BMW X5 and X6 Forum 2014-Current
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      02-02-2017, 04:35 PM   #1
Jnguyen87
Enlisted Member
5
Rep
37
Posts

Drives: 2017 X5 3.5
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (0)

Installing Kidney Grills

Has anyone tried this method? Seems easy but too good to be true

http://www.bmwblog.com/2015/10/02/in...-installation/
Appreciate 1
jomoj0.00
      02-02-2017, 04:53 PM   #2
IvanLZ
Lieutenant
IvanLZ's Avatar
Canada
139
Rep
452
Posts

Drives: 2015 X5 35i
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (0)

Seems easy but its not. I tried applying some force and it wouldn't come out and after i was afraid of continuing. I did it the traditional way by touching each tab from the back.
Appreciate 0
      02-02-2017, 06:47 PM   #3
FourDoor
Private
58
Rep
84
Posts

Drives: 2014 BMW X5
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (0)

I tried it. Didn't work.

The whole upper part of the bumper around the kidney kept on flexing to a point that I was uncomfortable with thinking that I was going to break it. I ended up doing it the long way and unclipped one tab at a time.
Appreciate 0
      02-02-2017, 08:26 PM   #4
P1
Lieutenant General
P1's Avatar
11542
Rep
11,128
Posts

Drives: 2004 3/4 ton Duramax
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: United States

iTrader: (1)

Unclip one at a time. I used chopsticks. Worked. Took me 15 minutes.
Appreciate 0
      02-02-2017, 09:31 PM   #5
r33_RGSport
General
r33_RGSport's Avatar
United_States
12805
Rep
18,628
Posts

Drives: G09 XM, G05 X5 40, 991.2 T
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: So. Cal

iTrader: (6)

Everytime I read or hear that method, I am picturing about a broken plastic from the slats slicing your palm.
It is plastic, it can break, and when it break, it is sharp.
Or, you yank it so hard, you are falling backward when it comes off or break while slicing your arm.
If it comes off that easy, I would even bother to change it since anyone can just yank it and walk away.
__________________
Email:sales@rgsport.com | IG:RGSport_USA | Web:RGSportShop.com
March SALES!! Evolution Racewerks - Until 04/01 | PM for DEALS
MSS • iSweep • RaceChip • Sterckenn • AutoTecknic • Akrapovic • Vossen Wheels • Eventuri
Active Autowerke • KW • H&R • Ohlins • Remus • and more...
Appreciate 0
      02-03-2017, 03:26 AM   #6
Jnguyen87
Enlisted Member
5
Rep
37
Posts

Drives: 2017 X5 3.5
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (0)

Thanks for the responses everyone. I don't know if I was lucky with my grills my this was probably one of the easiest installs I've ever done. 15 mins tops. I detached the rubber seal from the bumper and removed the 5 torx screws on top. This allowed me to pull the top of the bumper out a couple inches to get to the tabs. Popped each one out bare handed and viola! New grills. I'd say this is probably the easiest method at removal.
Appreciate 0
      02-03-2017, 08:58 AM   #7
r33_RGSport
General
r33_RGSport's Avatar
United_States
12805
Rep
18,628
Posts

Drives: G09 XM, G05 X5 40, 991.2 T
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: So. Cal

iTrader: (6)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jnguyen87 View Post
Thanks for the responses everyone. I don't know if I was lucky with my grills my this was probably one of the easiest installs I've ever done. 15 mins tops. I detached the rubber seal from the bumper and removed the 5 torx screws on top. This allowed me to pull the top of the bumper out a couple inches to get to the tabs. Popped each one out bare handed and viola! New grills. I'd say this is probably the easiest method at removal.
That is the easiest I believe.
I have been doing it the same way as you do since day one.
__________________
Email:sales@rgsport.com | IG:RGSport_USA | Web:RGSportShop.com
March SALES!! Evolution Racewerks - Until 04/01 | PM for DEALS
MSS • iSweep • RaceChip • Sterckenn • AutoTecknic • Akrapovic • Vossen Wheels • Eventuri
Active Autowerke • KW • H&R • Ohlins • Remus • and more...
Appreciate 0
      02-03-2017, 09:57 AM   #8
XXX5
Second Lieutenant
102
Rep
211
Posts

Drives: 2014 X5 F15 50i M Sport
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Chicagoland

iTrader: (0)

Same process for a 50i? Just wondering since there is more stuff and bigger air intake. Thanks
Appreciate 0
      02-03-2017, 10:00 AM   #9
mcvaughan
Lieutenant Colonel
mcvaughan's Avatar
United_States
702
Rep
1,917
Posts

Drives: F87 Competition
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Katy, TX

iTrader: (1)

