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
 
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      05-15-2011, 07:57 PM   #1
BimmerM
Lieutenant
BimmerM's Avatar
United_States
98
Rep
525
Posts

Drives: '21 F95 X5 M C, '11.5 E92 M3 C
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2013 BMW X5 M  [0.00]
2011 BMW M3  [0.00]
DIY: Replace Side Gills (easy method) on E92 M3

I took over 2 months before I finally installed my gills (back in January) as I wanted to figure out an easier method to install them. Here's how I installed mine. Hopefully it'll help you guys. Once you get the hang of doing one side your see it'll take you less than a minute to pop them out. Hopefully this will help you guys.

Tools Required
  • Scotch Packing Tape (or any super strength tape that doesn't leave adhesive behind when you peel it off)
  • Blue Painters Tape

Before you begin:
If you are afraid of scratching your car, tape the painted surface around the gills with painters tape

Installation

Step 1. Remove OEM chrome side gill

Apply packing tape to the end closest to the door (ie. the part pointing toward the rear of the car). To apply the tape, pull a long strip of tape and tape the ends to the top and bottom of the gill then press the tape together.

Assuming you are working on the driver's side (left) gill (you will do the opposite for the other side):
  • Use your right hand and grasp the long piece of the tape with your right palm and your last three fingers (your middle finger, ring finger, and pinky finger).
  • Now using your right thumb and pointer finger, grab the top and bottom of the gill pressing down on the tape.
  • So that your left hand don't feel lonely, grab the middle of the gill with the fingers from your left hand.
  • Wiggle up and down while you pull on the tape.
  • The gill should pop right out easily.



Step 2. Do not drop the wire behind the fender

Tilt the gill out of the fender to expose and pull it out.

Before you disconnect the wiring, use some painters tape to tape down the wiring so that it doesn't fall behind the fender. If it fall behind the fender you will extend your install time MUCH MUCH longer trying to fish it out.

Once the wire is secure and you know it won't fall behind the fender, unlatch the wiring harness plug from the gill.



Step 3. Install new gill

Finally, the easy part!

Plug the wiring harness into the new side gill then insert the larger end of the gill into the fender and line up the mounting points.

Simply press the gill into the mounting points till it's flush. You are done!



Below is a comparison of the OEM chrome gill vs the new OEM M3 Edition black chrome gill



Disclaimer: Use this DIY at your own risk, I'm not responsible for any damage to your car.
Appreciate 4
      05-15-2011, 11:37 PM   #2
Bimmerboy888
Lieutenant
Bimmerboy888's Avatar
United_States
9
Rep
462
Posts

Drives: E92 M3 DCT
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: OC

iTrader: (0)

Great way to do it!
__________________
BAVARIANBEAST
Appreciate 0
      05-16-2011, 11:38 PM   #3
stealthM3
Private First Class
stealthM3's Avatar
20
Rep
147
Posts

Drives: 08 e90 M3
Join Date: May 2010
Location: OC

iTrader: (1)

Nice man and thanks for the DIY! Im assuming it'll be the same for the e90 though? Heard alot about it being harder on the e90 for some reason...any more pics of the black chrome installed? BTW where did you get them from? Thanks!
Appreciate 0
      05-17-2011, 12:17 PM   #4
BimmerM
Lieutenant
BimmerM's Avatar
United_States
98
Rep
525
Posts

Drives: '21 F95 X5 M C, '11.5 E92 M3 C
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2013 BMW X5 M  [0.00]
2011 BMW M3  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by stealthM3 View Post
Nice man and thanks for the DIY! Im assuming it'll be the same for the e90 though? Heard alot about it being harder on the e90 for some reason...any more pics of the black chrome installed? BTW where did you get them from? Thanks!
I'm not too certain on the E90 as I have not done it on the E90. However, I would assume it would come out similiar.

I bought my M3 "Edition" gills from getBMWParts.com.

