[mas1982]

Definitely not for me but to each his own.

 

[Don Juan]

I know others have already posted about this grille (thanks @CEDDY for bringing it to my attention), but I thought I'd make a post to detail installation, etc.

I ordered mine just over 1 month ago. It shipped quickly, but it was unfortunately sitting at customs for 2 weeks! It was packaged REALLY well, and came with a license plate attachment.

Installation was fairly easy (no bumper removal necessary). I used a pry tool, and did it by myself. Removing the OEM grille is kind of annoying. Some of the clips got stuck on the mounting bracket attached to the car, and it was a bit of a struggle getting them loose. The Ultrasonic sensors are easy to remove/reinstall, but the camera is a little tricky, because of how short the cable is. You have to clip the camera into the grille bracket while mounting the grille!

One thing I hadn't seen mentioned before is that by installing this grille, you lose out on the DAPP radar heating elements. The cable for those plugs directly into the OEM DAPP cover, and will have to be tucked away as it cannot be connected to the aftermarket grille.

Build quality is really good. Mine has no paint defects, but I did scrape it a tiny bit in a non visible area during installation.

The sad state of my OEM grille, with peeling black tape on the surrount, and peeling touch up paint on the silver bits:
View attachment 43704
View attachment 43703
View attachment 43705

OEM grille removed:
View attachment 43706

Radar cover removed:
View attachment 43707

Old/new grille:
View attachment 43709
View attachment 43708

I covered the DAPP radar heating element wire with plastic/electrical tape, and tucked it behind the bracket:
View attachment 43711
View attachment 43710

Installed:
View attachment 43713
View attachment 43712 View attachment 43714 View attachment 43715
View attachment 43716
View attachment 43717

Overall, I really like the clean/aggressive look! It would've been nice if they left the hole to attach the M logo, but it's not a big deal. I might either glue one of my other M logos on there (or maybe order a black one) or just leave it as is.

Do you have a link ?

 

[itsjerald]

Went with this guy , Ard is the one who found the link and posted it all over the fb i4 forum , me and Shane Craig followed suit . Definitely works with DAP / ACC I4 new grille

 

[8853]

I know others have already posted about this grille (thanks @CEDDY for bringing it to my attention), but I thought I'd make a post to detail installation, etc.

I ordered mine just over 1 month ago. It shipped quickly, but it was unfortunately sitting at customs for 2 weeks! It was packaged REALLY well, and came with a license plate attachment.

Installation was fairly easy (no bumper removal necessary). I used a pry tool, and did it by myself. Removing the OEM grille is kind of annoying. Some of the clips got stuck on the mounting bracket attached to the car, and it was a bit of a struggle getting them loose. The Ultrasonic sensors are easy to remove/reinstall, but the camera is a little tricky, because of how short the cable is. You have to clip the camera into the grille bracket while mounting the grille!

One thing I hadn't seen mentioned before is that by installing this grille, you lose out on the DAPP radar heating elements. The cable for those plugs directly into the OEM DAPP cover, and will have to be tucked away as it cannot be connected to the aftermarket grille.

Build quality is really good. Mine has no paint defects, but I did scrape it a tiny bit in a non visible area during installation.

The sad state of my OEM grille, with peeling black tape on the surrount, and peeling touch up paint on the silver bits:
View attachment 43704
View attachment 43703
View attachment 43705

OEM grille removed:
View attachment 43706

Radar cover removed:
View attachment 43707

Old/new grille:
View attachment 43709
View attachment 43708

I covered the DAPP radar heating element wire with plastic/electrical tape, and tucked it behind the bracket:
View attachment 43711
View attachment 43710

Installed:
View attachment 43713
View attachment 43712 View attachment 43714 View attachment 43715
View attachment 43716
View attachment 43717

Overall, I really like the clean/aggressive look! It would've been nice if they left the hole to attach the M logo, but it's not a big deal. I might either glue one of my other M logos on there (or maybe order a black one) or just leave it as is.

