XBimmers X1   XBimmers X1
  XBimmers X1

Go Back   XBimmers | BMW X1 Forum > BMW X1 Forums > X1 DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Discussions

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      08-02-2010, 06:05 PM   #1
mozdal
Private First Class
mozdal's Avatar
Turkey
19
Rep
188
Posts

Drives: E84 & F20 & F10
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Turkey

iTrader: (0)

DIY: Kidney Grille Removal and Custom Silver Painted 23d Kidney Grilles :)

Hello everyone,

This weekend I was working on changing my kidney grilles to 23d ones. Since the original parts are 66 Euros in dealer and a lot more for installation i thought that I can do it myself. And since the operation was successful i wanted to share my experiences with you.

Tools needed:
Torx T30
Silver Metallic Spray Paint
Spray Varnish

There are two ways to remove the grilles. 1st is to remove the bumper and 2nd is my way

There are 4 T30 screws that holds bumper. Those have to be removed.



After that, if your car is equipped with the headlight washers, you also have to remove the covers of the nozzles. You have to be very careful while removing the covers. Nozzles have to be pulled straight up, or else there is a great possibility that you might brake them. Just pull straight, remove the covers without moving nozzles up and down, and slowly leave the nozzle to its original place again without moving up and down. If you get help from someone at this stage, it should be much more easier.

Nozzle covers removed:



After that, you can stretch the bumper from upper side and release the 3 latches with the help of a screwdriver.




After that you have to release the latch on the outer side. (Near the headlight).

At this point you again have to be careful not to screw the paint of the bumper. The reason is that, that latch can only be removed with the help of a long screwdriver. As you can see in the picture, the latch is right behind the rubber where it has a curve because I've loosened it. You can also see what I've done to the bumper paint No worries, the other side was perfect, just be careful



After that you can loosen the grille since it is half removed and release the other latches with hand. You might think that it might get broken bot no worries, bumper is so elastic Just be careful not to hurt your hand.

The grilles are removed, now it comes to paint them. To paint the them, it is better to remove the chrome lining from the grilles. You can also secure them with blue tape.



You may have difficulty releasing the latches of the chrome lining since there are too many and they are very tight. I come up with an idea. I insert screws to latches so they didn't snap in again when loosening others.



Then paint the grille with the spray paint. Apply 3-4 thin layers. If you wait 10-15 minutes between each layer it will be better. 3-4 thin layers are better than one thick layer. Before starting paint job don' forget to wash and clean the grilles carefully.






And lastly you have to carefully insert the chrome lining back. While doing this do not completely snap-in one side or you'll be in trouble. Try to equally snap-in from both sides.

And here is the final product.




Hope that helps!!!

Last edited by mozdal; 08-02-2010 at 08:31 PM..
Appreciate 0
      08-02-2010, 06:29 PM   #2
Zirenz2006
Brigadier General
Zirenz2006's Avatar
United_States
1532
Rep
4,553
Posts

Drives: G80 M3 Comp IOMG
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: US - NE

iTrader: (0)

Looks good!
__________________
Current: 2021 ///M3 Competition Isle of Man Green
Ordered: 2024 ///M2 Zandvoort Blue
Past: 2018 X3 ///M40i | 2012 328i | 2009 335i | 2007 335i Coupe | 2005 545i | 2001 325i
Appreciate 0
      08-03-2010, 07:54 AM   #3
STE92VE
STEVIL Empire
STE92VE's Avatar
United_States
213
Rep
6,297
Posts

Drives: Fast
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (0)

Good write up!

