Replacing grille in bumper

[phil47]

Resurrecting an old thread. Anybody successfully replace one of the 2 mesh titanium grilles (below headlights) on a facelifted e53 without removing the bumper?? Seems possible looking at the replacement part. I've tried to shift it away from the center but it seems to be held in place by something? Soooo close...

[omodos]

Originally Posted by phil47

Resurrecting an old thread. Anybody successfully replace one of the 2 mesh titanium grilles (below headlights) on a facelifted e53 without removing the bumper?? Seems possible looking at the replacement part. I've tried to shift it away from the center but it seems to be held in place by something? Soooo close...

Think you have to remove the bumper, there are clips holding the mesh in place so dont see how you can unclip from the outside without removing bumper for access, mine mesh that is damaged is the lower number 10 grill that stretches all the way along the bumper, and am thinking of just sliding in a thin piece of black plastic over the damaged area as it will slot in place rather than have to replace whole thing...damaged area is 1.5iinch max width so i think i can get away with blocking the gap in the broken grill without causing any issues, still not sure what the lower grill areas to the right and left of the bumper actually do?just for show or channle air in at high speed to where?

[TerminatorX5]

my cousin bought a metal mesh from Home Depot (or whatever it was), cut it out to fit his Prelude's front, painted it black and snapped it in... voila!!! It was done years ago, but still.. can be done...

[vqt]

I managed to slide the two grilles (#9 in the diagram) in without removing the bumper and without breaking anything in the process. Facelifted X5.

[omodos]

vgt alas the no 10 grill is nearly the length of the bumper so wont be posssible, anyway will pst a pic of my temp fix until i get a new grill and time to install it, or if i find some alternative itme that i can simply plug one with out removing the whole bumper

[Cadesto]

Bumper Mesh Resurrection pt 2

Anyone come across a manufacturer that makes these in metal?
Im sure i could do some cutting on home depot mesh but id feel like i ghetto rigged amd it would bug me.
My 04 had a mummified dead bird in it when i finally replaced the mesh and my 06 has one tiny hole in the long piece and and one little half toothpick missing on one of the smaller ones.. This plastic is so brittle!!
Its Titanium plastic now, I want to paint it black anyway, guess it wouldnt be as noticable then... Not that it is now, just to me..
Found all 3 parts for about 170 but how long is that going to last untill another bird, insect or rock decides to knock a diamond out,,
Arg! I WANT METAL!

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by CharlieHustleX5

It sure is. Especially if you've done it once before. I can probably do it in 20 mins...that seems sufficient.

3 minutes to bring your car into the bay
5 minutes to remove all bolts
1 minute to pop off bumper
1 minute to snap grill into place
2 minutes to replace bumper cover on
5 minutes to tighten all screws back into place
2 minutes to roll your car back out to the parking lot
1 minute for the service advisor to inform you your car is ready.

20 minutes total time for R&R service.

You forgot the 15 minutes coffee break.

[omodos]

Originally Posted by Cadesto

Bumper Mesh Resurrection pt 2

Anyone come across a manufacturer that makes these in metal?
Im sure i could do some cutting on home depot mesh but id feel like i ghetto rigged amd it would bug me.
My 04 had a mummified dead bird in it when i finally replaced the mesh and my 06 has one tiny hole in the long piece and and one little half toothpick missing on one of the smaller ones.. This plastic is so brittle!!
Its Titanium plastic now, I want to paint it black anyway, guess it wouldnt be as noticable then... Not that it is now, just to me..
Found all 3 parts for about 170 but how long is that going to last untill another bird, insect or rock decides to knock a diamond out,,
Arg! I WANT METAL!

Have to agree, these grills are pants, why cant they be a bit more riobust like on a audis Q5 N 6 or on the VW touaregs....?? Yup i got the same issue too, its the long mesh that has issues, will paint it black good idea.....

[Doru]

Originally Posted by TwinsPoppa

Number 9 or 10?

RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 4.4i Front bumper trim panel (from 10/03)

For the 04-06 models, you need to have the trim tool to unlock the bumper from the 2 sides - it's attached on item #4 in the diagram posted above. If you brake the clips, you need a new part. If you break the bumper tabs, you might need a new bumper - it will stick out badly. Be careful.

[mdubs9]

bump. any source on titanium mesh?