OK… sorry- this is going to be a dumb question probably… but why did you remove the stock radar heat/cover? No need to do that- radar waves have no problem going right through the plastic…..

I left my cover on, to retain the heater capability, under the new grille. It all still functions as it should.

for those that doubt me on the radar part- just look at a fighter jet- it’s got a nose cone over the radar dish… and I promise the nose cone isn’t made of some crazy new material…

 

[8853]

I've had this grill sitting in my cart for two months now. Just can't pull the trigger knowing the '25 M50 View attachment 43895 View attachment 43896
grill looks so much better. We just had the whole front bumper and grill replaced due to an accident. The facility couldn't find any part numbers for it yet or they would have used it instead.

I actually think the (new) oem grill looks worse- the styling cues won’t pop enough imo to get the desired effect… but we won’t really know until we see it “out in the wild.”

the one thing I was most concerned about was impact on economy/range…. But I’m happy to report I haven’t noticed any changes yet. I’ll get more of a feel for performance though once it cools off around here (it’s been over 100F for about a month now where I am).

 

[BTDOC23]

Yes, I’m wondering that too. Does the heater have to be removed? Want to order and try this now!

 

[8853]

Yes, I’m wondering that too. Does the heater have to be removed? Want to order and try this now!

The heater does not, and should not (imo) be removed.

A relatively large portion of my work involves radars.. I have no concerns with leaving the stock plate in place (with the heater installed) and the new grill over the front as far as radar performance is concerned.

the one part I’m still an “unknown” on is how effective the heater will be with the extra plastic in front in the event that portion of the grill ices over, or collects snow. I’m imagining the heating elements are relatively low power… so depending on fitment and conditions,,,the heater could be more effective than stock or less effective..or the same. While I also do deal with structural icing at times at work, it’s not something I deal with regularly.

 

[cruzer666]

The heater does not, and should not (imo) be removed.

No heater on the radar means severely degraded front collision avoidance and almost no ACC functionality in adverse weather. It’s one of many things that makes the i4 a have a properly engineered ADAS.

 

[8853]

Thanks! I know @Jobe01 added the M badge on his grille, maybe I’ll try something similar.

As for PPF, I’m still considering it, but given the price, I might just order a new grille and replace it when it gets worn 😂

Moving the M badge over is pretty simple. It has a single knob on the back, and is actually secured with the same 2 sided automotive quality tape that holds the gps antenna cover on the roof on. I have a roll of that tape (it’s about $10 on Amazon), so I just punched the m badge off the old grill, put the knob between the second level styling, and affixed it with the tape. The trim tape takes about 24 hours to fully cure, but once it’s cured, that fixture won’t go anywhere, unless you hit it with a heat gun for a few minutes.., and then you’ll be left to clean up a very sticky, runny tape residue. The stuff is magic.

 

[8853]

No heater on the radar means severely degraded front collision avoidance and almost no ACC functionality in adverse weather. It’s one of many things that makes the i4 a have a properly engineered ADAS.

Totally agree. And like I mentioned- I left mine on and the grill installs perfectly.

The gap between the new and old grills may actually improve performance of the heating element if the icing/winter conditions are exceptionally severe.

but then again- If one is using the features of ACC during conditions like that- I question that person’s judgement.

 

[ssh]

I can't imagine the heat would transfer well enough. As it is, I have had multiple times when heavy snow has stuck to it and blocked ADAS.

 

[8853]

I can't imagine the heat would transfer well enough. As it is, I have had multiple times when heavy snow has stuck to it and blocked ADAS.

