Replacing Kidney Grills

[56bigblue]

Is there any truth that you can simply grip and rip the kidney grills out without damaging the mount for replacement? I've seen several people post that that's the easiest way to do it but do not want to try it and risk damage until I get some confirmation first. Thanks people

[yipyip99]

I did it myself. It's a pain in the ass, but I was able to do it without breaking anything.

Remove the torx screws from the top part of the bumper and you have to pull it out enough to stick your hands in and push on the kidney's clips to release the kidney.

Push clip and pull the kidney at the same time. Slowly so you don't break it.

You can see the locations of the clips on the new kidney you purchased.

Good luck! 😊

[yipyip99]

Finished product.

[Downfourit]

No, do not grip and rip anything on a 6 series! I have heard that may work on other models, it will not work here. You have to do like above says with the top Torx bolts and I would mark them with some chalk or you will have to align the bumper to the hood, that's also easy but with the chalk you wont have to. Also there should be some washers under those Torx bolts like spacers, be careful that they don't fall into the engine bay.

[doug_999]

The proper way is to remove the bumper - I know others have figured out a way around this, but that's the official BMW recommended way.

[jwblack750]

I've done two grilles now - F10 and F06. I tried the grip it and rip it technique on my F10, and it worked on one side. The other side wouldn't budget, and I was afraid of scratching or breaking something, so I ended up taking a hacksaw to it. Sounds crazy, I know, but it's the easiest way to do it, imho. Sure, you can't use the OEM grille afterwards, but who cares? I could maybe sell it online, but I'd rather ensure NO damage to my car than make $100.

Anyway, you just cut the slats out, and then you can reach the clips easily. It also gives it plenty of play to pop out more easily.

[troymi]

Anyone have a pic of coupe in carbon metallic with OEM performance grilles? Just got mine and thinking of a change, but would like to see a few pics first. Thanks.