a sportier look, I think it does! $30 on eBay and took me 15 minutes to install with out taking out screws or messing with bumper. I was able to fit my hands in with a little clip and work my way around undoing the clips and then with a bit of a tug they came out. The second side is easy as you can get behind the grill once the other side is removed.
Attached Images
     
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
3 series f30, 3 series f30 forum, 3 series forum, 3-series forum, bmw 3 series f30, bmw 3 series forum, bmw 3-series f30, bmw 3-series forum, bmw f30, bmw f30 3 series, bmw f30 3-series, bmw f30 forum, diy f30, diy guides f30, f30 3 series, f30 3 series diy, f30 3 series diy guide, f30 3 series forum, f30 3 series grille, f30 3 series grilles, f30 3-series, f30 3-series forum, f30 diy, f30 diy guides, f30 forum, f30 forums, f30 grill, f30 grill diy, f30 grille, f30 grilles, f30 grills, f30 kidney grille, f30 kidney grilles

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:53 AM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST