2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
 

2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 F10 Technical Topics DIY Guides & Discussions DIY: BMW Performance Black F10 Grille Install & Removing Bumper Silver Trim
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-07-2012, 11:15 PM   #111
BigDeep1
First Lieutenant
33
Rep
375
Posts

Drives: 2011 535i Sport - P1, P2
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Irving, TX - Valley Ranch

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by VWtoBMW View Post
THe other day I had tried installing my M Performance grills by taking off the screws and clips on the bumper per the DIY process. It was a PITA and I could not get the grills off! I gave up and figured I would try it another time.

Based on feedback I read on here, I took the route of trying to pull them off without doing any removal of screws and clips. I just got back home from a meeting and the engine was hot after having sat in stop and go traffic so I gave it a try. Done! They popped off! The bottom was a bit of a challenge but some force and wiggling, it let loose. Far easier way to do it.
Good job. I tried that cowboy pull a few times with the car hot, but to no avail. I finally did the screw removal route. I like how this DIY makes a quick note of pulling out the grille (after removing the screws). That's the hardest part! I almost gave up myself. As many said, that bumper is strong. I got my knuckles cut and arms scraped to the meat. It was a PITA, but worth it. Thanks again for this DIY.

Check out the thread:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho....php?p=7180213



Appreciate 0
      11-08-2012, 03:32 PM   #112
VWtoBMW
Captain
VWtoBMW's Avatar
Canada
67
Rep
896
Posts

Drives: 2021 X5
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (5)

Garage List
Nice!

Here are mine.. but forgive the iPhone pic without having turned on my overhead fluorescent lighting.

__________________
2018 540d xDrive Carbon Black Metallic on Cognac leather. Spec'd out to the max
2017 Mercedes C43 AMG Coupe. Black on black
Appreciate 0
      11-26-2012, 10:03 PM   #113
Grayblack
Captain
Grayblack's Avatar
178
Rep
994
Posts

Drives: E92 M3 and G07 X7
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: OC, CA

iTrader: (8)

I was able to swap out my grills today without unscrewing and pulling off the seals. I used a little plastic razor blade to unlock all of the clips. Also, I used blue painters tape just to be safe. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be.
Appreciate 0
      12-05-2012, 06:40 PM   #114
MELLOWYELLOW06
Major
MELLOWYELLOW06's Avatar
324
Rep
1,198
Posts

Drives: 2020 M8 & 2022 X& M50i
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: SOCAL

iTrader: (0)

I ordered mine today and should be here by next week. I am afraid of unscrewing and lose the factory gaps. You guys think it will be an easy pull if the car is 1 week old?
Appreciate 0
      12-06-2012, 04:55 PM   #115
Cobra0963
Private
United_States
0
Rep
81
Posts

Drives: 2015 M4 F82
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Boca Raton, Florida

iTrader: (0)

Just installed matte black kidney's on mine, It took a total of 5 minutes with a warm car.

Last edited by Cobra0963; 12-06-2012 at 05:10 PM..
Appreciate 0
      12-09-2012, 05:07 PM   #116
MWPos
Lieutenant
MWPos's Avatar
United_States
81
Rep
553
Posts

Drives: 2013 535i
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Rancho Penasquitos, CA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2013 535i  [0.00]
half way back to original grills

I installed Turner Motorports flat black grilles on my space gray car within a month of buying the car, but over the months since then I found that the black was too much. I saw in the forum a couple of DIY'ers who used a combination of original and modified grilles and decided to try it. I have the original grilles in the car again, but the grille surrounds are now painted space gray and the vertical fins are the original chrome leading edge. I think that I like this much more on my car than I liked the all-black look.
Attached Images
  

Last edited by MWPos; 12-16-2012 at 12:46 PM.. Reason: spelling
Appreciate 0
      01-27-2013, 01:08 AM   #117
jwblack750
MBACPA
United_States
13
Rep
91
Posts

Drives: 2014 640xi Gran Coupe
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Spokane, Washington

iTrader: (0)

Why does everything take me 4 times longer than expected??

That was brutal. Before I found this post, I had gone outside to pop the hood, and I realized it might not be so easy to install my new grill. Next, I searched the web, knowing somebody had to have put a tutorial for this online somewhere, and I was pleased to see that it really wasn't that difficult of a task. So I thought. Simply put...it took me about two hours, a hacksaw blade to cut out the slats of the OEM grill, bloody knuckles, and some serious yanking on the grill to get the damn things out! Maybe BMW made the fit tighter on the clips in 2013. Anyway...total pain in the butt, but I still feel it was worth it. Before and after pics...
Attached Images
  
Appreciate 0
      01-27-2013, 12:17 PM   #118
MWPos
Lieutenant
MWPos's Avatar
United_States
81
Rep
553
Posts

Drives: 2013 535i
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Rancho Penasquitos, CA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2013 535i  [0.00]
Wow! Very nice, and no visible blood stains on the car or in the snow

Yours is the first car's photos I've seen posted with the surrounds painted a light color and the slats in black. You should add your photos to this thread: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=651028
So those that follow may make an educated choice when modding a light colored car.
Nice work!