I yanked mine, but tabs broke. Pulling it out straight, not at an angle, would be the trick I'd imagine.
__________________
Matt
Appreciate 0
      02-03-2017, 10:08 AM   #10
Timberwolf
Captain
Timberwolf's Avatar
196
Rep
785
Posts

Drives: People crazy
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Location, Location

iTrader: (0)

I did the pull method like IND suggested. Broke tabs on both OEM kidneys. I didn't really care since I wasn't going to use them again.
__________________
991 Turbo
993 GT2 Outlaw
Appreciate 0
      02-03-2017, 02:59 PM   #11
Installsplus
Ultimate Driving Machine E92ESS625 M3/G05 X5 Msport 40i Individual
Installsplus's Avatar
Canada
453
Rep
1,996
Posts

Drives: 2011 E92 M3 DCT/ESS 625 kit
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Georgetown,ON

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
Just got mine done it was a pretty straight forward install. Broke a couple clips on the OEM ones but who cares they will never go back on. I suggest doing the diy removing the top portion of the bumper. Great eBay fitment for the price.
Attached Images
     
__________________
"The Ultimate Driving Machine"
2011 E92 M3 supercharged ESS 625
2016 F15 X5 Msport 35i
Appreciate 0
      02-03-2017, 03:09 PM   #12
Kakalika
First Lieutenant
Kakalika's Avatar
United_States
101
Rep
301
Posts

Drives: 2014 X5 35d M Sport
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Houston TX

iTrader: (0)

These guys in Czech Republic have an interesting way of doing it.




__________________
RUN FLAT TIRES? NEIN DANKE!
Appreciate 0
      02-03-2017, 03:11 PM   #13
Installsplus
Ultimate Driving Machine E92ESS625 M3/G05 X5 Msport 40i Individual
Installsplus's Avatar
Canada
453
Rep
1,996
Posts

Drives: 2011 E92 M3 DCT/ESS 625 kit
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Georgetown,ON

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kakalika View Post
These guys in Czech Republic have an interesting way of doing it.




Ya I saw this. No patience with these guys. Really stupid.
__________________
"The Ultimate Driving Machine"
2011 E92 M3 supercharged ESS 625
2016 F15 X5 Msport 35i
Appreciate 0
      02-03-2017, 03:12 PM   #14
Jnguyen87
Enlisted Member
5
Rep
37
Posts

Drives: 2017 X5 3.5
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (0)

Are those autotechniks grills installsplus?
Appreciate 0
      02-03-2017, 03:16 PM   #15
Installsplus
Ultimate Driving Machine E92ESS625 M3/G05 X5 Msport 40i Individual
Installsplus's Avatar
Canada
453
Rep
1,996
Posts

Drives: 2011 E92 M3 DCT/ESS 625 kit
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Georgetown,ON

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jnguyen87 View Post
Are those autotechniks grills installsplus?
Got them from eBay 90 U.S free shipping
Not sure the name. They came from Taiwan.
__________________
"The Ultimate Driving Machine"
2011 E92 M3 supercharged ESS 625
2016 F15 X5 Msport 35i
Appreciate 0
      02-03-2017, 03:33 PM   #16
r33_RGSport
General
r33_RGSport's Avatar
United_States
12805
Rep
18,628
Posts

Drives: G09 XM, G05 X5 40, 991.2 T
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: So. Cal

iTrader: (6)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jnguyen87 View Post
Are those autotechniks grills installsplus?
That's the old version.
The new version is more similar to the X5M/X6M dual slat.
__________________
Email:sales@rgsport.com | IG:RGSport_USA | Web:RGSportShop.com
March SALES!! Evolution Racewerks - Until 04/01 | PM for DEALS
MSS • iSweep • RaceChip • Sterckenn • AutoTecknic • Akrapovic • Vossen Wheels • Eventuri
Active Autowerke • KW • H&R • Ohlins • Remus • and more...
Appreciate 0
      02-03-2017, 03:42 PM   #17
Installsplus
Ultimate Driving Machine E92ESS625 M3/G05 X5 Msport 40i Individual
Installsplus's Avatar
Canada
453
Rep
1,996
Posts

Drives: 2011 E92 M3 DCT/ESS 625 kit
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Georgetown,ON

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by r33_RGSport View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jnguyen87 View Post
Are those autotechniks grills installsplus?
That's the old version.
The new version is more similar to the X5M/X6M dual slat.
Looks the same to me.
__________________
"The Ultimate Driving Machine"
2011 E92 M3 supercharged ESS 625
2016 F15 X5 Msport 35i
Appreciate 0
      02-03-2017, 03:42 PM   #18
Jnguyen87
Enlisted Member
5
Rep
37
Posts

