M5 Kidney grilles

j3o3t3 · 09-14-2012, 08:27 AM

I never liked the all chrome kidney grilles standard on my 550i . They just didn't seem to match the personality of the M Sport package.

I thought the all black version was a little dark on AW - contrasted with all the other chrome trim on the car, but the M5 version with chrome exterior trim and all black grille fins looked perfect - so I bought a pair...

Install is easy- no need to disassemble any part of the front bumper, the grilles pop out by gently pulling on each side, its a 3 minute job.

Here are the before and after results!

Douggie · 09-14-2012, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j3o3t3

I never liked the all chrome kidney grilles standard on my 550i . They just didn't seem to match the personality of the M Sport package.

I thought the all black version was a little dark on AW - contrasted with all the other chrome trim on the car, but the M5 version with chrome exterior trim and all black grille fins looked perfect - so I bought a pair...

Install is easy- no need to disassemble any part of the front bumper, the grilles pop out by gently pulling on each side, its a 3 minute job.

Here are the before and after results!

Thanks for sharing. But you sure that the grilles pop out that gently? I've tried tugging it with some force but it doesn't seem to budge.

n55x3 · 09-14-2012, 03:19 PM

Did the same mod on my wifes X3. The clip pattern looks the same so I assume it's the same setup. I can say on hers there is no way just pulling it out would have worked. I had to use a right angle tool and unclip each clip from behind. That sucker was in there good. I'd be really careful just trying to pull it out.

Either way, nice job, looks much better now!!

TheRealOrosie · 09-14-2012, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n55x3

Did the same mod on my wifes X3. The clip pattern looks the same so I assume it's the same setup. I can say on hers there is no way just pulling it out would have worked. I had to use a right angle tool and unclip each clip from behind. That sucker was in there good. I'd be really careful just trying to pull it out.

Either way, nice job, looks much better now!!

I pulled mine out in under a minute. Make sure the plastic is warm (sitting out in warm sun all day in my case).

j3o3t3 · 09-14-2012, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Douggie

Quote:

Originally Posted by j3o3t3

I never liked the all chrome kidney grilles standard on my 550i . They just didn't seem to match the personality of the M Sport package.

I thought the all black version was a little dark on AW - contrasted with all the other chrome trim on the car, but the M5 version with chrome exterior trim and all black grille fins looked perfect - so I bought a pair...

Install is easy- no need to disassemble any part of the front bumper, the grilles pop out by gently pulling on each side, its a 3 minute job.

Here are the before and after results!

Thanks for sharing. But you sure that the grilles pop out that gently? I've tried tugging it with some force but it doesn't seem to budge.

They come out with gentle but firm tug holding the grilles at each end. One side will come free , then the other- super easy

bmwombat · 09-14-2012, 05:45 PM

Looks gr8. The dealer is changing my std grilles over to those when my new Carbon Black 535d M-Sport arrives in his showroom (got him to throw them in FOC as part of the negotiation).

Douggie · 09-15-2012, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j3o3t3

They come out with gentle but firm tug holding the grilles at each end. One side will come free , then the other- super easy

Ok. Will give it another go when I have time. Thanks

remmib · 09-15-2012, 05:14 PM

I thnk it look even better when it's all black.

Needsdecaf · 09-15-2012, 06:35 PM

I think it will look better when they match.

Vinfast · 09-15-2012, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j3o3t3

They come out with gentle but firm tug holding the grilles at each end. One side will come free , then the other- super easy

Where is the best place to buy the M5 style grill?

j3o3t3 · 09-16-2012, 01:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

I think it will look better when they match.

noKidding- apparently there is a little problem at the packaging plant in poland.

3rd mis ship- thought we had it right until i noticed that the right grille has only 10 fins. M5 grilles have 12 fins- left grille correct.

been working behind the scenes to get this fixed...

09-14-2012, 08:27 AM	#1
j3o3t3 Private First Class 131 Rep 185 Posts Drives: 2023 M5 Competition Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	M5 Kidney grilles - Before/After I never liked the all chrome kidney grilles standard on my 550i . They just didn't seem to match the personality of the M Sport package. I thought the all black version was a little dark on AW - contrasted with all the other chrome trim on the car, but the M5 version with chrome exterior trim and all black grille fins looked perfect - so I bought a pair... Install is easy- no need to disassemble any part of the front bumper, the grilles pop out by gently pulling on each side, its a 3 minute job. Here are the before and after results! Attached Images __________________ 2023 M5 Competition: Marina Bay Blue l Silverstone Merino Leather l Type 789 Rims l Executive Package l Acquired 12/30/2022 Prior BMW's 2011 550iMSport, 2008 5501MSport, 2005 5451, 1993 325iS
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09-14-2012, 03:19 PM	#3
n55x3 Captain 72 Rep 876 Posts Drives: n55 BMWs Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: us - ohio iTrader: (0)	Did the same mod on my wifes X3. The clip pattern looks the same so I assume it's the same setup. I can say on hers there is no way just pulling it out would have worked. I had to use a right angle tool and unclip each clip from behind. That sucker was in there good. I'd be really careful just trying to pull it out. Either way, nice job, looks much better now!!
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09-14-2012, 05:45 PM	#6
bmwombat Private First Class 16 Rep 104 Posts Drives: 2013 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW F10 535d M ... [0.00] 2009 Lexus IS250C S ... [0.00]	Looks gr8. The dealer is changing my std grilles over to those when my new Carbon Black 535d M-Sport arrives in his showroom (got him to throw them in FOC as part of the negotiation). __________________ Driving: 2013 F10 535d M-Sport Carbon Black. =========================
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09-15-2012, 05:14 PM	#8
remmib General 1568 Rep 29,202 Posts Drives: 2013 F10 520d M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Norway iTrader: (0)	I thnk it look even better when it's all black. __________________ F10 520d M-Sport Alpine White \| HRE P43SC 20x9+20x11 \| Michelin PSS 255/35+295/30 \| KW V3 Coilover \| M5 Front Sway Bar + M550d Rear Sway Bar \| 3DDesign Front Lip \| BMW M Performance CF Spoiler \| BMW M Performance Diffuser \| BMW M Performance Black Grills \| BMW M Performance Pedals \|
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09-15-2012, 06:35 PM	#9
Needsdecaf Major General 6565 Rep 6,681 Posts Drives: 2024 G80 Comp xDrive Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: The Woodlands, TX iTrader: (0)	I think it will look better when they match.
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