Last edited by MWPos; 07-04-2013 at 11:03 PM..
Appreciate 0
      01-27-2013, 05:17 PM   #119
jwblack750
MBACPA
United_States
13
Rep
91
Posts

Drives: 2014 640xi Gran Coupe
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Spokane, Washington

iTrader: (0)

Thanks, MWPos! Yeah, I cleaned the blood off before the pic! My wife was by my side trying to assist until I started cussing at my grill and pulled out the hacksaw...she feared for her own safety at that point, I believe. I really do like the end result (maybe I'll post the pics on the forum you suggested, too). I'm not sure why mine was so difficult, but maybe the cold weather made the plastic tabs stiffer. Now it's time to figure out what my next mod will be.
Appreciate 0
      01-27-2013, 05:59 PM   #120
LACSTER
Major General
753
Rep
8,279
Posts

Drives: Hybrid
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: oc

iTrader: (64)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jwblack750 View Post
Thanks, MWPos! Yeah, I cleaned the blood off before the pic! My wife was by my side trying to assist until I started cussing at my grill and pulled out the hacksaw...she feared for her own safety at that point, I believe. I really do like the end result (maybe I'll post the pics on the forum you suggested, too). I'm not sure why mine was so difficult, but maybe the cold weather made the plastic tabs stiffer. Now it's time to figure out what my next mod will be.
Yeah it took me less then 30 minutes to do this DIY and I and I had no problems at all.
I recently helped out another local forum member who said he was having a hard time.
For some reason his car was a lot harder and I scratched up my entire arms doing it for him
Appreciate 0
      01-27-2013, 07:03 PM   #121
mdrobc13
Colonel
mdrobc13's Avatar
United_States
338
Rep
2,232
Posts

Drives: Made in Bavaria
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: On a base somewhere near or afar!

iTrader: (8)

Garage List
2021 BMW X3e  [0.00]
2016 BMW M4  [9.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Susoa View Post
Well I went out and gave this a try and no luck. I have a 550 so I wonder if there is less space. After I took the screws out I had maybe an inch to work with. Should I use a long screw driver to push down on the top tabs? How do I get to the bottom ones? Maybe a precision hook shaped tool would work?
Also, It looks like the chrome ring and plastic fins are seperate parts so I could spray the fins black. I have dark graphite so I dont know how it would look totaly blacked out.

Another option is vinyl - Anyone know where I can find black vinyl for the fins?

Thanks for the help!
Here's mine..same color car as yours. Before, after, and close up. Basically Its a 20 min job if yours come out easily and you've planned a bit. I read all the posts prior to doing it so I was sure I understood what is going on and what was attached and needed to be reattached. GL
Attached Images
   
__________________
'22 BMW M4 Comp (SSG/Black)
'16 BMW M4 (Shakir Orange/Black) - gone not forgotten
'15 BMW M3 (Black/Black) - gone not forgotten
'10 BMW X5M (Black/Black) - gone not forgotten
'08 BMW M3 (Space Gray/Black) - gone not forgotten
Appreciate 0
      01-27-2013, 08:38 PM   #122
jwblack750
MBACPA
United_States
13
Rep
91
Posts

Drives: 2014 640xi Gran Coupe
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Spokane, Washington

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by LACSTER View Post
Yeah it took me less then 30 minutes to do this DIY and I and I had no problems at all.
I recently helped out another local forum member who said he was having a hard time.
For some reason his car was a lot harder and I scratched up my entire arms doing it for him
Well, as difficult as it was, I'm really glad you posted the DIY, because I might not have even tried it had I not seen your step-by-step instructions.

I'm new to the forum, and I'm having a lot of fun seeing everybody's modifications. In fact, this is my first BMW, and I don't think I'll ever buy a different brand of car! I love my 528, and it gets great gas mileage on my commute, but I was really torn between a new 2012 550 (gray) and my white 2013 528. They were about the same price, with similar options, but I just love white on black. It would have been a different story if the 550 was white! Anyway, the next BMW I get will need more power!!

Have a good one!
Appreciate 0
      01-27-2013, 10:27 PM   #123
LACSTER
Major General
753
Rep
8,279
Posts

Drives: Hybrid
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: oc

iTrader: (64)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jwblack750 View Post
Well, as difficult as it was, I'm really glad you posted the DIY, because I might not have even tried it had I not seen your step-by-step instructions.

I'm new to the forum, and I'm having a lot of fun seeing everybody's modifications. In fact, this is my first BMW, and I don't think I'll ever buy a different brand of car! I love my 528, and it gets great gas mileage on my commute, but I was really torn between a new 2012 550 (gray) and my white 2013 528. They were about the same price, with similar options, but I just love white on black. It would have been a different story if the 550 was white! Anyway, the next BMW I get will need more power!!

