Front bottom grill replacement

[powell.guy2]

Hey guys when I got my 06 4.4i the front bottom grill was broken and missing some pieces. I wasn't too worried about it because it was a great price and overall the rest of the BMW was in near perfect condition. With that being said my next fix is going to be that bottom grill and headlights. I'm looking for advice on which headlights to go with how to get a replacement grill and possibly procedures to do so. Thanks in advance guys!!


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[Ricky Bobby]

Well unless you want to spend $1600 on new headlights, I would just take a polisher to your lenses, clean up the oxidation, and install fresh Philips D2S bulbs (after 8 years your original bulbs are very dim)

Your oxidation does not look too severe, to require the sanding discs in some of the headlight kits.

As well, to replace those bottom mesh, on my pre-facelift I had to drop the bumper but it was simple. I'm sure you would have to drop the bumper to and do it from the inside.

[powell.guy2]

The oxidation is minor. Majority at the outer edge over the turn signal side and lift across the top. I'll do some research on what's required for polishing. Any helpful advice for that? Thanks in advance man I'm a beginner here. This is the first car I'm actually proud to own and have the ability to maintain.


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[g300d]

Just get one of those 3M headlight polish kits to use with your electric drill.

It would be better to pull the headlights to do that. Since you dont have the bumper mounted headlight washers, it looks like you can pull the lights without removing your bumper.

[David.X5]

I used this kit and it worked like a champ with my cordless drill - enough supplies to complete two cars. I did remove the headlights so I could sit comfortable somewhere (outside, where you can hose everything down) and went to town.

The pad will fling polishing compound _everywhere_. Don't think about doing it in the kitchen or next to anything you weren't planning on compounding...

If you use the sanding step, and it is probably a good idea - keep the disc and surface wet - wet sanding is better for this sort of thing.

Amazon.com: 3M 39045 Headlight Renewal Kit with Protectant: Automotive

Consumer Reports gave top rating to a non-powered kit that may be better if you tend to be rough on things or simply don't have a cordless drill.

Amazon.com: Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit: Automotive

[Ricky Bobby]

Always start with least aggressive. Use a compounding pad with a medium to heavy cut polish and see how much you can take care of. Then follow up with fine pad and finish polish, then seal them.

Tape off the paintwork and use 4" pads on a DA. Do you own a polisher?

[lhordmclain]

sample #1
Mercedes Headlamp Restoration Real Time - YouTube

sample #2
Chemical Guys - How To: Headlight Restoration - YouTube

Just to give the OP the real time idea (end to end process)

VERY IMPT: mask the paint area (2 to 3 layers)!!!


Good Luck!

Originally Posted by David.X5

I used this kit and it worked like a champ with my cordless drill - enough supplies to complete two cars. I did remove the headlights so I could sit comfortable somewhere (outside, where you can hose everything down) and went to town.

The pad will fling polishing compound _everywhere_. Don't think about doing it in the kitchen or next to anything you weren't planning on compounding...

If you use the sanding step, and it is probably a good idea - keep the disc and surface wet - wet sanding is better for this sort of thing.

Amazon.com: 3M 39045 Headlight Renewal Kit with Protectant: Automotive

Consumer Reports gave top rating to a non-powered kit that may be better if you tend to be rough on things or simply don't have a cordless drill.

Amazon.com: Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit: Automotive