DIY: E90 Sedan M3 - Side Grill Gill Removal & Install

[REP1KRR]

This is a step-by-step illustration of how I removed my side gills on my E90 M3.



Tools needed: painters tape (or another thin/durable tape), small thin flat-head screwdriver, T-25 hex/star driver or screwdriver, soft clean microfiber cloth, and a milk crate or short stool to sit on.


Use a small thin flat-head screwdriver.


Wrap the screwdriver 3-4 times around with wide painters tape. Clip off the end of the tape close to the head of the screwdriver. This offers a nice thin point.


As you insert the tip of the screwdriver between the fender and the furthermost rear area of the side gill, the gill and light assembly will slide forward a bit offering you a bit more room to get under the plastic.


Use a soft microfiber cloth to protect the paint as you pry the gill out of the honeycomb. This requires a decent amount of pressure (reletively speaking, to something plastic) to disengage the plastic clips/tabs holding it to the honeycomb.


Once the chrome piece has been pulled out enough (maybe 1/4-3/8") grab a hold of the edge of the gill and begin to work it off the honeycomb.
Notice: the placement of the tabs by looking at your new gill. This allows you to apply the pressure in the proper place along the chrome to release the gill.


Work your way down the gill (toward the front of the car) applying pressure above & below (top & bottom of the gill) while pulling out (toward you).


DO NOT PIVOT the gill as you're removing/pulling. Work it out TOWARD you. DO NOT bend/pull/forse it out like this, or.....


...this happens. Casualty! Not a big deal, because it's hidden, but still bothersome. The pressure of pulling the gill from the back (rear portion, where you started) puts too much pressure on the front tabs and the plastic of the honeycomb housing. Work it OUT, TOWARD you.


PLAY IT SAFE. Place a large piece of painters tape around the wire to prevent it from falling into the fender. Drivers side was shorter/tighter than the passanger side on my vehicle. I would have hated to lose the wire!


Remove the plug wire (pull up the clip on the plug slightly to release). Remove the screw and remove the light assembly from the chrome gill.


Ensure the light assembly inserts ALL THE WAY into the new gill. This took a bit of work on one of them. Ensure the light pops out the top of the new gill as shown below. Match the appearance against the other side of the car if necessary.


Replace the screw in the light assembly. Replace the plug wire. remove the tape.


Test the light is working BEFORE installing the gill.


Carefully install the gill into the honeycomb. Make certain all tabs/clips are aligned properly in their slots in the honeycomb housing (top & bottom of gill). Ensure all tabs have "CLICKED" <listen> into place.


Nicely done!


Choose your poison.


Decisions!


Done!

[Cab5er]

TKS! This will come in handy when I get my car

[Jaypod]

Nice Write Up!!

[Gladius]

Great! I just did mine today.

I'll note that on one side, the honeycomb came out with the chrome piece...on the other, the honeycomb stayed in the car. It was trivial to get the honeycomb back into the opening, however.

[EOE90]

where did you get your light grey, dark grey, black stickers for the side grilles?

[REP1KRR]

Originally Posted by EOE90

where did you get your light grey, dark grey, black stickers for the side grilles?

It came with the grill/gill from the vendor. Check with your vendor/sponsor/supplier.

[slalomfever]

I was told that I had to remove the front wheels and wheel liner to do this. I took a chance and followed your step by step directions and installed it with no problems. THANK YOU.
The smallest issue I had was that the ///M3 decals do not quite fit snug into the alloted spot...oh well not a big deal.
THANKS AGAIN.

[MMMorish]

Is this the same procedure for an e92?

[slalomfever]

Originally Posted by MMMorish

Is this the same procedure for an e92?

I'm not really sure only because the E93/92 doesn't have the honeycomb. Although the parts are pretty similar.

[Gladius]

E92 is different. Search, there are many threads about it.

[scotsman]

Rep1krr, where did you get your gills from?

[REP1KRR]

Originally Posted by scotsman

Rep1krr, where did you get your gills from?

I got mine from Simon@RENNSpec. Great quality.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181846

[mye90]

back from the dead... this should be a sticky!

[darklord]

So I broke the lens and inadvertently the light as well for my right side...I am thinking about replacing with the matte black version...any suggestion as to where to buy from? And does the replacement come with new lens and light?

[REP1KRR]

Originally Posted by darklord

So I broke the lens and inadvertently the light as well for my right side...I am thinking about replacing with the matte black version...any suggestion as to where to buy from? And does the replacement come with new lens and light?

As you can see in the photos above, you need to preserve your light and install it into the new black housing. Photo 12 and 13.

Any of the sponsors on the forum can help you. I got mine from RENNSpec - but most everyone carries them. Pick one
http://www.m3post.com/forums/forumdi...209&order=desc

[Subw00er]

To anyone that put on the monochrome versions. Want to sell me a colored one? I just need one..

[montreal red]

just did this install today... thanks for posting the DIY, it really helped me a lot.

[Nawaaz]

Thank you so very much for posting this REP1KRR.

Now I'm much more confident to do the install when my gills arrive from delivery.

btw, I also ordered mine from Renn-Spec.

[bavarian19]

nice DIY!

[SpencerM3]

Tried it, chipped a bit of paint, gave up














I suck

[Moxie]

Originally Posted by SpencerM3

Tried it, chipped a bit of paint, gave up






I suck

Don't feel bad - I couldn't get mine off either. I ended up making an indentation in the paint. I'm having the dealer do it along with some other things. It's not as easy on some cars as it's made out to be.

[zamm3k]

Originally Posted by SpencerM3

Tried it, chipped a bit of paint, gave up














I suck

Originally Posted by Moxie

Don't feel bad - I couldn't get mine off either. I ended up making an indentation in the paint. I'm having the dealer do it along with some other things. It's not as easy on some cars as it's made out to be.

I also did a really small indentation on my paint. You really can't see it unless u have a microscope LOL. But in reality, you really do have to have patience and apply a lot of force. Honestly you would think you're about to break it but you do have to apply A LOT of force to get it to pop out.