Have a good one!
Check this out if you're looking for some more power.

AFE SCORCHER LINK
Appreciate 0
      01-31-2013, 09:13 PM   #124
jwblack750
MBACPA
United_States
13
Rep
91
Posts

Drives: 2014 640xi Gran Coupe
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Spokane, Washington

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by LACSTER View Post
Check this out if you're looking for some more power.

AFE SCORCHER LINK
So, do you have experience with this AFE module?? Noticeable power gains? Easy to remove before taking it in for service? Just curious if you've used one, or know somebody that has. Thanks!
Appreciate 0
      02-16-2013, 03:41 PM   #125
Akaramanukyan
New Member
0
Rep
5
Posts

Drives: BMW 535i msport
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (0)

Lacster, Thank you for putting this DIY together I followed the steps and got it done in 20 minutes thanks...
Attached Images
 
Appreciate 0
      02-18-2013, 09:37 AM   #126
E_J_Fudd
Elmer Fudd
United_States
2
Rep
19
Posts

Drives: 325, X3, 335, 550, 328
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Virginia Beach

iTrader: (0)

Thanks!!

You save me a tremendous amount of trial and error!!
Appreciate 0
      02-28-2013, 12:06 PM   #127
tdang81
First Lieutenant
30
Rep
340
Posts

Drives: '15 F10 550i M Sport
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (12)

Just did the "pull hard" method on my 2013 535i and worked great. Took less than 5 minutes to install the new Performance Gloss Black grilles!
Appreciate 0
      03-14-2013, 12:33 PM   #128
cyberbman
New Member
United_States
0
Rep
6
Posts

Drives: 5 series
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: SoCal / NoVa

iTrader: (0)

Thanks for the tips guys. Ordered grills and hope to put them on soon.
Appreciate 0
      05-26-2013, 09:09 PM   #129
greenninja
New Member
greenninja's Avatar
1
Rep
17
Posts

Drives: 2011 535i
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: So Cal

iTrader: (0)

I followed the DIY, took me about 45 mins. The hardest part was getting the grill out...boy scraped the knuckles and got the hands dirty, but so well worth it. You guys are right, the front bumper is very strong, its hard to really break it...so you can bend quite a bit. I also took the opportunity to get the bottom grill painted as well. Just picked up "flat black" from the local hardware store it matched perfect. I got the one that has the primer already in the paint (just in case). Took the pics right after, so the car is pretty dirty...but lovin it.

Thanks guys for the awesome DIY.
Attached Images
 
__________________
2011 535i DGM 8AT (Current DD)
2011 WRX STi DGM 6SP (RIP)
2003.5 M3 Carbon Black 6SP (RIP)
Appreciate 0
      07-03-2013, 06:53 PM   #130
SIC FKR
New Member
SIC FKR's Avatar
United_States
0
Rep
9
Posts

Drives: 2011 Alpine White F10
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Bay Area Ca

iTrader: (0)

Great DIY write up. I did mine as well. Now I need to paint the lower trim piece black. Thanks
Appreciate 0
      08-04-2013, 05:02 PM   #131
shots60
Registered
0
Rep
1
Posts

Drives: BMW 328i
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: California

iTrader: (0)

This write up was great. I decided to use the "pull and tug" method. I looked at removing the screws and chickened out...

So I left the car after driving it for 20 min in the sun. As I have read from those that have done this, I grabbed both sides of the grill on each end. I gently pulled equally on all sides slowly. I could see that the whole grill was coming out. I did have to give a tug at the end to come out. I have to admit that the first one made a pop noise that scared me. But it came out perfect. I placed my new one (bought on E*ay for $65 and Free Ship) in and was very happy the way looked. Took a pic and moved on to the second one. I was done in 10 min. Took some pics and really like the way it looked.

Thanks to everyone that shared their experiences and DIY options.
Attached Images
  
Appreciate 0
      08-05-2013, 10:11 AM   #132
LACSTER
Major General
753
Rep
8,279
Posts

Drives: Hybrid
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: oc

iTrader: (64)

Quote:
Originally Posted by shots60 View Post
This write up was great. I decided to use the "pull and tug" method. I looked at removing the screws and chickened out...

So I left the car after driving it for 20 min in the sun. As I have read from those that have done this, I grabbed both sides of the grill on each end. I gently pulled equally on all sides slowly. I could see that the whole grill was coming out. I did have to give a tug at the end to come out. I have to admit that the first one made a pop noise that scared me. But it came out perfect. I placed my new one (bought on E*ay for $65 and Free Ship) in and was very happy the way looked. Took a pic and moved on to the second one. I was done in 10 min. Took some pics and really like the way it looked.

Thanks to everyone that shared their experiences and DIY options.


That's great man! Now come on out to the F10 meet on the 31st
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 05:24 AM.




5post
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