[wdlfbio]

Just got a set of glossy kidneys for my 2012 E92. They look great, but I'm not digging the fitment. The tops of them have about 1/16" of wiggle room. You can probably hear the new grilles moving as I push/pull them. Is this normal or should I return them and get a new set?

http://youtu.be/dg5bg5CkScI

[wdlfbio]

Anybody?

[kmoto]

I picked up a set from a vendor on here and noticed the fitment issue as well. Not going to say who as it's not that big of an issue but definitely know what you're talking about.

Stock grilles have less of the gap you've mentioned, that's for sure. It's okay though, my car is black so it kinda blends in

[AndreyT]

Originally Posted by wdlfbio

Just got a set of glossy kidneys for my 2012 E92. They look great, but I'm not digging the fitment. The tops of them have about 1/16" of wiggle room. You can probably hear the new grilles moving as I push/pull them. Is this normal or should I return them and get a new set?

http://youtu.be/dg5bg5CkScI

Do you still have your original OEM kidneys? Do they exhibit the same behavior or not?

I have the same amount of play at the bottom edge of my passenger side kidney grille, even though I use genuine BMW OEM kidneys. I have two sets: chrome and black, and both of them have this amount of wiggle in the same area (bottom edge, passenger side). Meanwhile, both kidneys (specifically their locking tabs) look perfectly intact and fine. And the bumper edges these kidneys are supposed to lock onto also look the same on both sides.

I'm not sure what is causing this amount of play, but I'd guess that it is actually the plastic bumper that is to blame here, not the kidney itself. Either something is no engaging properly or some bumper material got worn off. Maybe something like this is also happening in your case.

As long as the kidney is sufficiently secure in its place so as not to fall out, I'd try to fix it with a couple of strategically placed shims. Of course, if your original OEM kidneys lock in with no play, then there must be something wrong with these aftermarket ones and you might be better off returning them.

[wdlfbio]

Stock ones didn't move a lick and barely any gaps. The gap at the bottom was the first thing I noticed, but didn't much care about that. The wiggle is different. Maybe I'll use some adhesvie behind the bumper.