OEM Chrome Kidney Grill Situation

[tnord]

I had to deal with this in October. Bought these, fits isn't totally exact but very close and color of chrome and slats good match: https://www.ebay.com/itm/156013387839?mkevt=1&mkpid=0&emsid=e11401.m144671. l197929&mkcid=7&ch=osgood&euid=6feb8ed0fff445e0a15 a942d2b6cb75c&bu=43176950132&osub=-1%7E1&crd=20251018080550&segname=11401

Not having parts like this available on a model BMW made 40+K of for NA market is ridiculous.

has any reached out to, or anyone involved with BMWCCA that might help lobby BMW to make some parts? I admit I'm a bit surprised how quickly this is becoming a problem with how many of these vehicles were sold.

BMW is a totally different company now than it was back in the early 90s, but there was a time when BMWCCA lobbied hard enough to get an entire car made. Porsche can manage this with far lower production.

[bavarian3]

has any reached out to, or anyone involved with BMWCCA that might help lobby BMW to make some parts? I admit I'm a bit surprised how quickly this is becoming a problem with how many of these vehicles were sold.

BMW is a totally different company now than it was back in the early 90s, but there was a time when BMWCCA lobbied hard enough to get an entire car made. Porsche can manage this with far lower production.

Interestingly enough I just came across this from Honda:

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced on December 12, 2025, the launch of a new heritage service business called Honda Heritage Works, starting April 1, 2026.

The program targets classic Honda and Acura sport-oriented models (initially focusing on the first-generation NSX / NA1). It aims to help owners keep their beloved vehicles running and performing like new for many more years through two core services:

1. Honda Heritage Parts Reproduces discontinued genuine parts that are no longer mass-produced.
   • Two types:
     • Genuine Honda Heritage Reproduction Parts: Made using the exact original materials and methods.
     • Genuine Honda Heritage Compatible Parts: Modern reproductions using updated materials, methods, and technology (e.g., improved durability) while preserving original function.
   • Available globally via standard Honda/Acura parts distribution channels in each country.
   • Parts lists will be posted and updated on the official Honda Heritage Works website.
2. Honda Restoration Service A factory-backed restoration program in Japan only, expanding and evolving from the long-running NSX Refresh Plan (which ended applications in August 2025).
   • Performed at the renamed Honda Heritage Works Takanezawa facility in Tochigi Prefecture (the original NSX birthplace and refresh center).
   • Two levels:
     • Basic Restoration: Focuses on performance items (engine removal/inspection/replacement, suspension, doors/openings, etc.).
     • Total Restoration: Full ground-up work including exterior (complete disassembly and repainting to bare metal), interior (reupholstery of seats, dash, etc.), and all Basic items.
   • Applications open in early January 2026 via Honda Cars dealers in Japan; work begins April 2026.
   • Emphasizes faithfully recreating the original Honda driving feel, performance, appearance, and quality.

Future plans include expanding both parts availability and restoration support to additional classic sport models beyond the NSX. Detailed pricing, procedures, and more will be released on the official website starting early January 2026. This move positions Honda as a long-term steward of its enthusiast heritage, similar to programs by other manufacturers.

https://global.honda/en/newsroom/news/2025/4251212eng.html

why does BMW hate us.

[0-60motorsports]

FWIW, I like (and run) the chrome outers with black vertical slats. That’s how the car should have come as it matches the side vent scheme. Maybe you can find a genuine set of those.

This is what i run, not doing all chrome again

[Cubieman]

Yeah, BMW could give a fuck less it would seem. It is very hard to be as enthusiastic about BMW these days all things considered.

[oceansize]

I've rid myself of all my German cars and now have an S550 mustang and 2025 GR Corolla for this reason. It's getting stupid at this point. I'm not getting rid of the e46 m3, but I'm also done with cars where simple things (like fuel injectors) are NLA. Buying parts for a Mustang? So easy (and cheaper). I know its not the car an e90 m3 or e46 m3 is, but I don't care.

[MathewM3]

Interesting, my left grill broke yesterday when I closed the hood. I guess the M3 E46 ownership might be a challenge in the future considering all the plastic parts.

[Slideways]

My original grills had a few clips broken, so I put a dab of hot glue using a hot glue gun on each partially broken tab while the grills were installed and they held in for a very long time. When I eventually replaced the grills, they were still held firmly in place by the glue. The nice thing is that the glue easily peels off when you need to remove it. I saved the old grills in case I needed them in a pinch or for another E46. The rubber part of them did deteriorate though.

There is always some solution to stuff like this. I would not be panicking unless you own more than one of these things lol.

[discoelk]

Does anyone have pictures of where/how they break? Curious if you could 3d print repair parts.

My car has eBay cheapos that I replaced my broken oem ones with a few years ago. It doesn't really bother me but it's great to save OEM parts if possible.

[elbert]

Interestingly enough I just came across this from Honda:


why does BMW hate us.

Seriously. Even Mercedes has a similar program https://classicparts.mbusa.com/

[Estoril]

Seriously. Even Mercedes has a similar program https://classicparts.mbusa.com/

BMW knows which side their bread is buttered on. They are in the business of building NEW cars. Guys with "old" cars are considered poor new car sales prospects.

[bavarian3]

BMW knows which side their bread is buttered on. They are in the business of building NEW cars. Guys with "old" cars are considered poor new car sales prospects.

Sure, but then you see other manufacturers getting into the game (as shown). They aren't doing this out of the goodness of their hearts.

[TexaZ3]

I own several MUCH older BMWs, and yes - parts availability for everything, from interior plastics to suspension components is extremely poor. Parts are NLA, very expensive, or aftermarket junk. Very few good quality original parts still available. Its a very sad state of affairs at BMW Classic.

[liam821]

I own several MUCH older BMWs, and yes - parts availability for everything, from interior plastics to suspension components is extremely poor. Parts are NLA, very expensive, or aftermarket junk. Very few good quality original parts still available. Its a very sad state of affairs at BMW Classic.

Thankfully, we have you to refinish a lot of those parts!

[TexaZ3]

Thankfully, we have you to refinish a lot of those parts!

As long as we have something to refinish, lol!

[LSB4Me]

I own several MUCH older BMWs, and yes - parts availability for everything, from interior plastics to suspension components is extremely poor. Parts are NLA, very expensive, or aftermarket junk. Very few good quality original parts still available. Its a very sad state of affairs at BMW Classic.

It is wild, isn’t it? Porsche still offer the “correct” stickers and screws for their 1960s models and everything else you might need.

Quotes because only the true enthusiasts (nerds) will be able to spot the differences between original vs re-issue. At least we can get the parts …