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Technical Topics Cosmetic and Lighting Modifications (exterior & interior) Front Grille Swap Complete

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      06-16-2020, 08:40 PM   #1
Conezz
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Front Grille Swap Complete

Hi all.

Just got around to swapping out the two tone slatted front grille on my new 330i with the all black mesh grille. Huge improvement IMO for a $150 upgrade.

Being a novice, I was a bit hesitant to do it myself. However all the suggestions here on the floor and said it was a fairly straightforward process. I watched two YouTube videos before the attempt.

I just wanted to add that it took me a little while to remove the original grill because the clips were on fairly tight and the left side clip did not want to budge. It got to be a bit frustrating because I followed the videos to a T and didn’t want to damage anything. To say the least, removal was not as “easy” as the videos suggest for a first-timer. It could very well possibly be an isolated case. I also didn’t have much light to work with in the garage, but it was enough.

Thankfully, the new one popped in like butter. I had the front park assist camera and that was a simple swap as well. Luckily I was able to remove the original one without breaking any clips or damaging the paint. I’m going to post it in the ads section if anyone’s looking for a two-tone slatted grille.

Below are after pics. Questions and comments welcome.


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Last edited by Conezz; 06-17-2020 at 08:39 PM..
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      06-16-2020, 09:03 PM   #2
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I did the black grill swap a few days ago too. And same problem. The left side clip wouldn't budge. Needed a lot of manoeuvring to get it out. And the new grill was a little tight when I yri d reinstalling it. I think I broke a clip or two. We'll only know when I remove it when I return the car though.
But yes. Absolutely worth it.
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      06-16-2020, 10:16 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VipinLJ View Post
I did the black grill swap a few days ago too. And same problem. The left side clip wouldn't budge. Needed a lot of manoeuvring to get it out. And the new grill was a little tight when I yri d reinstalling it. I think I broke a clip or two. We'll only know when I remove it when I return the car though.
But yes. Absolutely worth it.
Hey man. Thanks for the reply. Sorry about that. It’s a bit unnerving when you hit a bit of unexpected resistance. The last thing any enthusiast wants is to worry about breaking or damaging something when doing a DIY. Thanks for sharing.

I wouldn’t worry about swapping it back when the time comes to return the car. I asked my dealer about that and he said, “try selling it if you can.”

The grille was supposed to be installed at the port for $250 before delivery. Because of COVID, the plant was trying to get special orders delivered in anticipation of shutdown. The dealership wanted $350 for the grille and another $500 to install. I said no thanks. Bought it online for $150 instead.

I think the appeal here is that the mesh grille matches the other vent grilles below it, so it makes for a more streamlined and aggressive look.

I like to order my cars as is and not much of a mod guy. However, I feel that this grille is 100% worthwhile.

Can you share a picture of yours with the grille swap?

Last edited by Conezz; 06-16-2020 at 10:23 PM..
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      06-17-2020, 12:03 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Conezz View Post
Hey man. Thanks for the reply. Sorry about that. It’s a bit unnerving when you hit a bit of unexpected resistance. The last thing any enthusiast wants is to worry about breaking or damaging something when doing a DIY. Thanks for sharing.

I wouldn’t worry about swapping it back when the time comes to return the car. I asked my dealer about that and he said, “try selling it if you can.”

The grille was supposed to be installed at the port for $250 before delivery. Because of COVID, the plant was trying to get special orders delivered in anticipation of shutdown. The dealership wanted $350 for the grille and another $500 to install. I said no thanks. Bought it online for $150 instead.

I think the appeal here is that the mesh grille matches the other vent grilles below it, so it makes for a more streamlined and aggressive look.

I like to order my cars as is and not much of a mod guy. However, I feel that this grille is 100% worthwhile.

Can you share a picture of yours with the grille swap?
Yup. Hopefully I've broken only one insignificant clip since I think I remember it falling off when I installed it. I can probably sell it when my car is due for return and recoup some of the money I spent on it.

And I didn't get the mesh grill. Just the normal black shadowline grill.
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      06-17-2020, 12:09 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VipinLJ View Post
Yup. Hopefully I've broken only one insignificant clip since I think I remember it falling off when I installed it. I can probably sell it when my car is due for return and recoup some of the money I spent on it.

And I didn't get the mesh grill. Just the normal black shadowline grill.
Either shadowline looks amazing. I only went with the mesh because the grilles below it are mesh like. It probably looks awesome on white!
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      06-17-2020, 01:25 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Conezz View Post
Either shadowline looks amazing. I only went with the mesh because the grilles below it are mesh like. It probably looks awesome on white!
That’s what she looks like...
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      06-17-2020, 09:01 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Conezz View Post
Either shadowline looks amazing. I only went with the mesh because the grilles below it are mesh like. It probably looks awesome on white!
Do you have the part number for the black mesh grille you installed? (not the shadowline grill) Thanks!
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      06-17-2020, 08:37 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mf44 View Post
Do you have the part number for the black mesh grille you installed? (not the shadowline grill) Thanks!
Check out this thread:

https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1619502
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