Unfortunately I haven't really taken too many closeup shots of them installed. If you search on the forum there's many that have posted pics of them installed.
Appreciate 0
      06-10-2011, 05:57 PM   #5
phildeez010
Private First Class
6
Rep
169
Posts

Drives: 2011 E92 M3
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (6)

This DIY worked out great, just make sure to put a thick layer of blue tape to avoid scratches. Also let the car sit in the some for a bit he helps out
Appreciate 0
      06-22-2011, 09:41 PM   #6
艾利克斯
Private First Class
Canada
5
Rep
114
Posts

Drives: SG E92 M3
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Vancouver, B.C

iTrader: (1)

Great method!
Actually I found it's easier to do with two people.
I have my girlfriend pulling the tape while I pull the gill upwards, and it pop off easily.
Appreciate 0
      06-26-2011, 05:24 AM   #7
bobs619
First Lieutenant
bobs619's Avatar
United_States
30
Rep
369
Posts

Drives: 2014 Saphire Black F10 M5
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (0)

+1 worked for me!
Appreciate 0
      07-07-2011, 06:45 PM   #8
Brucewonder
Lieutenant Colonel
Brucewonder's Avatar
32
Rep
1,541
Posts

Drives: 2011 E92 M3 yea boi
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Socal

iTrader: (4)

worked like a charm to get off the car. 30 sec for each side. Now, the only trouble im having is removing the chrome body from the black end thingy. Cant seem to get the 2 clips loose
Appreciate 0
      07-18-2011, 07:32 PM   #9
rye m3
Lieutenant
Switzerland
33
Rep
489
Posts

Drives: 2011.75 E92 M3
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: New York

iTrader: (2)

OMG! You are a genius man! Simply wrap the tape around it, hold the gill with a micro fiber towel, wriggle the gill in the towel and pull hard on the tape. I changed both sides in 10 minutes! Holy crap, to think of people ripping out their fender liners and prying these things off with a screwdriver... This method there was no way you damage anything. They pop out, but not violently, very easy to control and no chance of damaging the paint or the gill.

This board should have reputation points like 6 speed. You certainly earn some with this.
__________________
E92 M3 MR on Red/Black ZCP Sound
Carbon

2007 997S - sold
2003 E46 M3 Steel Grey on Red- sold
1997 E36 M3 Arctic Silver on Black- sold
Appreciate 0
      07-18-2011, 07:43 PM   #10
BimmerM
Lieutenant
BimmerM's Avatar
United_States
98
Rep
525
Posts

Drives: '21 F95 X5 M C, '11.5 E92 M3 C
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2013 BMW X5 M  [0.00]
2011 BMW M3  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by rye m3 View Post
OMG! You are a genius man! Simply wrap the tape around it, hold the gill with a micro fiber towel, wriggle the gill in the towel and pull hard on the tape. I changed both sides in 10 minutes! Holy crap, to think of people ripping out their fender liners and prying these things off with a screwdriver... This method there was no way you damage anything. They pop out, but not violently, very easy to control and no chance of damaging the paint or the gill.

This board should have reputation points like 6 speed. You certainly earn some with this.
Glad you found it useful.
Appreciate 0
      07-29-2011, 07:52 AM   #11
mmaroto
New Member
0
Rep
10
Posts

Drives: 2011 M3 e90
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Dallas, TX

iTrader: (0)

Please clarify...

Can this method also be used to replace gills on a 2011 e90? I ask bc of the "grille" on the gills unlike the vert or coupe.

thanks
Appreciate 0
      07-30-2011, 01:55 AM   #12
OC3
Havin' a blast!
OC3's Avatar
United_States
123
Rep
4,847
Posts

Drives: 2013 M3 E92 Jerez Blk DCT ZCP
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mmaroto View Post
Please clarify...

Can this method also be used to replace gills on a 2011 e90? I ask bc of the "grille" on the gills unlike the vert or coupe.

thanks
Not so simple on E90, lulz

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=497779
__________________
BRP 1:56 | CVR 2:01 | ACS 1:53 | WSIR 1:34
Appreciate 0
      09-28-2011, 09:32 PM   #13
mazing
Second Lieutenant
mazing's Avatar
14
Rep
216
Posts

Drives: 2011.5 Jet Black M3
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Virginia

iTrader: (1)

Brilliant worked just as indicated. Just completed install on E93 took about 20 mins. Thanks for this method.
__________________
2011 Jet Black Bamboo Novillo/DCT/Gloss Black Grills/Gloss Black Reflectors/Gloss Black Side Gills w/Light Tinted Lenses/Black Vinyl Window Trim
Appreciate 0
      10-08-2011, 06:20 PM   #14
llis
octane chick
llis's Avatar
United_States
78
Rep
1,187
Posts

Drives: ex-M
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Colorado

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2013 BMW M3 ZCP  [10.00]
2003 BMW M5  [0.00]
Sticky this thread, please!

I am shaking my head, seeing how obvious this approach is, because the hardest thing about swapping gills was getting a firm grip on it to get it out. It takes gorilla grip to do it! But the tape technique could really help.