Are the roads in Turkey that bad or do you do lots of off-roading? Your engine compartment looks like you just completed the Dakar Rally!
__________________
2007 E92 328i 6MT-Space Gray/Black Dakota/Gray Poplar w/heated seats-PCD 4/27/07 (SOLD)
2009 E90 328i xDrive 6AT-Space Gray/Oyster Dakota/Dark Burl Walnut w/ZPP,ZCW,Xenons-ED 4/17/09 - Redelivery 5/30/09 (SOLD)
2014 E84 xDrive28i 8AT-Alpine White/Black Nevada/Silver Matte w/ZMV,ZLP,494 - DD 3/14/14 (SOLD)
Appreciate 0
      08-03-2010, 02:45 PM   #4
mozdal
Private First Class
mozdal's Avatar
Turkey
19
Rep
188
Posts

Drives: E84 & F20 & F10
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Turkey

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by STE92VE View Post
Good write up!

Are the roads in Turkey that bad or do you do lots of off-roading? Your engine compartment looks like you just completed the Dakar Rally!
The dirt is not because of the roads The neighborhood is dusty because of the climate, I used the car several times off-road one was completely on mud and haven't touched the engine compartment since I bought the car in november.

By the way I washed the car myself today after reading your post I spent 2 hours just for the exterior. Tomorrow I'll do the interior and the engine
Appreciate 0
      08-03-2010, 05:14 PM   #5
superX1muts
New Member
Netherlands
0
Rep
5
Posts

Drives: BMX X1 xDrive23
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Arnhem, Nld

iTrader: (0)

Hi THats simpler then I expected. Good work! I Think the Marakesh brown is the nicest color but a little dark. With extra silber like accents the color is even more beautifull.

For the lack of silber on the 'smaller'engines I decided to order the 23D
Appreciate 0
      08-07-2010, 10:34 AM   #6
Park2670
General
Park2670's Avatar
United_States
355
Rep
18,218
Posts

Drives: Tesla Model 3
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: UTAH

iTrader: (8)

Im starting to really like the look of these. Hope we get them in the US sometime soon
__________________
Appreciate 0
      08-07-2010, 07:12 PM   #7
Nash
New Member
1
Rep
20
Posts

Drives: X1 xdrive 2.0d
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Sydney

iTrader: (0)

Amazed at your ingenuity. Well done because it looks good! And yeh, there's a lot of dust around in your neck of the woods. Does it get into the interior of the car?
Nash
Appreciate 0
      08-10-2010, 04:47 AM   #8
mozdal
Private First Class
mozdal's Avatar
Turkey
19
Rep
188
Posts

Drives: E84 & F20 & F10
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Turkey

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nash View Post
Amazed at your ingenuity. Well done because it looks good! And yeh, there's a lot of dust around in your neck of the woods. Does it get into the interior of the car?
Nash
Thanks Nash I was so obsessed with removing grilles, luckily everything went well And no, there is no dust in interior. I'm hoping that someone will write up a how to clean your engine compartment DIY
Appreciate 0
      08-10-2010, 06:20 AM   #9
mario486
Mario
mario486's Avatar
Scotland
25
Rep
981
Posts

Drives: X1 XDrive 2.0d, Mini Cooper
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Scotland/Alba

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mozdal View Post
Thanks Nash .....I'm hoping that someone will write up a how to clean your engine compartment DIY
Actually quite easy, something I do as I tend to hyper-clean (detail-ish) my cars. The are a number of products on the market that go some way to helping you clean out an engine bay. Not sure if you can get them in Turkey (my brother lives in Istanbul and always complains about how difficult it is to source things) but the engine cleaners made by Meguiars and AutoGlym are very good. You can normally just use the water from a hose with the cleaners but they do work better if coupled with a steam cleaner. I have a Karcher that I use around the house that works very well.
Appreciate 0
      10-20-2010, 12:47 PM   #10
meric88
New Member
0
Rep
26
Posts

Drives: e92
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Turkey

iTrader: (0)

Tek kelimeyle muthis. Ellerine saglik
Appreciate 0
      10-21-2010, 04:57 PM   #11
mozdal
Private First Class
mozdal's Avatar
Turkey
19
Rep
188
Posts

Drives: E84 & F20 & F10
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Turkey

