Black Kidney Grills - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

rustydude0749 · 6th April 2008, 22:23

Can anyone send me a link to a DIY for black kidney grills?
I tried searching but I couldnt find one that went in detail into the process.
Specifically I'm wondering if you need to sandpaper off the chrome then apply the black and the clearcoat.

Thanks guys
Chris

Diny · 6th April 2008, 22:28

Can't help you out with a DIY on that, but I'd recommend getting a black grill off ebay for like 40 bucks and then either paint it yourself or getting it done at a body shop.

My experience is that the new one (especially the tabs that hold them to the hood) is much better. I broke 4 tabs from my factory one while taking it off, while the aftermarket one pops in and out without trouble.

Laidback · 6th April 2008, 22:54

+1...but if you want to paint your oem grill, sand it down with 800 to 1200 grit and use a primer, black and clear coat spray them...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diny

Can't help you out with a DIY on that, but I'd recommend getting a black grill off ebay for like 40 bucks and then either paint it yourself or getting it done at a body shop.

My experience is that the new one (especially the tabs that hold them to the hood) is much better. I broke 4 tabs from my factory one while taking it off, while the aftermarket one pops in and out without trouble.

rustydude0749 · 6th April 2008, 23:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diny

Can't help you out with a DIY on that, but I'd recommend getting a black grill off ebay for like 40 bucks and then either paint it yourself or getting it done at a body shop.

My experience is that the new one (especially the tabs that hold them to the hood) is much better. I broke 4 tabs from my factory one while taking it off, while the aftermarket one pops in and out without trouble.

Thanks. Do you know of a particular brand or seller?

Diny · 6th April 2008, 23:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustydude0749

Thanks. Do you know of a particular brand or seller?

I got mine from K2motor but they dont seem to have them anymore. Just do a search for e39 black grille and you'll get a bunch of stuff.

Just make sure you get the M5 ones (with the fatter top corners). You can post a link here before buying it just to be on the safe side if you have any doubts.

rustydude0749 · 6th April 2008, 23:15

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/97-98...spagenameZWDVW
Would these fit the bill?

Diny · 6th April 2008, 23:26

They seem to be the ones but the ones I got specified "wide" in the title.

Blockdoc · 7th April 2008, 00:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diny

Can't help you out with a DIY on that, but I'd recommend getting a black grill off ebay for like 40 bucks and then either paint it yourself or getting it done at a body shop.

My experience is that the new one (especially the tabs that hold them to the hood) is much better. I broke 4 tabs from my factory one while taking it off, while the aftermarket one pops in and out without trouble.

I agree with the tabs breaking! I painted mine a couple of times...despite sanding the OEM ones, and painting meticulously, chips appeared and I could see the faux chrome coming through. I guess the plastic got brittle, becuase I seemed to break another tab each time I removed and replaced them to paint. Finally got some from Beastpower.

Brian

iconoclast · 7th April 2008, 00:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustydude0749

Can anyone send me a link to a DIY for black kidney grills?
I tried searching but I couldnt find one that went in detail into the process.
Specifically I'm wondering if you need to sandpaper off the chrome then apply the black and the clearcoat.

Thanks guys
Chris

take your own set of oem kidney grilles and drop it off at a body shop...

if you do it yourself, its fairly simple... however i wouldnt recommend this if youre going for a gloss finish... purchase plasti-dip spray, sand grille until the surface is thoroughly scuffed.... prime. spray. three coats VERY THINLY applied... let it set for 24hrs install and youre off...

Diny · 7th April 2008, 00:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by iconoclast

take your own set of oem kidney grilles and drop it off at a body shop...

How much do you think a body shop might charge?

iconoclast · 7th April 2008, 00:56

if a shop is spraying a black car, and just sprays yours anywhere from 50.00/100.00... if youre getting it done specifically to a paint code around 200.00. (thats what i paid.)

Diny · 7th April 2008, 14:58

The ones I got are already black, but matte. I just want to make them glossy black. Would they still have to paint them black or would a clear coat do the trick?