Replacing Grilles?

clausy · 08-20-2010, 06:02 PM

I picked up a couple of black grilles from the stealer. How do you get the old ones out? Do you just undo the 4 big plastic screws for the bar that goes over the top and then pop the clips out all round and lift them out?

I did try to search but didn't find any tips. Maybe I'll take some pics tomorrow when I do it.

Eyeman · 08-20-2010, 06:46 PM

There are definitely DIY's on this site.

Yep, you have to slip off the rubber molding and remove the big screw that hold the front section of the car on. Then you slip the front panel forward so you can reach the tabs holding the grills. It's tricky to get the tabs loose until you figure out which way to pull/push, then it's easy. I use a 90degree pick to get to the tabs. I've changed grills a few times trying to figure out what I like best.

Frustration · 08-20-2010, 06:52 PM

Wow.

With the Z4 you pull up and forward...

Then just push the replacements in.

You really have to remove hardware with these??

I guess going carbon that's a good thing to avoid theft, but damn...

clausy · 08-20-2010, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eyeman

There are definitely DIY's on this site.

Yep, you have to slip off the rubber molding and remove the big screw that hold the front section of the car on. Then you slip the front panel forward so you can reach the tabs holding the grills. It's tricky to get the tabs loose until you figure out which way to pull/push, then it's easy. I use a 90degree pick to get to the tabs. I've changed grills a few times trying to figure out what I like best.

Sweet, thanks. I will be sure to post before and after pics tomorrow :-)

Dackelone · 08-20-2010, 07:02 PM

You don't need to take apart the car. you CAN... but you def do not need too. It took me like ten minutes the first time I replaced the grill. AND that was mainly bc teh whole front bumpber flexes forward as you tug on the old grills to get them to come out.

Just get yourself some PICK TOOLS. One like this.

Normally they sell them in a four pack pick tool set. Try Harbor Frieght or Sears or Advanced Parts, PepBoys, ect, ect. Ten bucks for these tools and you are all set!

Use the 90' pick to undue the lower clips... then tult the bottom of teh grill outwards... then work on the top clips and side clips. I just pulled the crap out of my ones. Don't worry the bumber will not break. Worse case is you might break one of teh clips on the old grill. I did not though!

Robert · 08-20-2010, 07:07 PM

The tools help and a flashlight. Not hard once you have done the first one.

08-20-2010, 06:02 PM	#1
clausy Private First Class 7 Rep 147 Posts Drives: 135i M Sport Pack Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Westport CT iTrader: (0)	Replacing Grilles? I picked up a couple of black grilles from the stealer. How do you get the old ones out? Do you just undo the 4 big plastic screws for the bar that goes over the top and then pop the clips out all round and lift them out? I did try to search but didn't find any tips. Maybe I'll take some pics tomorrow when I do it.
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08-20-2010, 06:46 PM	#2
Eyeman Colonel 119 Rep 2,036 Posts Drives: 2008 135 blk, blk, step Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0) Garage List 1994 Porsche 968 Cab [0.00] 2017 AMG GTS [0.00] 1994 Porsche 968 Coupe [0.00] 1977 Mercedes 450SE ... [0.00] 2008 135 [8.00]	There are definitely DIY's on this site. Yep, you have to slip off the rubber molding and remove the big screw that hold the front section of the car on. Then you slip the front panel forward so you can reach the tabs holding the grills. It's tricky to get the tabs loose until you figure out which way to pull/push, then it's easy. I use a 90degree pick to get to the tabs. I've changed grills a few times trying to figure out what I like best. __________________ Injen, RR OCC, MadDad Whisper, donut spare, 19x8.5et43fr 19x9.5et45r Volk LE37's, rear fenders rolled/pulled, PSS4S 225/35fr 255/30r, KW V1's, AR coated catless dps, Cross strutbar, CF grills and license plate holder, iCarbon diffuser, ETS black anodized FMIC, M3 control arms, Quaife, ER chargepipe, ForgeDV's, Topspeed Custom Tune, V3sims, Braille, Andrey_GTA rear hub mod, Ebay Mstyle front bumper and performance style side skirts.
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08-20-2010, 06:52 PM	#3
Frustration enter macho title here... 12 Rep 150 Posts Drives: X3 / 335cp / 135 vert-135vert2 Join Date: May 2009 Location: earth iTrader: (0)	Wow. With the Z4 you pull up and forward... Then just push the replacements in. You really have to remove hardware with these?? I guess going carbon that's a good thing to avoid theft, but damn...
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08-20-2010, 07:02 PM	#5
Dackelone European Editor 10528 Rep 22,992 Posts Drives: N54 e82 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany iTrader: (1)	You don't need to take apart the car. you CAN... but you def do not need too. It took me like ten minutes the first time I replaced the grill. AND that was mainly bc teh whole front bumpber flexes forward as you tug on the old grills to get them to come out. Just get yourself some PICK TOOLS. One like this. Normally they sell them in a four pack pick tool set. Try Harbor Frieght or Sears or Advanced Parts, PepBoys, ect, ect. Ten bucks for these tools and you are all set! Use the 90' pick to undue the lower clips... then tult the bottom of teh grill outwards... then work on the top clips and side clips. I just pulled the crap out of my ones. Don't worry the bumber will not break. Worse case is you might break one of teh clips on the old grill. I did not though!
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08-20-2010, 07:07 PM	#6
Robert Major General 414 Rep 6,968 Posts Drives: 135i -> is350 -> Tesla M3 perf Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Socal iTrader: (1)	The tools help and a flashlight. Not hard once you have done the first one.
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