Drives: 2017 X5 3.5
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (0)

Autotecknik sells the dual slats too. That's what I have
Appreciate 0
      02-03-2017, 03:48 PM   #19
Installsplus
Ultimate Driving Machine E92ESS625 M3/G05 X5 Msport 40i Individual
Installsplus's Avatar
Canada
453
Rep
1,996
Posts

Drives: 2011 E92 M3 DCT/ESS 625 kit
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Georgetown,ON

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jnguyen87 View Post
Autotecknik sells the dual slats too. That's what I have
Would love to see the difference. Didn't think there was a different design.
__________________
"The Ultimate Driving Machine"
2011 E92 M3 supercharged ESS 625
2016 F15 X5 Msport 35i
Appreciate 0
      02-03-2017, 03:56 PM   #20
FourDoor
Private
58
Rep
84
Posts

Drives: 2014 BMW X5
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jnguyen87 View Post
Thanks for the responses everyone. I don't know if I was lucky with my grills my this was probably one of the easiest installs I've ever done. 15 mins tops. I detached the rubber seal from the bumper and removed the 5 torx screws on top. This allowed me to pull the top of the bumper out a couple inches to get to the tabs. Popped each one out bare handed and viola! New grills. I'd say this is probably the easiest method at removal.
It took me about an hour for mine. The top clips kept on popping back in as I worked my way down so I had to keep redoing them and eventually put a piece of cloth in between the grill and the bumper so that it wouldn't pop back in anymore. I think that made it harder for myself since it was harder to wiggle the bottom clips out.

I for the life of me couldn't get the bottom clips loose and couldn't get my hands in there to pop them out cleanly. I even used the little access cover on top by the passenger side to give my arm and hands more room. C'est la vie!
Attached Images
  
Appreciate 0
      02-03-2017, 07:09 PM   #21
r33_RGSport
General
r33_RGSport's Avatar
United_States
12805
Rep
18,628
Posts

Drives: G09 XM, G05 X5 40, 991.2 T
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: So. Cal

iTrader: (6)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Installsplus View Post
Would love to see the difference. Didn't think there was a different design.
I have sold both version of AutoTecknic's Dual Slat Kidney Grill for F15/F16 X5/X6 even before they exist on Ebay.
The first version is what you have, which they have discontinued it.
The new version is very similar to the F85/F86 X5M/X6M minus the badge.
I don't have a picture side by side, but here are the picture.

New one. Slat is curved outward on the top 1/4, like the F85/F86 X5M/X6M.


Old one. Slat is straight down from top to the bottom.


As far as how come Ebay still have the old version, with my experience dealing with China manufacturer, they usually sell the old mold to recoup some of the cost. And usually there are someone that purchase it ended up using it to remake the product by using recycled plastic (recycled plastic is more brittle than new plastic).
__________________
Email:sales@rgsport.com | IG:RGSport_USA | Web:RGSportShop.com
March SALES!! Evolution Racewerks - Until 04/01 | PM for DEALS
MSS • iSweep • RaceChip • Sterckenn • AutoTecknic • Akrapovic • Vossen Wheels • Eventuri
Active Autowerke • KW • H&R • Ohlins • Remus • and more...
Appreciate 0
      02-03-2017, 07:41 PM   #22
Installsplus
Ultimate Driving Machine E92ESS625 M3/G05 X5 Msport 40i Individual
Installsplus's Avatar
Canada
453
Rep
1,996
Posts

Drives: 2011 E92 M3 DCT/ESS 625 kit
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Georgetown,ON

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by r33_RGSport View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Installsplus View Post
Would love to see the difference. Didn't think there was a different design.
I have sold both version of AutoTecknic's Dual Slat Kidney Grill for F15/F16 X5/X6 even before they exist on Ebay.
The first version is what you have, which they have discontinued it.
The new version is very similar to the F85/F86 X5M/X6M minus the badge.
I don't have a picture side by side, but here are the picture.

New one. Slat is curved outward on the top 1/4, like the F85/F86 X5M/X6M.


Old one. Slat is straight down from top to the bottom.


As far as how come Ebay still have the old version, with my experience dealing with China manufacturer, they usually sell the old mold to recoup some of the cost. And usually there are someone that purchase it ended up using it to remake the product by using recycled plastic (recycled plastic is more brittle than new plastic).
Oh yes I see what ur saying. Very hard to tell unless ur looking at it from the side view. Overall they are both a huge improvement over stock chrome grills.
__________________
"The Ultimate Driving Machine"
2011 E92 M3 supercharged ESS 625
2016 F15 X5 Msport 35i
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 10:24 AM.




xbimmers
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