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by meric88 View Post
Tek kelimeyle muthis. Ellerine saglik
Sağol kanka: Thanks pal
Appreciate 0
      12-05-2010, 02:37 PM   #12
BIMMER UK 76
Major
BIMMER UK 76's Avatar
United Kingdom
48
Rep
1,089
Posts

Drives: BMW F25 X3 20d SE
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: United Kingdom

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mozdal View Post
I was so obsessed with removing grilles, luckily everything went well
Looks like you did a good job and the grille looks much better now

Did your dealer quote a fitted price?
__________________

BMW F25 X3 xDRIVE 20d SE
Black Sapphire | Oyster Leather | Fineline Sienna Wood | 307 V Spokes | Auto | Prof Multimedia Package | xLine Package | Xenons | Business Radio | Sports Steering Wheel | Sports Seats | Panoramic Sunroof | Sun Protection Glass | Sun Blinds | Folding Ext. Mirrors + Titanium Grille | Chrome Exhaust Trim | Mudflaps
Appreciate 0
      12-08-2010, 02:15 PM   #13
mozdal
Private First Class
mozdal's Avatar
Turkey
19
Rep
188
Posts

Drives: E84 & F20 & F10
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Turkey

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BIMMER UK 76 View Post
Looks like you did a good job and the grille looks much better now

Did your dealer quote a fitted price?
The grille itself was 66 Euros, didn't even bother to ask for the labour Dealer removes the bumper to change the grilles.
Appreciate 0
      12-11-2010, 04:06 AM   #14
jaxxsson
A man's reflection
Belgium
3
Rep
42
Posts

Drives: BMW X1
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Belgium

iTrader: (0)

I asked my dealer to install the silver grills on delivery, the cost was only 70€ so I think it is not worth for doing yourself risk to damage something and all those things
Appreciate 0
      05-22-2011, 10:01 AM   #15
BIMMER UK 76
Major
BIMMER UK 76's Avatar
United Kingdom
48
Rep
1,089
Posts

Drives: BMW F25 X3 20d SE
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: United Kingdom

iTrader: (0)

[QUOTE=jaxxsson;8481349]I asked my dealer to install the silver grills on delivery, the cost was only 70
__________________

BMW F25 X3 xDRIVE 20d SE
Black Sapphire | Oyster Leather | Fineline Sienna Wood | 307 V Spokes | Auto | Prof Multimedia Package | xLine Package | Xenons | Business Radio | Sports Steering Wheel | Sports Seats | Panoramic Sunroof | Sun Protection Glass | Sun Blinds | Folding Ext. Mirrors + Titanium Grille | Chrome Exhaust Trim | Mudflaps
Appreciate 0
      04-11-2012, 07:22 AM   #16
technostar
New Member
0
Rep
5
Posts

Drives: BMW
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

iTrader: (0)

looks really really nice with those silver painted grills
Appreciate 0
      04-12-2012, 07:33 AM   #17
danintas
Private First Class
Australia
11
Rep
179
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW X3 30d Xline
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Tasmania, Australia

iTrader: (0)

I have a 23d with silver grills ... but I would like to change them to black!!!
Appreciate 0
      05-07-2012, 06:31 PM   #18
Tim_78
Duke
Tim_78's Avatar
United_States
11
Rep
219
Posts

Drives: F30
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Atlanta, GA

iTrader: (2)

Guzel bir DIY.
__________________
Long Gone: 2004 E46 325i - 2006 E90 325i
Current: 2014 F30 328i Mineral Gray Ext.- Saddle Brown Int
Appreciate 0
      09-08-2012, 10:07 PM   #19
Neraky71
Registered
0
Rep
1
Posts

Drives: Future X1 owner
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Boston, USA

iTrader: (0)

Is that a sparkling bronze or merrakash brown color?
Appreciate 0
      10-09-2012, 12:50 PM   #20
ozanerbektas
Registered
ozanerbektas's Avatar
Turkey
0
Rep
1
Posts

Drives: BMW X1 2.0d xDrive
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Istanbul

iTrader: (0)

My work!

