BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)
 





 

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      09-13-2012, 10:41 PM   #265
KellyK
Lady Driven
KellyK's Avatar
United_States
50
Rep
279
Posts

Drives: AW 2011 128i
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Orange County

iTrader: (0)

thanks so much ! just installed my gloss black ones. ended up having to take the scoops out to get my hand in there and pry them out... end result looks great !
Appreciate 0
      09-14-2012, 06:44 AM   #266
m3nt0s
New Member
2
Rep
14
Posts

Drives: 09 128i
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Doylestown, PA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2009 BMW 128i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by e82n54 View Post
Thanks for the DIY instructions!

I was able to pop out the bottom clips with my hand so it was very fast.
Bottom and side clips I could get with my hands. Used a flat screw driver for the tops, came right out. If you're an absolute idiot with doing this sort of stuff like I am, the most important tool is patience.
__________________
E46 M3 Coupe - 09/04 Production, 99k miles, Black/Black, SMG, BBS RG-R + AS3’s, CSL flash, Karbonius airbox, Koni Yellow, Xtrons, SAP Delete, lockdowns complete
E39 530i - 03/03 Production, 235k miles, Black/Black, Manual swap, Sport Package, Misc software, exhaust, and suspension mods
FOR SALE: E91 328xi - Space Gray on Chestnut, N52, Xenons, 83k miles, stock
Appreciate 0
      09-22-2012, 10:19 PM   #267
kb135
Private First Class
kb135's Avatar
Australia
21
Rep
140
Posts

Drives: 135i Space Grey
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Perth, Western Australia

iTrader: (0)

Exclamation

Just a heads up to anyone removing/replacing the kidney grills. This writeup was great first of all! But there is one thing I encountered which anyone should look out for, that is, when pulling the kidney grill out, if you pull the bottom half out first at a bit of an angle, you risk scraping paint off the top left and right corners of the bumper where the top of the kidney grill is, since the edges of the kidney grill tend to gouge it out... see pic below...

Luckily I had touch up paint and you can't tell what happened unless you knew where to look.... but to avoid this just try not to pull the bottom half out too much before starting to remove the top half.i.e. don't create too much of an angle when removing the kidney grill. try to pull out as straight as possible.
Attached Images
    
Appreciate 0
      09-28-2012, 02:27 PM   #268
Boosted_N54
Major
Boosted_N54's Avatar
180
Rep
1,310
Posts

Drives: 135i N54
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: New York

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by AndyM
Tools Required
T-30 Torx Driver
Right Angle Tool
Flashlight
Flat Blade Screwdriver

Removing the Kidney Grills

With the hood open, begin by removing the 4 T-30 Screws above the kidney grills and set them aside.




You will also want to lift the strip of insulation at the front of the hood off of it’s sleeve. You remove it by pulling up.


The Kidney Grills are held in with 6 clips. There are three along the top edge, one along the side toward the light and two along the bottom. If you are replacing the Kidney Grills, look at the new Grills: you will see the locations of the clips. To remove the kidney grills, you need to lift the two clips along the bottom of the grills. The easiest way to do this is with a right angle tool. They are available from Sears and are a handy tool to have. Sears part number: 00999802000 ($12.99). Sears carries a few different varieties.




You will want to begin by undocking the two lower clips. You will be able to see them in between the slats in the grill. You may need a flashlight to help you locate them. Once you have located them, insert the right angle tool to lift the center section of the clip and lift up. You will want to use your free hand to gently pull the grill toward you. You will want to prevent the grill from re-docking itself so once you have one side unclipped, keep enough pressure outward so it does not go back in.








With the lower clips undocked, you can begin working on the upper clips. In order to access the clips, you want to pull up on the bumper trim and if you look in from the engine compartment, you will see the three clips. Use a flat blade screwdriver or the pointed end of the pick to push the clips down.






As you did with the lower clips, gently pull the grill toward you to keep the clips from re-engaging. Once you have the 3 upper clips undocked, you can pull the grills out.


Installing the new Kidney Grills

To install the new grills, simply line them up and push them in until you hear the clips engage. Once you have both grills installed, replace the 4 T-30 Screws and tighten them down. Re-install the strip of insulation.





