[abaxter4687]

thanks for that i will give it a go. I contacted my BMW dealer here in the UK for a price on the LCI grill and received the usual "its too early and it wont fit your car", im sure it will as the camera and 2 sensors are in the same place the bumper surround hasnt changed with me only being concerned if my currenr radar box would fill the LCI cut outs. I will give this copy one a go as im now settled that i dont have to mess with the radar allowing it to cover the existing box with no conflict 🤔

 

[generic.user]

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.

This is the exact one I purchased, but they're the same regardless of seller, so just buy the cheapest option (including shipping). Mine also came with the front plate holder, which I did not install: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...tem/1005006998583258.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.7782180219pyKg

 

[abaxter4687]

thanks so much, last question i promise, seems like lots of discussions about the radar box and its heater, it seems this grill can fit over the existing box with no degredation of the radar, did you remove the cover and pair the heater back for aesthetic reasons or am i missing something. Thanks again. Andy

 

[generic.user]

thanks so much, last question i promise, seems like lots of discussions about the radar box and its heater, it seems this grill can fit over the existing box with no degredation of the radar, did you remove the cover and pair the heater back for aesthetic reasons or am i missing something. Thanks again. Andy

No problem at all! Based on what @Jobe01 said, it seems like that's the case. I removed mine only because I assumed it wouldn't fit under the new grille. I didn't even try LOL. If I was doing it over again, I'd keep the cover on. Aesthetically, I doubt you can see a difference, behind the new grille.

 

[makelja]

I just placed an order for this type of grille. "Local" dealer in the Netherlands.
Ordering directly from AliExpress is a bit of a hazard, because EU tightened the VAT rules a couple of years ago. Some sellers add VAT to their prices and some don't and then you have the hassle with the customs, so that was easier even though it cost a bit more.

 

[BTDOC23]

So I just for my grill from Ali. So excited!

Question I should prob already know: does the radar and the camera go through the plastic? Or do I need to punch holes or something?

 

[makelja]

What I have read from here the radar works normally with the plate in place.

 

[J_P]

does the radar and the camera go through the plastic? Or do I need to punch holes or something?

The signals pass through plastic so no holes needed. The grill just fits over the existing detector as is.

 

[8853]

So I just for my grill from Ali. So excited!

Question I should prob already know: does the radar and the camera go through the plastic? Or do I need to punch holes or something? View attachment 44389

the camera hole has a plastic protector in it to ensure the clips don’t break off in transit- just remove that piece just like you would the camera on the original grill, and you’ll be able to snap the camera in place on the new grill.

As others have mentioned- no need to cut out any parts, or remove any pieces of the grill, outside of that protector for the camera hole (but it’s just held into place with the clips)

 

[jmciver]

So I figured I would post this here rather than start a new thread. I just installed this grille and this is one of the few times where I actually prefer the aftermarket version over the OEM one (specifically the LCI grille). However, I still wanted to retain the M badge on the grille (in the OEM location) but this grille did not have a means to do it. So it gave me an excuse to practice my novice CAD skills, using my 3D printer, and make my own …

The M badge mount design for the OEM M badge (same M badge that installs on the fender)…

3D printed result, with OEM M badge attached. I actually printed my prototypes using my 3D printer, but then used an online 3D printing service to use a better material (that I did not want to buy) that could withstand the elements…

And the final installed result on the car…

I will say that this grille looks much better in person. From the pictures I found online of this one and the OEM LCI grille, I liked how this design, while clearly meant to look like the OEM grille, had more depth (which I think is a good thing, IMO). When seeing it in person and installed, that depth was even greater, and definitely better than the pre-LCI grille, IMO.

For anyone considering the OEM LCI grille, I would recommend you give this one a try just based on the price alone. The fitment is surprisingly very good (pretty damn close to OEM fitment, which is rare for Aliexpress cosmetic car products like this). If you really don’t like it and want to go for the OEM one, you are not out a lot of money (and I know where you can get a nice, simple M badge mount for this grille to keep it looking more OEM ).

For those with access to a 3D printer (or 3D printing service) attached is the STL file for the M badge clip I made. Be sure to use a material that can withstand the elements (like ASA). I also added some double sided 3M VHB tape when installing it as well. Be sure to change the file extension from .txt to .stl before using the file (the forum does not allow the .stl file extension for attachments)

 

[toosteeley]

Great idea with the M mount! 👍

 

[toosteeley]

I just installed one as well. Terrific fit! I used a slightly different mounting location for the M badge, but still think it looks great 🙂

 

[jmciver]

I thought about putting mine in that spot as well. But I was not sure how it would look ”sunk in” due to the depth of the grille slats. That, and my OCD really wanted it as close to the OEM location based on my measurements of the badge location on the pre-LCI grille 😁. But seeing it on your car, it does look good there.

Besides, I can sometimes be a glutten for punishment when it comes to some of my car DIY projects. I just look for an excuse to make things harder than they need to be, especially if it can help justify some of the money I have spent on some of my “special” tools (i.e. my 3D printer). At least that is what I say in my head anyway .

 

[BTDOC23]

Was going to install my Ali express tomorrow!
Can someone post the best install video link you’ve been using?

and where can I get one of those M mounts??

 

[8853]

Was going to install my Ali express tomorrow!
Can someone post the best install video link you’ve been using?

and where can I get one of those M mounts??

There’s a video on YouTube that shows removing the grill from a G26 bmw- that’s excellent for finding where to put the trim tool to remove the grill without scratching paint or damaging the grill. It also shows where the connectors are for the sensors.

the above m-mount is a solid thing to try… but you should also grab a roll of auto speed tape (ornament tape) from Amazon for 5-10 dollars… that stuff is the same sort of auto tape that holds the antenna cover on the top of the car. You can use that to hold the M insignia to pretty much anywhere you’d like on the car….

 

[Bluehighways]

No, Just no!

 

[jmciver]

Was going to install my Ali express tomorrow!
Can someone post the best install video link you’ve been using?

and where can I get one of those M mounts??

One other recommendation I have is to use painters tape on the bumper areas that will be in contact with the plastic trim removal tools you will need to use to release the upper tabs (you will see what I mean when you see the video referenced above). When you apply the tape, just slide/wrap as much you can around the edge of the bumper that meets the edge of the grille, 3-4mm or so.

The use of plastic trim tools will help to prevent any slight potential for marring in those areas on the bumper. But using a few layers of painters tape in those areas is not a bad idea to further prevent the chances (and is what I did when removing my OEM grille).

 

[BTDOC23]

Thanks. So I’ve started this after watching the video and I’ve slid the removal tools in and started to pull - but when I do only the trim seems to be pulling out not the body/center of the grill??
Does that come off separately? Or am I doing something wrong?

this is an i4 M50 DAPP

See pics

 

[toosteeley]

Keep going. It’s honestly not difficult. Just look at where the clips are on the aftermarket grille and work your way around with the trim tool popping out the original.

 

[toosteeley]

I know I’m in the minority, but I actually prefer a center mounted license plate. Helps complete the front end IMO.

I also moved the M badge to a spot that better suits the grille.

I’m very happy with the end result 🙂. All the lines in the front work together and compliment each other now.