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Thread: How much work to change the grill kidneys?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Edmonton, Canada
    Posts
    137
    My Cars
    2012 550i x drive

    How much work to change the grill kidneys?

    The fake chrome is getting a bit nicked up and I want to go to black. Who has done this, or did you pay someone? thanks for any responses.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Edmonton, Canada
    Posts
    137
    My Cars
    2012 550i x drive
    Quote Originally Posted by nuck View Post
    The fake chrome is getting a bit nicked up and I want to go to black. Who has done this, or did you pay someone? thanks for any responses.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbD6ZUOjKqw

    Funny video. 10 second job.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Edmonton, Canada
    Posts
    137
    My Cars
    2012 550i x drive
    From a bit of research I think some kidney replacements are not simply pop out removals. I broke one plastic clip but I have seen a couple of DIY videos where there was more damage so some might prefer taking the slow route. I went Ebay for the parts and am not sure if I like my fitment 100% although I guess I should compare to a factory black car to really see as I may be looking too closely. I am not anti Chinese-jobber but like most of the continental Asian products, there is is a range so I recommend people rely on suppliers recommended on this or another reputable board. Its a cheap fix, but maybe better to spend a little more and get it right to begin with.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Dallas, Texas
    Posts
    540
    My Cars
    '14 550/M, '03 540/M
    2C812521-8C71-424E-A2AB-D15F41D3C2C2.jpg
    I changed my 2014 550i all black grills to M5 grills (double fin). It fit fine, and I really like the look.

    The OEM grills were pull out, but took some wiggling. On installing the new ones, my advice is to just pay attention to what you're doing and don't force them in wrong or you'll risk the clips bypassing the sockets and you'll never get them out without damaging the plastic.

    sry the pic is upside down, I don't know why it does this.
    Last edited by f10_M550i; 07-24-2018 at 10:06 AM. Reason: grammer

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
    Location
    Chicago Suburbs
    Posts
    4
    My Cars
    2015 BMW 550i M-Sport
    I had to paint mine since I have the forward radar in the drivers kidney grill - required removal of the entire bumper to remove the grills and the lower trim. I ended up painting all the black trim pieces. Oh sand the hell out of the chrome and use an adhesion promoter first. Also the silver on the upright bars can be sanded right off :-)

    Note the fog light bezel trim is easily broken when removed so I just purchased new ones for about $25-$26 each on ebay with free shipping.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
    Location
    Puerto Rico
    Posts
    1
    My Cars
    F10 535 2012
    I just changed mine to Taiwan made m5 style and it took me 10-15 minutes to do it correctly, Not the pull it out method seen on You Tube. It is very easy. The front bumper cover material if very flexible and allows easy access from top.

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