[NGT2]

Long shot, because I know most here have M Sports… but has anyone replaced or removed the fog light trim on a pre-LCI g30 non M Sport?

I'm looking at replacing my chrome fog light trim (luxury line) with OEM black trim (sport line). I have the part number I need for replacement, just don't know if it's a DIY replacement that I can accomplish.

Here is a picture of what I'm talking about:

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Long shot, because I know most here have M Sports… but has anyone replaced or removed the fog light trim on a pre-LCI g30 non M Sport?

I'm looking at replacing my chrome fog light trim (luxury line) with OEM black trim (sport line). I have the part number I need for replacement, just don't know if it's a DIY replacement that I can accomplish.

Here is a picture of what I'm talking about:

I bet it is similar to taking the bumper trim off a sport or M550 where you turn the wheel and pop off a side or two from the back and then pry the rest off from the front.

Take a few vinyl tool from the front and pry lightly around it just to investigate. Also, I find that when you get the back replacements, it will be very telling how they go on (and come off).

Looks like you have made the decision to do a full black conversion.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

I bet it is similar to taking the bumper trim off a sport or M550 where you turn the wheel and pop off a side or two from the back and then pry the rest off from the front.

Take a few vinyl tool from the front and pry lightly around it just to investigate. Also, I find that when you get the back replacements, it will be very telling how they go on (and come off).

Looks like you have made the decision to do a full black conversion.

Good advice. Thanks.

No decision yet. Just due diligence. These parts aren't too expensive. If these are things I can switch out myself, it becomes more attractive. The side vents, based on other posts, should be really easy to pop off and replace. If other pieces are that easy, I like the idea of just buying the OEM black pieces and being able to switch them out. If I ever change my mind for any reason, I can reverse it. Right now the due diligence is scratching the itch while I'm trying to actually decide.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Good advice. Thanks.

No decision yet. Just due diligence. These parts aren't too expensive. If these are things I can switch out myself, it becomes more attractive. The side vents, based on other posts, should be really easy to pop off and replace. If other pieces are that easy, I like the idea of just buying the OEM black pieces and being able to switch them out. If I ever change my mind for any reason, I can reverse it. Right now the due diligence is scratching the itch while I'm trying to actually decide.

Good approach. Yes, the replacement black ones should be telling. I'm pretty confident it's a DIY, but you may break some clips or tabs on chrome ones removing them.. I wouldn't worry about doing any damage to the bumper cover. It's nearly impossible using vinyl tools. Does the luxury line have the vent to cool the brakes in the wheel well? If so, this is where you will start with a long flat head. Wedge it into the side of the trim and twist and push. When it pops, wedge a vinyl tool into the front where it came loose so it doesn't go back. You can figure it out from there.

Yes the side fender vents are a piece of cake. If you can remove your amber reflectors, then you can definitely remove the bumper trim.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Good approach. Yes, the replacement black ones should be telling. I'm pretty confident it's a DIY, but you may break some clips or tabs on chrome ones removing them.. I wouldn't worry about doing any damage to the bumper cover. It's nearly impossible using vinyl tools. Does the luxury line have the vent to cool the brakes in the wheel well? If so, this is where you will start with a long flat head. Wedge it into the side of the trim and twist and push. When it pops, wedge a vinyl tool into the front where it came loose so it doesn't go back. You can figure it out from there.

Yes the side fender vents are a piece of cake. If you can remove your amber reflectors, then you can definitely remove the bumper trim.

I'll check the wheel well, but I want to say yes. I think I noticed it when I did the reflectors. I just didn't know what it was.

[mavic1010]

I'll let you know how it goes as I'll be replacing my Luxury line parts this Friday. But I'll be taking off the front and the rear bumpers to remove the chrome trims.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by mavic1010

I'll let you know how it goes as I'll be replacing my Luxury line parts this Friday. But I'll be taking off the front and the rear bumpers to remove the chrome trims.

That's awesome! Yes, please report back. I'm guessing the rear bumper trim would pop out pretty easy, especially if you're not too worried about ever using it again. I know the side vents just pop out (although I haven't done it). I'll be interested to see what you find on the front.

I'm really not interested in removing the bumper. I don't know how and I'm sure it's a huge pain in the ass.

[mavic1010]

I just missed the shipment for my OEM parts this afternoon, but I decided to just get a head start and remove the bumper and also replace the adaptive shutter with the blue one and remove the chrome one.

Let me just say that the hardest part of removing the bumper was getting the PDC plugs off the frame of the car so I could get the bumper loose.

As for the chrome trim around the fog lamps. Its impossible to remove without breaking clips on the bumper as well as the trim without taking off the bumper. Even with the bumper off, I had to remove the foglamps (super simple) from the bumper so I could get access to all the clips. It was still difficult to remove.

I was planning on just putting everything together and just clipping in the black trim when I get it, but I decided to just leave it disassembled until I get the parts tomorrow. I need to make sure it clips in correctly. Definitely a time consuming and not an easy job. My finger tips are killing me!

If you need OEM parts, then there is no way around it. If you don't care, I recommend getting it wrapped. Hoping the rear bumper will not be as difficult.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by mavic1010

I just missed the shipment for my OEM parts this afternoon, but I decided to just get a head start and remove the bumper and also replace the adaptive shutter with the blue one and remove the chrome one.

Let me just say that the hardest part of removing the bumper was getting the PDC plugs off the frame of the car so I could get the bumper loose.

