DIY: Replace Front Kidney Grills on E92

[BimmerM]

Tools Required

• Torx Bit (size T-30)
• Body panel tool (optional but recommended) or Short flat head screw driver

Before you begin:

• Open and raise your hood.
• If you are afraid of scratching your car, apply painters tape.

Step 1. Remove upper bumper Torx screws

As illustrated below, there are four Torx screws on top that will need to be remove to gain access to the front kidney grills.



Step 2. Separate top of bumper

Gently pull the top of the bumper forward to gain access to the back of the kidney grills. There should be enough flex to get your hands behind there. Feel around for the grill latches to familiarize yourself with their location.



Step 3. Unlatch grill

As illustrated below, there are a total of 6 latches. First use your fingers to see if you can unlatch it, if you can't you can use a body panel tool to unlatch the grill. The numbers on the illustration represents the end of the tool you should use.

NOTE: Each latch has a small little tab that needs to be released. It can be difficult if you are using your fingers. A body panel tool or a flat head screwdriver should be used to make it easier to press the small tab in to unlatch the grill.



I found the bottom was easy to unlatch with fingers only. If you can't do it with your fingers, use a body panel tool similar to the one pictured or a flat head screw driver.

To begin, I unlatched the bottom first while gently tugging on the grill outward. Then I unlatched the top using the tool to press the latch down. Lastly, I used the tool on the last outer latch (the latch closest to headlights).

Once you get the first grill off you'll find doing the other grill much easy.



Step 4. Install new kidney grills and reinstall Torx screws

This step couldn't be easier, simply push the new grills in till all the latches click in place.
Reinstall the four Torx screws once you have verified the grill is secure.



Step 5. Sit back and enjoy your new grills





Disclaimer: Use this DIY at your own risk, I'm not responsible for any damage to your car.

[Franken///M]

What body panel tool set did you use?

[BimmerM]

Originally Posted by Franken///M

What body panel tool set did you use?

I have the Sir Tools ST9030 Pry Master Set. Purchased through Amazon. It comes in handy for various things.

[Franken///M]

Thanks and excellent write up.

[foolio2]

Thx for the DIY...just used it with no issues.

[S65V8]

Thanks BimmerM for the DIY. Worked perfectly! I'm addicted to these DIYs.

[jwarner]

I did this mod yesterday. The clips by the headlights were pretty difficult for me to remove.

This is what I learned:

1.) I removed the air snorkel (4 Torx bolts) that leads from the kidney grill area to the intake tube. It takes 2 minutes to remove, and increases the area available to work by 500%.

2.) I think it's easiest to remove the clip closest to the headlight by removing the upper and lower clip nearest the headlight clip, and prying the grill out a bit, and then going after the headlight clip. This creates a little tension on the grill so that when you compress the headlight clip, it unseats due to the tension. YMMV.

3.) I found it helpful to have a flashlight and to use the flashlight to examine the headlight clip. Once I had the other 2 clips removed, I could get in there with a flathead screwdriver (I don't have panel tools) and put some leverage on the clip closest to the headlight. It took considerable force for me to get this particular clip undone. It was literally 10x harder to remove compared to the remaining clips, which are easy.

4.) Once I had both grills out, I had to use a moderate force to install the new grills, to make sure they were seated. It's easy to look behind the grill once it's attached to make sure all the clips are fully seated and properly installed.

5.) I installed an AFE ram air scoop system at the same time as doing this install. If you are thinking of installing air scoops of any brand, it makes sense to do this all at the same time.

Overall I am happy with the mod. Getting both grills replaced and installing the scoops took me about 1.5 hours. I took a few breaks, but really struggled to crack the code on getting that first headlight clip removed.

[Sardine93]

Thanks for the excellent write-up. I was able to complete the install without much difficulty using a flat head screwdriver and an allen wrench (didnt have a torx bit).

[RBB]

Nice DIY, BimmerM. I got the grills and the gills done over the weekend in about 30 minutes total. These things are addictive.

[BimmerM]

Originally Posted by RBB

Nice DIY, BimmerM. I got the grills and the gills done over the weekend in about 30 minutes total. These things are addictive.

Nice

[YolkyPalky]

Think I'll give this one a try. Mods, maybe make this thread a sticky? Seems to be a very common cosmetic mod.

[gatorfast]

Just replaced my grilles and this DIY was spot on. I must say though the tabs were VERY difficult to unlatch! My hands took a beating while doing this but I'm happy in the end.

[info@trinityautosport]

thanks for sharing =)

[mdosu]

easy as pie, just did this with little drama. I used my fingers for the lower pins first, then use a flat head for the top 3. Finally, use the flat head for the one on the side.

[Peahi]

Thanks for this DIY!!! So helpful everyone. I did mine in less than 15mins, thank god...I was scared it might take a long time...but after reading this it was easy.

- I had a small pocket screw driver that fit the tabs almost perfectly.
-the headlight clip was the only tough one.
- I wore a headlamp which was very helpful for seeing back there behind the bumper.

[Kosta1968]

Thanks for the thread.

This sticky plus a you tube demo I found on google made this an easy job.

15 min job, smallish allen key worked fine.

I tried to do this slowly and nicely with a small flat head for leverage but patience isn't one of my virtues and I used my bare hands and a bit of brute force to get it done quickly.

[sitcom323]

awesome thread. super helpful!

[GTB/ZR-1]

Thx, OP--very helpful!

[steven_s]

This looks a lot easier. Just did this with 15cm snow coming on to us. The tab closest to the headlight was nuts. Bruised my wrists struggling to pop that. Otherwise great write up and looks transformed.

[admranger]

Thanks for the DIY write up (and the additions by jwarner). Worked great on my E90M3!

[cruhz2k3]

The clip closest to the headlight was ridiculous. I was not able to get it with my fingers or with a screwdriver. I ended up having success by using a pair of needle nose pliers.

Unclip all of the other tabs. I found the bottom clips to be the easiest by reaching my hand down behind the grill and just using my fingers. Then I pushed out the top tabs, this required a flathead screwdriver. For the headlight clip, I reached my hand in with the pliers, clamped down on the tab, rotated the pliers, pushed out (away from the car), and with my other hand pulled the grill out from the outside. I wasn't able to take a picture of doing this, but this is what it would look like.

[yahoo_mks]

Thanks OP! Worked like a charm and less than 30 minutes

Thank you,