Review your Matte Black Grille

[TwistaStick]

I've been looking at the various matte black grilles out there and wanted to start a thread on three specific types of these matte black grilles. The three types I am interested in discussing here is the chromed grill that has been painted matte black, the matte black plastic grille, and the plastic grille that has been painted matte black. Each have their pros and cons. The the matte black painted chrome grill could chip over time leaving ugly bright chrome spots. The matte plastic grille won't chip, but I suppose it could crack and fade over time? The painted plastic is supposedly is not supposed to fade. I was hoping some of you may have purchased one of these types of grilles could give a short review and share where you've purchased your grille.

[MMMorish]

I have never seen the painted matte black plastic grill, so I can't comment on that one. I bought the matte black plastic grill and am happy with it. The install is a bit tricky but once you do it once, it will be easy after that. The one thing I did notice is that the actual grill is slightly concaved as compared to OEM. The OEM one sit out a bit further than the replacement.

[SV Concepts III]

I honestly cannot recommend the painted grill in either instance. The issue is that over time, they will begin to chip and when you get one chip, it starts to spread. You have to be careful to source a good paint shop to prevent chips but that can be hard to do if the surface is not prepped correctly. If you are just doing a black out look, I see no reason why you wouldn't do the black plastic version. It's the most affordable of the selection and also the most durable.

[RJD M3]

I too have the matte black version, and cannot think of a good reason to get anything other than that one if you are looking for the matte version. Plus correct me if I am wrong, but buying a chrome version then sanding painting is more expensive and will not last as long.

[Genro757]

Anyone have any comments on the carbon fiber and matte black ones?

[SV Concepts III]

I would do the carbon fiber if you are doing that theme on the car (roof, front lip, sidemarkers etc...). Otherwise, I think they look a bit out of place on a car that does not have any CF on the exterior. The Matte versions are going to be more resilient over time as they are a black plastic but the CF ones do typically have a clear coat that protects them from yellowing and the elements. With that said, they are going to be more susceptible to rock chips than the plastic bits.

[E92-Lighting]

matte black grilles will last longer than painted grilles

[Blake]

i have an ABS matte black grille that i got from one of the vendors on here...solid, and looks like it will last until after i'm dead.

[MrHarris]

Got mine from AutoTechnik and they have been holding up very well. That and the side grills are great quality from them.

[mye90]

Originally Posted by Blake

i have an ABS matte black grille that i got from one of the vendors on here...solid, and looks like it will last until after i'm dead.

you can take it to the grave with you too!

Here's a good comparison picture of the autotecknic grilles!

[ROADKING36]

So who makes the best mate black and where can I order them? I would like to order them asap.
Thanks,
Chris

[nMd]

I sanded down my oem chromes, painted them with matte black spray paint . No chips yet (car is a year old already), and lets say worst case scenario, they do chip... just re spray them etc.

took about 20 minutes not including drying time

[mike2016]

Originally Posted by nMd

I sanded down my oem chromes, painted them with matte black spray paint . No chips yet (car is a year old already), and lets say worst case scenario, they do chip... just re spray them etc.

took about 20 minutes not including drying time

you are either too cheap or you got too much time

[ebohon]

I also painted mine, along with the side vents and the rear M3 rear emblem. You can actually sand the chrome off the veritical lines down to the black plastic so chiping there wont matter. Took me about 30 minutes with paint removing sand paper I had left over from a another house project ..plus a few hours to let dry and $5 in cost. I figured if I chip the outer edge on kidneys while on the road... 5 minutes to take off at most and retouch. I'll take some pics this weekend and post to my signature.

[GSXRM3]

I've had the matte black plastic ones sold by jlevi on my car for about six months or so and am happy with them. Not that its been years yet but my car sits outside in the sun almost everyday at work and there is no sign of any fading.

[Bateman]

If your interested, check to see if other members are selling their grille. Sometimes they're new and you can get them cheap. There is the occasional grille and side marker combo.