Replacing grille in bumper

[ourpsalm]

I have broken right upper grille (04' 4.4i) that's been annoying me. It seems like this would be simple to replace, but I am having trouble identifying how it is removed and how the replacement will go in. Does it just snap out through the inside of the bumper?

[mrbmwx5]

I think you have to remove the bumper .

[Last5oh]

Originally Posted by mrbmwx5

I think you have to remove the bumper .

Not too sure about that... I had mine replaced at the 'stealer' I was told it takes an hour... they had in done in 20 mins. Is it that quick to remove the bumper?

[CharlieHustleX5]

Originally Posted by Last5oh

Not too sure about that... I had mine replaced at the 'stealer' I was told it takes an hour... they had in done in 20 mins. Is it that quick to remove the bumper?

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.

Originally Posted by ourpsalm

I have broken right upper grille (04' 4.4i) that's been annoying me. It seems like this would be simple to replace, but I am having trouble identifying how it is removed and how the replacement will go in. Does it just snap out through the inside of the bumper?

Yes, it just snaps and locks in place.

Once you remove the bumper cover, you slide the grill piece in and to the left (or right depending which side you're replacing) until you hear it lock into place.

[ourpsalm]

Thanks gentlemen. I finished the procedure a little earlier today in about an hour. Removing the bumper cover scared me, so I didn't go there. I installed it once, realized that I didn't have the far right part snapped in. Then I got a little smarter and removed the piece of vertical rubber cowling that sits between the headlight and radiator and took the grille out, and re-installed it, put everything back.
I'll bet it took me 20 minutes the second time.

[CharlieHustleX5]

Hands scratched at all?

[xrob]

Hi there. I have the same issue. A few cracked grill areas and I was thinking about replacing. I have an 05 4.4L. Any idea what the part/s cost and what the number is?

Thanks for the help!

Rob

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by xrob

Hi there. I have the same issue. A few cracked grill areas and I was thinking about replacing. I have an 05 4.4L. Any idea what the part/s cost and what the number is?

Thanks for the help!

Rob

Number 9 or 10?

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...74&hg=51&fg=15

[NeRwEEzy]

I know there's some matte black kidney grills available for the e53 =)

[xrob]

Looks to be #9 for me. Both of mine have holes. Hey, at least it's not #10. That one is pretty pricey.

Originally Posted by TwinsPoppa

Number 9 or 10?

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...74&hg=51&fg=15