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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > BMW E90/E92/E93 3-series General Forums > Regional Forums > UK > UK Technical Forum > Hi Gloss Black Grill - DIY £18



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      11-11-2008, 04:33 AM   #1
dbramley
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Hi Gloss Black Grill - DIY £18

I thought I'd have a go at doing a Hi - Gloss / Shadowline grill over the weekend and thankfully its turned out spot on.

Total cost was about £18, plus a few bits I already had.

Before:


First step was to remove the grills, the bonnet ones need a star shaped allen key or screwdriver, the bumper grills need unclipping and a little force!

To remove stick your fingers through the grill and feel for the clips, they just need pushing up whilst you pull out with your other hand


I used Plasti-Kote primer, Gloss black and Super Clear.


First step was to sand the grill down with 80 grit sandpaper to remove the shine, I then went over it with wet n dry to make sure it was smooth. Finally I rubbed it down with an alcohol based cleaner to make sure it was free from grease and finger prints before drying it all off. I used rubber gloves at the point to make sure I didnt get any finger prints on the grills.

I then used the primer in short bursts, keeping a good distance away (20cm) and gave them a thin covering. I repeated this three times leaving approx 1/2 an hour between each coat. (The primer was clear rather than the grey I was expecting so I used three coats to make sure I had everywhere covered)




After leaving the final coat for a good hour or so I then started with the gloss black, following the same instructions. Thin coats building it up, in short bursts with a good distance. Leaving a good hour hour / half between each coat I applied three coats.



Finally, after leaving it for a couple of hours I applied the clear coat (two layers with 1/2 an hour between) before leaving it over night to dry.



Next morning I fitted them back to the car:




Looks good and matches the other black trim well.

The car is really dirty and weather was crap when I was taking the pics so it probably doesnt look its best.

All in all, pleased it went well and if I can do it, anyone can. Just take your time and have patience. Allow a full day as well, I think I started at 10am and was applying the last coat at 9pm!
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      11-11-2008, 04:51 AM   #2
remmib
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Cool, very nice. Lets hope the paint don't chip to easily.
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F10 520d M-Sport Alpine White | HRE P43SC 20x9+20x11 | Michelin PSS 255/35+295/30 | KW V3 Coilover | M5 Front Sway Bar + M550d Rear Sway Bar | 3DDesign Front Lip | BMW M Performance CF Spoiler | BMW M Performance Diffuser | BMW M Performance Black Grills | BMW M Performance Pedals |
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      11-11-2008, 05:17 AM   #3
dbramley
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I know, time will tell I guess!

Have you any other pics of your car remmib - I love the look of it and would like to see your OEM CF stuff closer up if possible?

thanks
Dan
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      11-11-2008, 05:56 AM   #4
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Sure, look in these thread for pics.

Pics of CF spoiler: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61299

Pics of CF diffuser: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50402
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      11-12-2008, 06:05 AM   #5
big pimp
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nice job well done mate
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