That’s why the gap might actually be more effective… think of it kind of like a yeti cup, or “layering” outdoor wear when skiing/climbing/in the back country…

a condition called “ice bridging” can occur when a single heated surface is exposed to SLD (supercooled liquid droplets).. it’s fairly well documented in aviation with de-icing boots, and older generation bleed air heating systems. Basically, the ice/snow adheres to the leading edge and is then hollowed out, leaving an ice “bubble” just far enough away from the heated surface to stay frozen… a low temp anti-ice system (similar to what’s on our cars) would certainly be susceptible to this condition. A thin layer of air, with a layer of plastic may be enough to prevent that “bubble” from occurring by allowing for the ice to actually develop, as the plastic to be heated, and then “shed” the ice/snow without creating the ice bubble on the secondary surface. But without testing we’ll never really know, and across “all” weather conditions- the heat system on our radar, stock or not, could easily be overwhelmed. The key point here is to know that using acc in poor weather conditions (icing/heavy snow specifically) is typically a very bad idea.

 

[generic.user]

Wow, I didn't realize this thread was so active. I actually like the AliExpress grille more than the LCI one, which is great, because it's cheaper, and I don't have to wait

Do you have a link ?

Just search "i4 grille" on AliExpress. There are many sellers. Here's an example: 4 Series I4 Grille For BMW G22 G23 G26 Front CSL Style M4 Grill Auto Racing Grid 2021- xDrive Gran Coupe Cabrio 425i 430i M440i 1 soldC$92.23Extra 5% off with coinsAuto Parts Modification StoreSee previewSimilar items, but just go with the cheapest one (including shipping)

Totally agree. And like I mentioned- I left mine on and the grill installs perfectly.

The gap between the new and old grills may actually improve performance of the heating element if the icing/winter conditions are exceptionally severe.

but then again- If one is using the features of ACC during conditions like that- I question that person’s judgement.

I assumed it wouldn't fit 😱 Actually had no idea this was possible until now. I don't drive my car in the winter anyways, but I might go back and add the cover if I can get it installed without removing the grille, or only unclipping the bottom of it. I feel like it's adequately protected with the new grille though, so snow aside, I'm not concerned about the radar.

Moving the M badge over is pretty simple. It has a single knob on the back, and is actually secured with the same 2 sided automotive quality tape that holds the gps antenna cover on the roof on. I have a roll of that tape (it’s about $10 on Amazon), so I just punched the m badge off the old grill, put the knob between the second level styling, and affixed it with the tape. The trim tape takes about 24 hours to fully cure, but once it’s cured, that fixture won’t go anywhere, unless you hit it with a heat gun for a few minutes.., and then you’ll be left to clean up a very sticky, runny tape residue. The stuff is magic. View attachment 43942

This is great, thank you! Sound like I'd have to take the grille off to install it, so I probably won't do it for a while 😅

Went with this guy , Ard is the one who found the link and posted it all over the fb i4 forum , me and Shane Craig followed suit . Definitely works with DAP / ACC I4 new grille

Nice!! It's cool that you guys installed your grilles together. Looks great!

 

[ssh]

That’s why the gap might actually be more effective… think of it kind of like a yeti cup, or “layering” outdoor wear when skiing/climbing/in the back country…

a condition called “ice bridging” can occur when a single heated surface is exposed to SLD (supercooled liquid droplets).. it’s fairly well documented in aviation with de-icing boots, and older generation bleed air heating systems. Basically, the ice/snow adheres to the leading edge and is then hollowed out, leaving an ice “bubble” just far enough away from the heated surface to stay frozen… a low temp anti-ice system (similar to what’s on our cars) would certainly be susceptible to this condition. A thin layer of air, with a layer of plastic may be enough to prevent that “bubble” from occurring by allowing for the ice to actually develop, as the plastic to be heated, and then “shed” the ice/snow without creating the ice bubble on the secondary surface. But without testing we’ll never really know, and across “all” weather conditions- the heat system on our radar, stock or not, could easily be overwhelmed. The key point here is to know that using acc in poor weather conditions (icing/heavy snow specifically) is typically a very bad idea.

That's really interesting and for me completely new information in general. Thanks!

I'm very interested to hear how this works for you all. I don't anticipate being able to do any of this myself, but I'm following along vicariously.

