BMW M3 Forum (E90 E92)

BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Go Back   M3Post - BMW M3 Forum > E90/E92 M3 Technical Topics > DIY Guides/ Discussions
 
Mporium BMW
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      02-07-2009, 06:06 PM   #1
REP1KRR
My other car is a Scooter'ia
REP1KRR's Avatar
85
Rep
1,302
Posts

Drives: M3 Saloon
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Salt Lake City

iTrader: (8)

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

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!
__________________

A91 Edition Supra | Armytrix | Rays
M3 Saloon | Akrapovic EVO | B&G Sport
M3 Saloon | VF540 | Klässen ID M52-R | Akrapovic | Vorsteiner GTS5 | KarbonWerke CSL [SOLD]
Appreciate 1
      02-07-2009, 06:28 PM   #2
Cab5er
Colonel
Cab5er's Avatar
China
79
Rep
2,339
Posts

Drives: 09 E90 M3 (Sold) 13 A1
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Fremont, Hainan

iTrader: (22)

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

E90 ///M3/ AW/ Fox Red
Appreciate 0
      02-07-2009, 07:08 PM   #3
Jaypod
Brigadier General
Jaypod's Avatar
No_Country
125
Rep
4,971
Posts

Drives: Frozen M3, AM V8V, 991 GT3
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (7)

Nice Write Up!!
Appreciate 0
      02-07-2009, 07:39 PM   #4
Gladius
Two Wheels or Four?
Gladius's Avatar
United_States
92
Rep
655
Posts

Drives: '18 Perf Edition m240i
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Colorado

iTrader: (1)

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.

__________________

Current: '18 AW Performance Edition m240i
Gone: '15 Mineral Grey m235i || '07 Silver Grey M Coupe || '11 Space Grey 328i XDrive || '08 SparkG M3 || '01 LSB M3 || '01 TiAg 330ci
Appreciate 0
      02-16-2009, 04:35 PM   #5
EOE90
Colonel
EOE90's Avatar
United_States
129
Rep
2,429
Posts

Drives: F15
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Laker City

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2006 3  [0.00]
where did you get your light grey, dark grey, black stickers for the side grilles?
__________________
E90 M3 -> F15 X5 M-Sport
Appreciate 0
      02-16-2009, 06:06 PM   #6
REP1KRR
My other car is a Scooter'ia
REP1KRR's Avatar
85
Rep
1,302
Posts

Drives: M3 Saloon
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Salt Lake City

iTrader: (8)

Quote:
Originally Posted by EOE90 View Post
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.
__________________

A91 Edition Supra | Armytrix | Rays
M3 Saloon | Akrapovic EVO | B&G Sport
M3 Saloon | VF540 | Klässen ID M52-R | Akrapovic | Vorsteiner GTS5 | KarbonWerke CSL [SOLD]

Last edited by REP1KRR; 05-05-2012 at 02:47 AM..
Appreciate 0
      02-18-2009, 12:06 PM   #7
slalomfever
slalomfever's Avatar
United_States
1095
Rep
2,151
Posts

Drives: Nardo Grey F80
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (5)

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.
Appreciate 0
      02-18-2009, 03:01 PM   #8
MMMorish
Just call me J.J. McClure
MMMorish's Avatar
Canada
156
Rep
2,834
Posts

Drives: E92 M3 & C4 Corvette
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (5)

Is this the same procedure for an e92?
__________________
MODS: Meisterschaft GT Racing Exhaust / BMC Air Filter / UUC SSK & DSSR (Modded)/ RPI Scoops / Passport SRX Hardwired / Custom Wrap 3M Clearbra / 20% Tint / 50% Windshield Tint / Key Hole Delete / Matted Out Accessories / VRS Type II Diffuser / Smoked Reflectors / Euphoria 6K LED Interior Lights / Rear Fog Light Mod / 6000K HID's / 6500K LUX H8 Angel Eyes / RDash License Plate LED Kit / LED Xenon Reverse Lights
"M3 drivers have no friends"
Appreciate 0
      02-18-2009, 04:33 PM   #9
slalomfever
slalomfever's Avatar
United_States
1095
Rep
2,151
Posts

Drives: Nardo Grey F80
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MMMorish View Post
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.
Appreciate 0
      02-18-2009, 07:21 PM   #10
Gladius
Two Wheels or Four?
Gladius's Avatar
United_States
92
Rep
655
Posts

Drives: '18 Perf Edition m240i
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Colorado

iTrader: (1)

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

Current: '18 AW Performance Edition m240i
Gone: '15 Mineral Grey m235i || '07 Silver Grey M Coupe || '11 Space Grey 328i XDrive || '08 SparkG M3 || '01 LSB M3 || '01 TiAg 330ci
Appreciate 0
      02-18-2009, 10:30 PM   #11
scotsman
Private First Class
10
Rep
125
Posts