Now did I read you right: OEM black chrome gills? I got black chrome, but they were not OEM afaik.

Edit: Moderators, please sticky this thread. This is very useful!

Last edited by llis; 10-08-2011 at 06:25 PM.. Reason: recommend for sticky
Appreciate 0
      10-08-2011, 10:13 PM   #15
BimmerM
Lieutenant
BimmerM's Avatar
United_States
98
Rep
525
Posts

Drives: '21 F95 X5 M C, '11.5 E92 M3 C
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2013 BMW X5 M  [0.00]
2011 BMW M3  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by llis View Post
I am shaking my head, seeing how obvious this approach is, because the hardest thing about swapping gills was getting a firm grip on it to get it out. It takes gorilla grip to do it! But the tape technique could really help.

Now did I read you right: OEM black chrome gills? I got black chrome, but they were not OEM afaik.

Edit: Moderators, please sticky this thread. This is very useful!
Yes, it was part of the M3 "Edition" car that was released overseas. The OEM Satin/Black Chrome parts can be ordered from here: http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462

Appreciate 0
      11-21-2011, 08:42 AM   #16
JRV
Captain
United_States
117
Rep
922
Posts

Drives: 2011.75 AWE90M3
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: CT

iTrader: (1)

To the OP - I love you! LOL This worked like a charm. It was much better than the screw driver trick. The only thing i added was 2 more strips of packing tape from the little end towards the middle for more leverage...you rock!
__________________
'11 Black/Black GLK350 (Wife)
'19 Black RAM 1500 Big Horn Night Package
'11 Loaded AW Fox Red/Black/Black Carbon Leather ZCP E90 M3 (Halloween Delivery)
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2011, 04:00 PM   #17
jwarner
Private
6
Rep
87
Posts

Drives: 2011 E92 Alpine White ZCP
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Bend, OR

iTrader: (2)

Video instructions

I followed this advice, and it worked extremely well. The packing tape is the key method for getting the gill off with no fuss, all other methods risk scratching the paint or using too much force, in my opinion.

I did the first gill replacement, and then took videos of the second.

Before you start, it's worth watching all 4 videos (sorry, I don't have time to splice them together) so you know all the steps.

Overall, this is a very simple procedure that even non-mechanically inclined people can do.

Now that I've done one set, I could do 1 gill replace and removal in probably 7-8 minutes, so 15 minutes for both sides.

I hope this is useful.

Part 1 is here:

Part 2 is here

Part 3 is here

Part 4 is here
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2011, 04:07 PM   #18
jwarner
Private
6
Rep
87
Posts

Drives: 2011 E92 Alpine White ZCP
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Bend, OR

iTrader: (2)

By the way, this should probably be a sticky thread.

Jason
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2011, 06:56 PM   #19
ss134
Brigadier General
ss134's Avatar
United Kingdom
229
Rep
3,899
Posts

Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Germany/UK

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mmaroto View Post
Please clarify...

Can this method also be used to replace gills on a 2011 e90? I ask bc of the "grille" on the gills unlike the vert or coupe.

thanks
Even my dealer managed to break the plastic vents when they changed the side grilles for me on my old car - for the E90 the safest way is to remove the wheels and go in from the wheel well - it can be done without doing this but youre taking a risk of something breaking.
__________________
2014 AW F80 M3 DCT
2011 AW E90 M3 DCT - Sold
2010 JZB E90 M3 DCT - Sold
2009 6MT E90 LCI 335i M -Sport - Sold
Appreciate 0
      12-30-2011, 07:07 PM   #20
0311_grunt
Second Lieutenant
9
Rep
260
Posts

Drives: 2008 M3
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Superior, CO

iTrader: (0)

Took 20 min total with replacing all the parts and whatnot. I'm glad I stumbled upon this...all the other DIY's were way too difficult..
Appreciate 0
      01-01-2012, 11:26 PM   #21
skins333
Major
skins333's Avatar
United_States
48
Rep
1,017
Posts

Drives: 08 E93 BMW M3 MR/21 X7 40i AW
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Northern VA

iTrader: (2)

you guys are the best...took less than 10 min total, no scratches. ( i did spend some good time doing research though)
Appreciate 0
      01-26-2012, 07:40 PM   #22
pak10
New Member
1
Rep
23
Posts

Drives: E92
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Underground

iTrader: (0)

BimmerM

Thanks for the excellent write up. I swapped mine out today and it looks so much cleaner.
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 02:25 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