 

[toosteeley]

Moving the M badge over is pretty simple. It has a single knob on the back, and is actually secured with the same 2 sided automotive quality tape that holds the gps antenna cover on the roof on. I have a roll of that tape (it’s about $10 on Amazon), so I just punched the m badge off the old grill, put the knob between the second level styling, and affixed it with the tape. The trim tape takes about 24 hours to fully cure, but once it’s cured, that fixture won’t go anywhere, unless you hit it with a heat gun for a few minutes.., and then you’ll be left to clean up a very sticky, runny tape residue. The stuff is magic. View attachment 43942

That looks so much better than the stock grille!

Is that the one from AliExpress?

 

[J_P]

I don't anticipate being able to do any of this myself...

Even someone as reluctant to pull there car apart as me, is thinking about it! Even if you don't want to attempt it yourself, armed with the photos from the forum, someone experienced with bodywork should be able to swap them over for a modest fee.

European drivers may want to go with an AliExpress vendor that also supplies a registration plate holder with the grill.

Still undecided. I prefer the look but I already have my grill completely blacked out with PPF so their is less incentive than there would have been.

 

[BTDOC23]

This looks great! I have the same Brooklyn Grey M50 with DAPP with the anniversary emblem!
Did you order gloss or matte grill?

and just so I’m clear, you do keep the heat for radar connected or not?

and lastly, what size are the rim centerpieces you used? (That’s the last 50th anniversary pieces I need!)

thx!!

 

[8853]

This looks great! I have the same Brooklyn Grey M50 with DAPP with the anniversary emblem!
Did you order gloss or matte grill?

and just so I’m clear, you do keep the heat for radar connected or not?

and lastly, what size are the rim centerpieces you used? (That’s the last 50th anniversary pieces I need!)

thx!!

Mine is gloss black.

yes keep the heater/plate connected and install the grill over the top of it (it fits without issue that way).

 

[abaxter4687]

I know others have already posted about this grille (thanks @CEDDY for bringing it to my attention), but I thought I'd make a post to detail installation, etc.

I ordered mine just over 1 month ago. It shipped quickly, but it was unfortunately sitting at customs for 2 weeks! It was packaged REALLY well, and came with a license plate attachment.

Installation was fairly easy (no bumper removal necessary). I used a pry tool, and did it by myself. Removing the OEM grille is kind of annoying. Some of the clips got stuck on the mounting bracket attached to the car, and it was a bit of a struggle getting them loose. The Ultrasonic sensors are easy to remove/reinstall, but the camera is a little tricky, because of how short the cable is. You have to clip the camera into the grille bracket while mounting the grille!

One thing I hadn't seen mentioned before is that by installing this grille, you lose out on the DAPP radar heating elements. The cable for those plugs directly into the OEM DAPP cover, and will have to be tucked away as it cannot be connected to the aftermarket grille.

Build quality is really good. Mine has no paint defects, but I did scrape it a tiny bit in a non visible area during installation.

The sad state of my OEM grille, with peeling black tape on the surrount, and peeling touch up paint on the silver bits:
View attachment 43704
View attachment 43703
View attachment 43705

OEM grille removed:
View attachment 43706

Radar cover removed:
View attachment 43707

Old/new grille:
View attachment 43709
View attachment 43708

I covered the DAPP radar heating element wire with plastic/electrical tape, and tucked it behind the bracket:
View attachment 43711
View attachment 43710

Installed:
View attachment 43713
View attachment 43712 View attachment 43714 View attachment 43715
View attachment 43716
View attachment 43717

Overall, I really like the clean/aggressive look! It would've been nice if they left the hole to attach the M logo, but it's not a big deal. I might either glue one of my other M logos on there (or maybe order a black one) or just leave it as is.

Hi could you please do me a favour and share the link for this grill, i have been seaching high and low finding many options but nothing that blanks out the topside of my grill.
Thanks in advance .
Andy.

 

[jmelvin133]

This is the one I've been sitting on. AliExpress Gtill