Drives: 2008 E90 M3
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Sugar Land, Texas

iTrader: (0)

Rep1krr, where did you get your gills from?
Appreciate 0
      02-19-2009, 03:23 PM   #12
REP1KRR
My other car is a Scooter'ia
REP1KRR's Avatar
85
Rep
1,302
Posts

Drives: M3 Saloon
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Salt Lake City

iTrader: (8)

Quote:
Originally Posted by scotsman View Post
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
__________________

A91 Edition Supra | Armytrix | Rays
M3 Saloon | Akrapovic EVO | B&G Sport
M3 Saloon | VF540 | Klässen ID M52-R | Akrapovic | Vorsteiner GTS5 | KarbonWerke CSL [SOLD]
Appreciate 0
      04-22-2009, 06:18 PM   #13
mye90
Private First Class
mye90's Avatar
8
Rep
151
Posts

Drives: E90 330I
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (0)

back from the dead... this should be a sticky!
__________________
08 e92 M3
07 e90 335i
06 R53 S
04 Z33
Appreciate 0
      04-23-2009, 08:44 PM   #14
darklord
Ruler of the Universe
darklord's Avatar
Canada
10
Rep
399
Posts

Drives: 11 Silver Merc E63 (W212)
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: GTA-ish

iTrader: (0)

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?
Appreciate 0
      04-23-2009, 08:49 PM   #15
REP1KRR
My other car is a Scooter'ia
REP1KRR's Avatar
85
Rep
1,302
Posts

Drives: M3 Saloon
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Salt Lake City

iTrader: (8)

Quote:
Originally Posted by darklord View Post
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
__________________

A91 Edition Supra | Armytrix | Rays
M3 Saloon | Akrapovic EVO | B&G Sport
M3 Saloon | VF540 | Klässen ID M52-R | Akrapovic | Vorsteiner GTS5 | KarbonWerke CSL [SOLD]
Appreciate 0
      04-23-2009, 09:52 PM   #16
Subw00er
Bates '08 Interlagos Launch
Subw00er's Avatar
United_States
124
Rep
1,230
Posts

Drives: 440i xGC, ZL1, JCW
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: NY

iTrader: (2)

To anyone that put on the monochrome versions. Want to sell me a colored one? I just need one..
Appreciate 0
      08-22-2009, 10:08 PM   #17
montreal red
chris
montreal red's Avatar
Canada
277
Rep
12,144
Posts

Drives: White Boat
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (31)

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

Current: 2013 F10 M5 & 2016 Mini JCW
2013 GLK350 (gone), 997.1 GT3RS (gone), 2009 WRX STI (gone), e92 M3 (gone)
Appreciate 0
      08-26-2009, 08:15 AM   #18
Nawaaz
Brigadier General
United_States
221
Rep
4,643
Posts

Drives: .
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: .

iTrader: (0)

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.
Appreciate 0
      11-08-2009, 04:20 PM   #19
bavarian19
General
bavarian19's Avatar
United_States
516
Rep
18,858
Posts

Drives: Car
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: VA

iTrader: (23)

nice DIY!
Appreciate 0
      12-15-2009, 12:47 AM   #20
SpencerM3
Sauce
SpencerM3's Avatar
United_States
74
Rep
2,023
Posts

Drives: 2009 SSII E90 M3
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (1)

Tried it, chipped a bit of paint, gave up














I suck
__________________
2009 E90 M3 | Silverstone II | Black Novillo | HRE P40's | Akrapovic Exhaust | Eibach Pro Kit | Jet Black Kidney Grilles | SSII Side Reflectors | SSII Side Gills | LUX H8 Angel Eyes | Macht Schnell Filter | Tecnocraft Envy Charge Pipe

"M3 drivers have no friends." - Jeremy Clarkson
Appreciate 0
      12-15-2009, 03:11 AM   #21
Moxie
Lieutenant Colonel
Moxie's Avatar
United_States
67
Rep
1,895
Posts

Drives: AW 328d Touring/SG 335d
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: North Carolina

iTrader: (12)

Quote:
Originally Posted by SpencerM3 View Post
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.
Appreciate 0
      12-15-2009, 02:57 PM   #22
zamm3k
Bla!
zamm3k's Avatar
United_States
82
Rep
909
Posts

Drives: F82 M4
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Miami, FL

iTrader: (4)

Quote:
Originally Posted by SpencerM3 View Post
Tried it, chipped a bit of paint, gave up














I suck
Quote:
Originally Posted by Moxie View Post
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.
__________________
......................::.........................
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 02:58 AM.




m3post
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