If you follow this DIY , please post a thank you.
I did this without taking the screws off the top of the kidney grills and with just a thin flat screw in 8min
__________________
MHD Custom Flash (E85) [Jake@MOTIV] / Vargas Stage 2 Turbos / Fuel it LPFP Stage 3+/ Moitiv Port Injection/ MMP Turbo Inlets/ 3.5 Tmap Sensor / ER FMIC /ER Chargepipe HKS-BOV / AA Downpipes / Agency Power Race mid pipes / Berk Technology race exhaust / BMW SSK / BC Forged Whees Toyo R888 tires / KW Club sport coilovers+KW Camber Plates / Spec stg2+Spec SMSFW/ APR Wing GTC200
Appreciate 0
      11-08-2012, 09:58 PM   #269
Old_Guy
Registered
0
Rep
3
Posts

Drives: A wolf in sheep's clothing
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Sydney

iTrader: (0)

A sharp controlled pull at each edge worked fine for me.

Which to choose?
Name:  IMG_1847.jpg
Views: 4278
Size:  124.3 KB

Went with gloss black performance surround, stock chrome inner:
Name:  IMG_1854.jpg
Views: 3558
Size:  139.6 KB
Appreciate 0
      11-08-2012, 10:22 PM   #270
Tee-Dub
Captain
Tee-Dub's Avatar
United_States
35
Rep
753
Posts

Drives: 2008 135i
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Vancouver, WA

iTrader: (9)

this job is way easier if you remove the two scoops for the cold air intake. You can then get your hands in there to release the clips. FWIW, I pulled mine and painted them with black Plasti-dip paint for about $8. They look just like the matte black ones you pay almost $100 for.
Appreciate 0
      11-09-2012, 07:24 PM   #271
andnkuhn
Second Lieutenant
andnkuhn's Avatar
5
Rep
229
Posts

Drives: 135i.N55.6SPD.M-SPORT
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Arlington, Va

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 BMW 135i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Old_Guy View Post
A sharp controlled pull at each edge worked fine for me.

Which to choose?
Attachment 779440

Went with gloss black performance surround, stock chrome inner:
Attachment 779441
this is exactly what i the most also. great choice.
__________________
TauK-n Tky 1. at a time///
Appreciate 0
      11-10-2012, 05:17 AM   #272
Dackelone
European Editor
Dackelone's Avatar
Germany
10505
Rep
22,992
Posts

Drives: N54 e82
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Bayern, Germany

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by andnkuhn View Post
this is exactly what i the most also. great choice.
^+1. Yup me too. I started at the top and worked my way down. For the bottom half you just have to tug/pull real hard.
Appreciate 0
      01-17-2013, 07:20 AM   #273
Ratcliffe33
New Member
7
Rep
23
Posts

Drives: BMW 118D
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: South Wales

iTrader: (0)

great walk through ! very helpful !
Appreciate 0
      03-22-2013, 06:05 PM   #274
135ivert
Lieutenant
64
Rep
521
Posts

Drives: E88 135i,E70 X5M,E93 M3
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Colorado

iTrader: (1)

Any pics of full matte black grilles on Jet Black/BSM? I'm debating on matte vs. gloss.
Appreciate 0
      03-23-2013, 11:13 AM   #275
Dave ABP
New Member
Dave ABP's Avatar
United Kingdom
1
Rep
18
Posts

Drives: AW BMW 135i Coupe
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: ABP Motorsport, Cheshire, UK

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by 135ivert View Post
Any pics of full matte black grilles on Jet Black/BSM? I'm debating on matte vs. gloss.
I think on a black car the gloss black will blend in nicer.

I have always liked matt black grills on white ones though even though i have gloss black on my white one and they do look good.
__________________
AW 2009 135i, BMW Performance front bumper & side skirts, BMW Performance Carbon mirror caps, BMW Performance gloss black kidney grills, BMW Performance exhaust, BMW Performance 269 alloys, Toyo Proxes sport tyres
Appreciate 0
      03-24-2013, 08:00 PM   #276
135ivert
Lieutenant
64
Rep
521
Posts

Drives: E88 135i,E70 X5M,E93 M3
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Colorado

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave ABP View Post
I think on a black car the gloss black will blend in nicer.
You're probably right. I think I was just looking at ways to make it "mine".