As for the chrome trim around the fog lamps. Its impossible to remove without breaking clips on the bumper as well as the trim without taking off the bumper. Even with the bumper off, I had to remove the foglamps (super simple) from the bumper so I could get access to all the clips. It was still difficult to remove.

I was planning on just putting everything together and just clipping in the black trim when I get it, but I decided to just leave it disassembled until I get the parts tomorrow. I need to make sure it clips in correctly. Definitely a time consuming and not an easy job. My finger tips are killing me!

If you need OEM parts, then there is no way around it. If you don't care, I recommend getting it wrapped. Hoping the rear bumper will not be as difficult.

Thank you very much for this feedback!

I did 3M gloss black wrap for the window trim. Sounds like that would be the best solution for the fog lights, if I decided to do anything at all.

That makes me wonder if, for consistency, wrap is better for all the pieces. I don't mind paying for the black side vents or rear bumper trim. I just wonder if the difference in those OEM pieces and the gloss black would be enough for anyone to notice. I guess I could just order the vents and compare and return them if it wasn't close enough.

I'm going to sit tight and see where my brain goes on what I ultimately decide, but thanks again for some great information.

[mavic1010]

I'm getting the gloss black vinyl next week for the window trim as finding the shadowline is pretty hard for the G30.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by mavic1010

I'm getting the gloss black vinyl next week for the window trim as finding the shadowline is pretty hard for the G30.

I've heard the window trim is a pain to replace as well, and it's not inexpensive. I got 3M gloss black and I'm very happy with it, especially considering what it costs.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I've heard the window trim is a pain to replace as well, and it's not inexpensive. I got 3M gloss black and I'm very happy with it, especially considering what it costs.

+1, definitely wrap it for a few hundred bucks.

[mavic1010]

And for those interested about the rear trim. Pretty easy. There is a plastic trim underneath that can be removed and allows some access to the clips. Push the first clip out so that you can get a trim tool to slide underneath on the end from the exterior and you can begin removing it slowly. I'd recommend taping around it so you don't make scratches on the bumper. Comes out pretty easily, so therefore no need to remove rear bumper for this one.

[juliusedward]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Long shot, because I know most here have M Sports… but has anyone replaced or removed the fog light trim on a pre-LCI g30 non M Sport?

I'm looking at replacing my chrome fog light trim (luxury line) with OEM black trim (sport line). I have the part number I need for replacement, just don't know if it's a DIY replacement that I can accomplish.

Here is a picture of what I'm talking about:

I'm looking to do the same. Can you please give the part numbers for black trim? Thanks

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by juliusedward

I'm looking to do the same. Can you please give the part numbers for black trim? Thanks

I can dig them up for a 2018 but go to realoem.com and put in the last 7 of your vin and you can get all the part numbers. Just make sure you get the "sport line" fog light trim if you want black.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by mavic1010

And for those interested about the rear trim. Pretty easy. There is a plastic trim underneath that can be removed and allows some access to the clips. Push the first clip out so that you can get a trim tool to slide underneath on the end from the exterior and you can begin removing it slowly. I'd recommend taping around it so you don't make scratches on the bumper. Comes out pretty easily, so therefore no need to remove rear bumper for this one.

So you're saying there's a plastic cover, of sorts, under the bumper than can be removed? And from there you can access the clips and get it loose?

[mavic1010]

Originally Posted by NGT2

So you're saying there's a plastic cover, of sorts, under the bumper than can be removed? And from there you can access the clips and get it loose?

Yes. That is correct. Just work loose one of the chrome ends and then you can begin pulling off the entire trim.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by mavic1010

Yes. That is correct. Just work loose one of the chrome ends and then you can begin pulling off the entire trim.

Awesome. Thanks for the tip!

I'm still going to let the ideas marinate a while. But my current thought is to leave the chrome grill, fog light trim, door handles, and rear 540 badge; switch to black with the side vents and rear bumper trim. That would reduce the overall chrome but still have some balance. Some chrome goes with my wheels and, after all, the fog light trim was an upgraded spec.

Or I may say "to hell with it" and leave it as is. Thinking about and vetting the options is like 90% of the fun!

[mavic1010]

Yeah I hear ya. I was going to do a complete chrome delete, but then decided to just leave the chrome grill to match the wheels. I'll post some pics of my transformation this weekend after I do my window wrap & tint.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by mavic1010

Yeah I hear ya. I was going to do a complete chrome delete, but then decided to just leave the chrome grill to match the wheels. I'll post some pics of my transformation this weekend after I do my window wrap & tint.

Cool. Looking forward to seeing it.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by mavic1010

Yeah I hear ya. I was going to do a complete chrome delete, but then decided to just leave the chrome grill to match the wheels. I'll post some pics of my transformation this weekend after I do my window wrap & tint.

Did you ever get it all done? Any pictures?

Obviously I let this marinate for a good long while. I'm going to order the black side vents and bumper trim and replace those, leave the chrome grill and trim around the fog lights, and see how that looks.

I think the vents and bumper trim will remove enough chrome to get a sportier look. I also think the wheels, chrome on the door handles, and chrome exhaust tips will leave enough for it to still flow from front to back.

I thought about replacing the exhaust tips but the OEM black tips are pricier than I want to spend on an experiment and I don't want to paint them. I also think they will provide a little balance with the other remaining chrome, like I mentioned.

I'll post some before and after pics whenever I get the parts ordered and installed.

[mavic1010]

I did get everything done. Still haven't had time to polish it. But I'll put up some pictures tomorrow to show you the complete transformation.