Hello everyone.

I luckyly found out this topic. Similar to the work above, i have done the same thing to my lovely BMW X1 and almost every single person who saw it, loved it.

Its the same process. After removing four screws on top of the bumper, i relased the 8-9 clips that hold the kidney grill. And then i started to do it myself.

So that is the result. I uploaded the photos of it. It has been 3-4 months since this application. And there was no peel off or anykind, still same lovely bright colors, still same lovely looking.

I just wanted to show you all guys. I hope you'll like it as well.

Thank you.
Attached Images
    
Appreciate 0
      12-04-2013, 05:38 PM   #21
Yarvis
Private
Yarvis's Avatar
11
Rep
83
Posts

Drives: 2024 BMW X3 SDrive 30i
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Duncan, SC

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mozdal View Post
Hello everyone,

This weekend I was working on changing my kidney grilles to 23d ones. Since the original parts are 66 Euros in dealer and a lot more for installation i thought that I can do it myself. And since the operation was successful i wanted to share my experiences with you.

Tools needed:
Torx T30
Silver Metallic Spray Paint
Spray Varnish

There are two ways to remove the grilles. 1st is to remove the bumper and 2nd is my way

There are 4 T30 screws that holds bumper. Those have to be removed.



After that, if your car is equipped with the headlight washers, you also have to remove the covers of the nozzles. You have to be very careful while removing the covers. Nozzles have to be pulled straight up, or else there is a great possibility that you might brake them. Just pull straight, remove the covers without moving nozzles up and down, and slowly leave the nozzle to its original place again without moving up and down. If you get help from someone at this stage, it should be much more easier.

Nozzle covers removed:



After that, you can stretch the bumper from upper side and release the 3 latches with the help of a screwdriver.




After that you have to release the latch on the outer side. (Near the headlight).

At this point you again have to be careful not to screw the paint of the bumper. The reason is that, that latch can only be removed with the help of a long screwdriver. As you can see in the picture, the latch is right behind the rubber where it has a curve because I've loosened it. You can also see what I've done to the bumper paint No worries, the other side was perfect, just be careful



After that you can loosen the grille since it is half removed and release the other latches with hand. You might think that it might get broken bot no worries, bumper is so elastic Just be careful not to hurt your hand.

The grilles are removed, now it comes to paint them. To paint the them, it is better to remove the chrome lining from the grilles. You can also secure them with blue tape.



You may have difficulty releasing the latches of the chrome lining since there are too many and they are very tight. I come up with an idea. I insert screws to latches so they didn't snap in again when loosening others.



Then paint the grille with the spray paint. Apply 3-4 thin layers. If you wait 10-15 minutes between each layer it will be better. 3-4 thin layers are better than one thick layer. Before starting paint job don' forget to wash and clean the grilles carefully.






And lastly you have to carefully insert the chrome lining back. While doing this do not completely snap-in one side or you'll be in trouble. Try to equally snap-in from both sides.

And here is the final product.




Hope that helps!!!

Great write up and pics. I have asked here and elsewhere if those covers for the headlight washers have to come off and you answered the question in your DIY. But I'm still a bit confused as to how you take those covers off and NOT break the lines or whatever for the washers?
__________________
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans"......John Lennon
Appreciate 0
      12-11-2013, 10:12 AM   #22
Teutonic
Colonel
Teutonic's Avatar
No_Country
2706
Rep
2,350
Posts

Drives: BMW
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Canada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Yarvis View Post
Great write up and pics. I have asked here and elsewhere if those covers for the headlight washers have to come off and you answered the question in your DIY. But I'm still a bit confused as to how you take those covers off and NOT break the lines or whatever for the washers?
It is easy: just lift them with your fingers (they are a little bit tight) and remove them. They have two small holes, once you lift them up with your fingers you will see what to do.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:31 AM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST