Need help on front grill installation

[hamh]

I've unscrew the front and try to reach for the tabs, however, I can only find and see one tab on each side. Please see picture below with the arrow.

With only one reachable tab, how did you guys pull this thing out? Or did I miss anything?

I looked at Alan's picture on where the tabs are, but it seems like they are not reachable with the grill installed.

[Doanster]

Remove the plastic shroud right above the grilles (has the triangle warning sticker) and you will have all the access you need.

The orig "Dual Slat Grille" thread has further tidbits. Page 4/5 were my install posts.

http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1116604

[hamh]

Thanks! Do I need to remove the chrome trim separately from the grill or just take them out in one piece?

[Doanster]

All one piece. I went down the same road you did... tried to release the wrong tabs which were the chrome surrounds. Use the new grille to see where the correct tabs are positioned.

[hamh]

thanks man! I'll try it tomorrow.

[twelve535i]

Don't feel too bad. I failed my first time. You need to pull the grille towards yourself as much as possible and search for the tabs. I used fast food chopsticks to get to the ones i couldn't reach

[Doanster]

Some close-up pics of the stock grille and associated tabs.
First pic shows the top three tabs. The chrome surround is attached at the same points, only that those smaller tabs are integrated into the overall/sturdier clips.
Second pic shows you the actual clips that hold the entire grille in place. See the middle tab with the indent? Flathead screwdriver fits nicely in there so that you can apply downward pressure as you pull the grille fwd to release the tab.
Third pic is a shot of one of the side clips. Both are easily reachable with a screwdriver once the air intake shroud is removed.
Last pic is of the grille turned upside down so you can see the bottom three clips. Because these clips need to be pushed upward to release, even though there's room to fit a screwdriver, there is no leverage space. That's why we've all said you have to use your fingers and wedge things upward just enough to release the tension in the clips. That's also why it's imperative you drive around a bit to warm up the plastic. It really does help.
Good luck and of course... post pics (both of the grilles as well as your bruised/scuffed hands ) when finished!
Will look realllly good on your white car, especially with the Hamanns!

[Alan l.]

^^Follow Doanster's advice and you should be good to go.

Key is warm engine and don't be afraid to use some muscle to pull it all out one piece. Once the first one is out the second one is a breeze since you have more room to stick your hand in there now.

Alan

[No Wives]

Alan is spot on with the "warm motor" tip...

I did mine yesterday, and after you get one side out the other is a breeze...it's getting that first one started that takes patience.

[hamh]

thank you guys for the insight

[Blackhawks]

Ask Kzang what it's like to install a grill in sub zero weather...

[s1k0ne]

Just did this on Sunday.
Have 2 flat head screw drivers ready.

(explanation for left grill)

1. open top cover on the Intake. It should be an oval shape.
2. Pull out 2 top clips for grill surround (chrome piece)
3. Slide flat head to unclip the actual grill starting from the top left clip.
4. move on to outer left
5. use the Intake hole to access the bottom clips and just work at it counter clock wise to take off the clips.
6. use the left grill opening to work on the right side.

* It's easier to start on the left side because you can use the Intake hole so start with that

[stewy604]

I've done a few grille swaps on various BMW models, and that first one, you're right is always a b*tch to get out it seems. I'm always cautious not to force it and break those tabs off.

[s1k0ne]

Originally Posted by stewy604

I've done a few grille swaps on various BMW models, and that first one, you're right is always a b*tch to get out it seems. I'm always cautious not to force it and break those tabs off.

eh~ breaking 1 should be fine haha

[artem123]

Done it in less then 15 min. Not sure why many claim it is difficult. )))

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by Blackhawks

Ask Kzang what it's like to install a grill in sub zero weather...

LOL!! It sucked big time. One of the simplest mods yet it was very frustrating to do when the car was cold and the weather was also freezing cold. I read about the car being warm tip too late

[r33_RGSport]

Come on guys, not that hard.
I just drop an X5, install a dual slat kidney grill, and painted reflector in 3 hours, that includes lunch break.

[hamh]

sigh, when it comes to this kind of DIY handy work, i'm a complete newb

[Doanster]

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

Come on guys, not that hard.
I just drop an X5, install a dual slat kidney grill, and painted reflector in 3 hours, that includes lunch break.

PITA != hard my friend.

[Kzang]

Repost ( on mobile app )

[Kenny's X5]

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

Come on guys, not that hard.
I just drop an X5, install a dual slat kidney grill, and painted reflector in 3 hours, that includes lunch break.

Why can't we find someone like you on the East Coast!!!???

[Chem14]

Originally Posted by s1k0ne

eh~ breaking 1 should be fine haha

I said screw it and just pulled both out, broken tabs and all.

Will have to buy replacement stock ones at lease turn in, oh well.