Remove front bumper to install new grills?!

[eleven11]

So, my e82 135i has arrived! However, the performance exhaust and black kidney grills have to be installed. So, I will be picking it up either late today or sometime tomorrow. My CA mentioned that, "unlike the 3 series, the entire front bumper has to be removed to install the black grills." He sounded as surprised as I did. Now, I've read the DIY on here, and that wasn't the case. I have the M-Sport package (and it's a 2011), if that matters. Are things different on the 2011 M-Sport from the DIY, or is this bs? Thanks!

[arsenyc]

U don't need to remove the bumper that is complete nonsense! Check out the DIY's on the site, they should help!

[infinitekidM2C]

You also have to pull the engine..haha..seriously that's bs or else i was hallucinating along with others

[pavelitto]

did it myself- about 20-30 mins.
Haha its funny how the service reps think they can sell you that much bs... and this is where the forum comes in where you find knowledge.
i dunno but if i was in the bmw selling business i would be most likely registered on the forum to check what people are saying etc...

[eleven11]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I assumed this was bogus. My only hesitation was that the DIY was from 2008. My CA forgot to get my PE ordered before my car arrived, and I think he's feeling bad about the minor delay - so, trying to divert some of the install time to other causes.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by pavelitto

did it myself- about 20-30 mins..

HAH!!!!! I did it myself in 2 to 3 minutes! Really!

All you need is a small (& thin) 90' pick tool, and undue the two bottom clips. Then you will need to bend and pull a little bit, on the top part of the grill clips. No swet.

[Sylon]

I have a 2011 and no you dont need to remove the bumper.


Although the DIY on here was slightly wrong. It said to lift up the tabs, I had to push down on the tabs to release the grills.

Still, only took about 20 minutes, mainly because it took me a little while to realize the tabs went the other way.

[Si-M240i]

I did mine in less than 5 mins. get a hook tool inthere and release either the top two or bottow two clips and with a bit of tugging and wiggling the others unclip and fitting the new ones take about 5 seconds each side.

If a Non Body Shop dealer took my bumper off to do this, I would shove it up his Ar*e for being so stupid ! As they may not get it to line up properly again and you will end up going back for them to say it can't be adjusted so live with it.............then you have to wait for someone to dent your car and you have it fixed by a BMW workshop and they make the bumper line up like new as if by magic !...........I know this from experience, but mine was then they took the bumper off to fit the BMW performance pack.

[Stealth135i]

Originally Posted by Sylon

I have a 2011 and no you dont need to remove the bumper.


Although the DIY on here was slightly wrong. It said to lift up the tabs, I had to push down on the tabs to release the grills.

Still, only took about 20 minutes, mainly because it took me a little while to realize the tabs went the other way.

Same i also have a 2011 135i and it was a cinch to remove although i struggled at first with the same clip problem as i can remember to push or pull but i used a screwdriver in the end as my 90 degree tool was bugging me. Very easy about 10 minutes work. Save your money and do it your self!

[AndyM]

BMW TIS says to remove the bumper to change the grills. Dealers go by what TIS says (whether they do it that way is another question). TIS also lists the amount of time it should take a tech to perform the action, the dealer applies this time to their rate and that is what you are charged.

Do it yourself, it is an easy job.

[leesat]

Here is a nice DIY video
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...ighlight=GRILL
go and check it out.

[Sylon]

Originally Posted by AndyM

BMW TIS says to remove the bumper to change the grills. Dealers go by what TIS says (whether they do it that way is another question). TIS also lists the amount of time it should take a tech to perform the action, the dealer applies this time to their rate and that is what you are charged.

Do it yourself, it is an easy job.

Crazy Germans have to make everything look more complicated then it really needs to be, lol

[Dackelone]

This is the only kind of tool one needs to replace the grills. You can find these kind of "picks" (usually four types in a set) almost anywhere.

[eleven11]

Trust me, I believe everyone about it being an easy DIY. I'm in the process of moving right now, and just wanted this installed when I picked up the car. Bottom line - I didn't have to pay for it.