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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Cosmetic and Lighting Modifications (exterior/interior) > Replacement of kidney grills



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      02-17-2012, 12:40 AM   #1
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Replacement of kidney grills

I tried to replace my kidney grills on my 335is tonight with blacked out grills and had trouble. They almost broke and I couldn't snap them out. Any idea how I can do it?
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      02-17-2012, 12:52 AM   #2
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Those tabs are on there way to well to do it without getting behind the grills first. I've only ever done it with the front bumper removed first, which as intimidating as it may seem if you've never done it before, is fairly easy and painless. If you don't want to do that however, you can just unbolt the top 4 torxhead bolts holding on the bumper fascia right above the kidney grills. Then pull back the bumper and reach behind the kidney so that you can pull on them from the front with one hand and finagle with the locking tabs (6 per kidney grill, IIRC) with the other hand behind them.
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      02-17-2012, 02:12 AM   #3
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Did you follow the DIY on this board? When I changed my grills out, it was tough initially but once you removed the first tab, it was pretty simple. At first, I thought I might snap my tap off too. Good luck
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      02-17-2012, 02:59 AM   #4
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Here is the link to the diy I used. I found it to be the most useful for the coupe.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=500394
I also had a hard time removing the grills and had to get behind it. I used a thin piece of plastic to help pry the tabs. Just make sure you pry them in the right direction.
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      02-17-2012, 07:10 AM   #5
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YouTube has a great video in this. I used it and completed it in <5 min
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      02-17-2012, 07:29 AM   #6
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I ended up making a grill removal tool out of a coat hanger buy bending the wire over on itself to make a nice rounded edge and forming a U shape. It made popping the tabs really easy. Still had to remove the couple screws on top of the fender to get at the last couple tabs though.
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      02-18-2012, 03:54 PM   #7
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The screws at the top aren't normal screws. I can't seem to find a tool that works and I almost broke the front of the grill off the actually back part since its in two pieces. Any ideas? It's driving me crazy!
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      02-19-2012, 09:14 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Padfan9 View Post
The screws at the top aren't normal screws. I can't seem to find a tool that works and I almost broke the front of the grill off the actually back part since its in two pieces. Any ideas? It's driving me crazy!
Those are Torx screws. You can get Torx drivers that fit socket wrench sets at most auto stores.

Here's a set at Sears: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...=SPM5784588201
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      02-19-2012, 04:16 PM   #9
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Just unscrew and use a lot of hand strength and keep pulling. Luckily I have smaller hands ( ) so I was able to kind of wiggle it a bit but really after 3 or so tabs out you can just muscle the rest. Don't be scared of using some strength.
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      02-20-2012, 04:48 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kudos View Post
Just unscrew and use a lot of hand strength and keep pulling. Luckily I have smaller hands ( ) so I was able to kind of wiggle it a bit but really after 3 or so tabs out you can just muscle the rest. Don't be scared of using some strength.
Thanks! I was just worried to break them....
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      02-20-2012, 05:43 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Padfan9 View Post
Thanks! I was just worried to break them....
Nevermind! It worked! They are replaced and look great!
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