Also, should I be worried about the grilles fading at a different rate than the paint? The sun's pretty intense here in CO, but I garage at night.
Appreciate 0
      06-26-2013, 07:41 PM   #277
Larz
New Member
1
Rep
15
Posts

Drives: E90 M3
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Thanks! I just used these instructions to install black gloss grilles. I didn't have a right angle tool so I modified a metal pick used for teeth!
Appreciate 0
      07-12-2013, 08:59 PM   #278
STL BMW
New Member
STL BMW's Avatar
6
Rep
10
Posts

Drives: BMW 128i Coupe 6MT
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: STL

iTrader: (0)

Thanks for the DIY. For anyone wondering about a redneck right angle tool, I just bent a kitchen knife and it did the trick.
Appreciate 0
      07-14-2013, 05:36 AM   #279
LMBe82
Private First Class
LMBe82's Avatar
United_States
19
Rep
122
Posts

Drives: 2012 135i M sport
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Ny

iTrader: (0)

Thank you. I installed my performance grills in minutes because of this write up. It looks so good on Le Mans blue
Appreciate 0
      09-19-2013, 09:42 PM   #280
resurrect.ink
Registered
0
Rep
2
Posts

Drives: 2012 128i coupe
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

I have a 2012 128i - I literally popped the hood and tugged on each grille. The top will pop first and give it a little extra tug on the bottom. They come right out and you pop the new ones in. Just took me five minutes. love it!!
Appreciate 0
      10-03-2013, 09:20 AM   #281
GMD
Enlisted Member
0
Rep
35
Posts

Drives: 135i
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Took my grilles out yesterday, and have a tip for anyone with small hands. Instead of fussing with a right angle tool, I simply pulled back gently on the top of the bumper where the torx were, and reached my hand down in and lifted up on the lower tabs. Way easier than with a tool, given you can fit your hand in there.
Appreciate 0
      12-21-2013, 09:40 AM   #282
Iron Man
Major
Iron Man's Avatar
United_States
189
Rep
1,026
Posts

Drives: N/A
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: NC

iTrader: (0)

I just did this as the first mod for my 128i. I took more time debating about using tools, and in the end I just put on cut resistant gloves, grabbed the original grills and yanked them out. Just make sure to pull straight towards yourself and they "pop" out suddenly when they un-clip. Had to pull pretty hard.

Just popped the new grills in. Took a few seconds.
Appreciate 0
      12-22-2013, 11:19 AM   #283
cmcdonald
Second Lieutenant
cmcdonald's Avatar
United_States
8
Rep
216
Posts

Drives: 2012 BMW 128i
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Chicago, IL

iTrader: (0)

Just did this today, switched my stock grilles for the BMW Performance gloss black ones. I did it the same way Iron Man did, just yanked em straight out. Worked really well, no scratched and no broken tabs. Car looks much better without the chrome grilles.
__________________

2012 BMW 128i: BMW Performance Rear Spoiler, BMW Performance Front Grilles, 20% Tint, BMW 135i M-Sport Axle-back With Shadowline Tips, Golf-Tee Mod, 261 M-Sport Rims with Falken 235/40R18 265/35R18 Tires,Depo Smoked LED Side Makers, Eiback Pro Springs (To be installed)
Appreciate 0
      03-16-2014, 03:28 PM   #284
maxslug
Custom User Title Here
United_States
7
Rep
63
Posts

Drives: 2011 135i 6MT, 2014 E84 X1
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: SF

iTrader: (1)

thanks for the write ups! I did the same trick -- undid the torq bolts and then gently pulled from inside the grill, first up from the bottom and then down from the top. No other tools used, no broken tabs, no chipped paint.

-m
__________________
I drove the first Saab in the very first few 24 Hours of LeMons, and I run the GTI-VR6 List.
Previous Rides: 400whp GTI-VR6 Turbo, MK2 GTI, 72 Dodge Dart, Audi Coupe Quattro, Accords, Subies
Appreciate 0
      03-24-2014, 07:19 PM   #285
JeffyD
Destroy All Monsters
JeffyD's Avatar
United_States
3
Rep
159
Posts

Drives: '02 EB M Coupe, '11 M Coupe
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Southern California

iTrader: (0)

Great write up.

I wound up just unscrewing the torx screws, and using a tiny flathead screwdriver. If you pull at the corners using the second slat from the headlights, and do so with consistent pulling - ie not jerking - they'll pop out with nary a worry about paint damage or broken clips.

Just make sure to use your other hand to push on the bumper while you pull at the grille.

I may have just lucked out, so don't take my advice and get upset if it doesn't work out as well.
Appreciate 0
      04-13-2014, 03:48 PM   #286
128GP
First Lieutenant
128GP's Avatar
40
Rep
323
Posts

Drives: AW 328i 6sp RWD M Sport
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

Great vid, i used a long flathead, took all of 10 minutes.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

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 03:51 AM.




1addicts
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