Black kidney grilles with night vision

[3X3=5]

Looking to get a set of OEM black kidney grilles but it states not for cars equipped with package 6SUKA - night vision - which I have. Obviously the night vision sensor fits behind the current kidney grilles, and since these are a snap in replacement I don't see why it would be any different. Does anyone know why it would not fit?

Could I keep the existing matte black slats and just replacing the exterior chrome trim ring? For those that have installed black kidneys, the slats and rings separate right, so it would be possible to install new black kidney rings over my current black slats?

[wgxdz]

https://www.etkbmw.com/bmw/EN/search...iX/USA/51_9425

Check out this link, you can refer to the different types of the grilles with 6SUKA.

[neverdone]

sorry to hijack but I can't seem to find an answer, but those X5 with M-sport, are the night vision cameras in a different location?

oh ya...first post for a future X5 owner( next week lol)

[charlietangobravo]

Originally Posted by 3X3=5

Looking to get a set of OEM black kidney grilles but it states not for cars equipped with package 6SUKA - night vision - which I have. Obviously the night vision sensor fits behind the current kidney grilles, and since these are a snap in replacement I don't see why it would be any different. Does anyone know why it would not fit?

Could I keep the existing matte black slats and just replacing the exterior chrome trim ring? For those that have installed black kidneys, the slats and rings separate right, so it would be possible to install new black kidney rings over my current black slats?

They are one piece as far as I know. I had a set of standard grilles for nightvision painted black and replaced mine with. Of course you can have your own painted as well instead but for me it was easier buying a new set. Good luck.

[3X3=5]

CharlieTangoBravo - link to where you purchased a black set for night vision? Thanks.

[charlietangobravo]

Originally Posted by 3X3=5

CharlieTangoBravo - link to where you purchased a black set for night vision? Thanks.

I bought them back in 2015 through www.ind-distribution.com which was recommended here on the forum.
$315.00 plus $18.00 for shipping within the lower 48 states.
Very pleased with the service.

[Dilmorecg]

I had the same issue trying to find one for mine. I went with the IND X5M one: https://ind-distribution.com/product?sku=IND-F85-FGNV

[alphaod]

They sell OEM black ones specifically for the night vision camera.

[charlietangobravo]

Originally Posted by alphaod

They sell OEM black ones specifically for the night vision camera.

Do they? Since when? Not available late 2015.

[hhines]

Hey all - I'm new to this thread. I've owned BMW vehicles for more than 13 years, and I love them! Anyway, I have a 2014 X5 50i M sport with night vision. I've decided to repaint calipers, wheels, and front grille.

Please check out the finished product here:

Please let me know what you think!!

[spyderdoc]

Originally Posted by 3X3=5

Looking to get a set of OEM black kidney grilles but it states not for cars equipped with package 6SUKA - night vision - which I have. Obviously the night vision sensor fits behind the current kidney grilles, and since these are a snap in replacement I don't see why it would be any different. Does anyone know why it would not fit?

Could I keep the existing matte black slats and just replacing the exterior chrome trim ring? For those that have installed black kidneys, the slats and rings separate right, so it would be possible to install new black kidney rings over my current black slats?

Yes. This is exactly what I did. I ordered a set of black "regular" grill and used the black outer rings. Fits perfectly. From BMWpartspros.com, have to add the RT side for another $78 :

https://www.bmwpartspros.com/partloc...egoryID=224077

Scroll down and find the grills....It says "not for night vision", but you are just using the black outer rings, which will fit perfectly.... Be VERY careful removing the outer ring since the little plastic clips will break easily. I broke a few when removing the original chrome set, so I knew to be careful with the new set and was able to remove them without breaking the tabs:

51712334708 Each $109.00 $109.00
$78.13
BMW M PERFORMANCE BLACK KIDNEY GRILLE - LEFT


These high-gloss black kidney grilles enhance the distinctive and dynamic character of the BMW X5.

**NOT AVAILABLE FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH NIGHT VISION (S6UKA).**

IN-STOCK

CHOOSE

[Russmov]

Originally Posted by spyderdoc

Yes. This is exactly what I did. I ordered a set of black "regular" grill and used the black outer rings. Fits perfectly. From BMWpartspros.com, have to add the RT side for another $78 :

https://www.bmwpartspros.com/partloc...egoryID=224077

Scroll down and find the grills....It says "not for night vision", but you are just using the black outer rings, which will fit perfectly.... Be VERY careful removing the outer ring since the little plastic clips will break easily. I broke a few when removing the original chrome set, so I knew to be careful with the new set and was able to remove them without breaking the tabs:

51712334708 Each $109.00 $109.00
$78.13
BMW M PERFORMANCE BLACK KIDNEY GRILLE - LEFT


These high-gloss black kidney grilles enhance the distinctive and dynamic character of the BMW X5.

**NOT AVAILABLE FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH NIGHT VISION (S6UKA).**

IN-STOCK

CHOOSE

Nice vehicles! Is that a lotus Elise?

[spyderdoc]

Originally Posted by Russmov

Nice vehicles! Is that a lotus Elise?

Thanks! Yes, the Elise is a blast to drive around. Picked her up about a year ago.

Also, in reference to blacking out, I painted the exhaust tips black when I installed the Stealth Hitch (VHT roll cage paint). I replaced the front and rear roundels with the black versions from IND (the base is black, but the logo itself is still blue and white). Tinted windows. Removed all badges. Only thing that slightly bothers me is the silver roof rails, but they are so low profile and don't really stick out much, so I don't see myself spending an inordinate amount of time removing the headliner to replace them with the black ones....

Edit:

Added picture of blacked out rear:

[Gkacmaz]

Did anyone replace their stock grille with the black grille (Night vision). Is it the same process to replace it ?

[jch1511]

Originally Posted by Gkacmaz

Did anyone replace their stock grille with the black grille (Night vision). Is it the same process to replace it ?

Yes, direct swap.

[Gkacmaz]

Originally Posted by jch1511

Yes, direct swap.

Thank you very much!

[jch1511]

Originally Posted by Gkacmaz

Thank you very much!

Just be slow and careful since you have the NV camera connection that most people don't talk about in online instructions.

Don't yank it like some people recommended, you will break the camera connection for sure and it's $5k to replace!!

[Gkacmaz]

Originally Posted by jch1511

Just be slow and careful since you have the NV camera connection that most people don't talk about in online instructions.

Don't yank it like some people recommended, you will break the camera connection for sure and it's $5k to replace!!

So the NV is directly connected to the Grille? Could you tell me what the steps are?

[jch1511]

Originally Posted by Gkacmaz

So the NV is directly connected to the Grille? Could you tell me what the steps are?

Check your pm.

[SaNGRia]

Here is solution. Alot cheaper than any other place : https://m.aliexpress.com/i/4000114011681.html

But it wasnt around when i did mine. I bought $40 gloss black grills seperated the inner part and installed Oem on a aftermarket frame. Looks just like IND since its oem grill.

[XxBBVTMxX]

That's what I did..

They can be taken apart (front side and back side)

-buy the black ones
-Take them apart
-use your NV back side on your new black ones.

Just make sure you don't break any clips while removing from vehicle or taken them apart. It's fairly easy to do.

[x6spacegrey]

I don't have night vision, but you could potentially just wrap it gloss black.

That's what I did with mine, and it turned out great, and you can always go back to stock anytime.

Oh Also, if you are looking to replace just the outer rings, do not buy non-oem outer rings. I tested that before and they do not fit.