BMW grille replacement - neat tuning by replacement

Mercedes has its star, Citroën has its double V, and BMW has the unmistakable hallmark of the kidney. The idea behind the kidney was to create a two-piece grille as a distinguishing feature. Its shape and size have been adapted to various models but have never disappeared. Even the flattest car fronts like the M1 or 840i show this feature. The electric BMW i3 continues this tradition, although not in the form of a two-piece grille - the electric car does not have a radiator.

Why change the grille?

According to Daimler-Benz , its star is the most frequently ordered part, as this unprotected component is easy to steal. On the other hand, the BMW grille is mostly left alone. There are other reasons for replacing such as :

– repair of accidental damage. - creating another image.

In both cases, the kidney must be removed from the front grille, hood or front bumper before being replaced with a spare part. .

Construction of the renal lattice

BMW radiator grills vary greatly in size and shape . although its design is almost always the same. Kidney grilles can be disassembled entirely or in half.

In any case, they consist of two parts:

• One part is a real plastic grill , from which only longitudinal ribs are visible during installation.
• Other part - frame . Traditionally, BMW has used metallic chrome.

After all The BMW brand should be visible from afar, and what could be better than using flashing chrome ? However, not all BMW owners are enamored with flashy visibility.

Damage to the kidney lattice

The grille is a fairly exposed component , mainly made from plastics . Therefore, it is sensitive to any kind of collision.Especially dangerous towbars of cars standing in front of BMW. Small blows are often enough to seriously damage the kidney.

Its repair is undertaken only when it is no longer available as a spare part. . You may be able to restore the appearance a little. A real repair with glue, stickers, or acrylic is unlikely to be satisfactory. These are temporary solutions at best.

Visual flaws in the grille

Traditionally, BMW design is about progress. . Driving dynamics, sporty look and dominance should be obvious even on a parked model. In the old days it was often emphasized chrome plating and flashy decor . Nowadays, many BMW drivers tend to appreciate understatement.
According to many BMW owners, the discreet color of the grille produces much cooler impression than somewhat old-fashioned chrome. Specifically for this target group, replacement kidneys have been developed that can restore that understated look to the BMW front. .

Kidney Grate Replacement Problems

Kidney grille attaches to BMW grille with screws and clips .

• Plastic clips have an annoying habit of breaking off. The design is such that the component is easy to install but difficult to dismantle.
• This also applies to kidney grills. . Thus, the task of replacing a kidney is to remove it from the bumper or grille without damage.
• The kidney itself should ideally also remain intact. . It can be sold at a good price or stored as reserve in case of repair.

Beginner Tips: Remove As Much as You Can

• Professionals used to handling plastic clips should be able to completely replace the grille .
• This is not recommended for beginners . The risk of breaking important parts or scratching the bodywork is too high.
• therefore beginners should remove the kidney " back to front ". If that means complete removal of the grille or bumper , you should be ready for it.

Very important be as attentive as possible and fully understand fixing composition .

• The screws can be loosened.
• Metal clips are easy to remove .

You must have some experience with sliding pins to safely remove them:

• Sliding pins are rivets , consisting of two parts, consisting of a head with a flat part with an attached dowel. If you try to lift the pin with the flat side, you will only damage it.
• flat part will break when you press the other side into the bumper.
• Loosening the head of the rivet pin with a plastic rivet wedge , the entire component can be pulled out with pointed pliers.

On the BMW F10, these components are installed on the upper side of the bumper. .

• To avoid scratches , use as much as possible special tools to work with plastic. Special " scoring wedges " or " lever rivet tools " and " plastic clip removers ”, which can be purchased at the store, is preferable to a flat-blade screwdriver.
• These tools only cost a few pounds. . With their help, the work is much simplified, and you prevent a lot of annoying damage.

Installation is simple

After removing the kidney from the nest, the installation of the spare part is greatly simplified .

• Recommended disassemble the spare part into its two separate modules and install them one after the other.
• Then the plastic grid is inserted into the socket and tightly fixed. As long as the decorative cover is not put back, all attachment points are better visible.
• Only when everything is in place you can put the cover back on. On most models, it can simply be snapped into place.
• A light hand pressure is enough to set it in place. .
• At last , put everything in its place - and you're done.
• dazzling view a refurbished BMW front comes with the satisfaction of doing it right.