Lux Grill for Mesh Swap

[m3f_rc125]

Want to swap the lux lower grill on my 96 for the std mesh. Have the pn for the mesh (51112250685), but not sure which fasteners and how many. Anyone know part number(s) for the mesh grill fasteners? Thanks!

[m3f_KWorker17]

#10



http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...58&hg=51&fg=15



Get about 20 of them, though you wont use them all.

[m3f_cscat87]

Got mine from a hardware store. About 300 of them for $2.

[m3f_white-hot]

Yeah, they are just push-nuts. IIRC there are only 8, 2 on each side and top and bottom. Taking the old ones off the slats is where you need to be careful. The pins are molded in the bumper, you break them and you are SOL!

[m3f_BKM3]

just fyi I got my mesh from ddm tuning ( I know they have a crappy reputation) and iirc it come with the push nuts and overall was pretty cheap compared to the dealer.

[m3f_rc125]

Thanks for all the help. Ordering parts today. Those "spring nuts" look like a pita to remove without damaging the pins! Will post up some before and after shots once it's done.

[m3f_cscat87]

Thanks for all the help. Ordering parts today. Those "spring nuts" look like a pita to remove without damaging the pins! Will post up some before and after shots once it's done.

You got it, definitely a pain. Just work it off slowly. I think I used a flathead to pry it off a little at a time.

[m3f_KWorker17]

I just got my old ones off. Tried to remove them but figured out it was going to do some damage to the plastic pins.

[m3f_rc125]

New standard M3 lower grill arrived from ECS, Lux grill out ... managed not to break any of the plastic nipples! Now another question of the forum before I re-assemble: Is the mesh grill supposed to be painted, or just installed as-is? Not thinking of matching the body color (Estoril); I want it black - just didn't know if BMW applied any paint (maybe satin black or clear???) from the factory. Thanks for the continued help - I promise pictures when done!

[m3f_enderw88]

New standard M3 lower grill arrived from ECS, Lux grill out ... managed not to break any of the plastic nipples! Now another question of the forum before I re-assemble: Is the mesh grill supposed to be painted, or just installed as-is? Not thinking of matching the body color (Estoril); I want it black - just didn't know if BMW applied any paint (maybe satin black or clear???) from the factory. Thanks for the continued help - I promise pictures when done!

bare plastic.

[m3f_Roland H]

New standard M3 lower grill arrived from ECS, Lux grill out ... managed not to break any of the plastic nipples! Now another question of the forum before I re-assemble: Is the mesh grill supposed to be painted, or just installed as-is? Not thinking of matching the body color (Estoril); I want it black - just didn't know if BMW applied any paint (maybe satin black or clear???) from the factory. Thanks for the continued help - I promise pictures when done!

Only painted black when installed on black 1995 models.

[m3f_rc125]

Thanks Craig and Roland. I'll get it installed tomorrow after work.

[m3f_enderw88]

Only painted black when installed on black 1995 models.

Except mine, because I didn't bother...

[m3f_Richardsperry]

Incorrect about the paint.



All 95's were painted body color,



All 96+ were black.

[m3f_m3onrails]

Incorrect about the paint.



All 95's were painted body color,



All 96+ were black.

This is correct, but Roland wasn't incorrect. He was just simply stating that the only time they were painted the color Black, was when they were on 95 Cosmos cars. He was obviously being very technical, but he is correct