How do I replace the Center Bumper Grille?

[thinkpad240]

So weird, I take a 8000 mile road trip in America last month and nothing happened but this weekend, I was driving behind (blindly )multiple SUVs on the local freeway and this piece of shredded tire road hazard flew right straight into my car. As you can see, it damaged my left grill, center bumper grille, and some scratch... Extra repair cost I didn't needed. Upset off course.

Is the black grille, matte(and not glossy) that comes with ZHP?

Second, on that ($30 ) piece inside the lower front bumper which is called the Center Bumper Grille, is that something I can replace by myself from the front of the car or does the car have to be lifted first and then this piece can be replaced? Thanks.

[John in VA]

I believe the entire bumper cover needs to be removed to replace the lower grill. Not too hard, yet intimidating - search for previous discussions.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw-parts/front-bumper-grille/51117893331/

I thought the original ZHP hood grills have a chrome surround with chrome slats. Your grills appear to be aftermarket ones.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw-parts/kidney-grille-left/51138208489/

ECS Tuning doesn't necessarily have the best pricing, but has nice pictures! You can use these tools to check prices:
http://www.furiousmethod.com/
http://www.bmwpnpc.com/

Good luck!

[thinkpad240]

So today I got the Center Bumper Grille replaced. I'm having trouble finding the exact black matte kidney grille online because that style is no longer made and the newer style looks very plain. I just need the left side kidney grille because it lost one rib; even a used one. I'm looking at Ebay today.

[John in VA]

You might also check the classified section here for someone selling grills, or post a "want to buy" note. Unless your grills were jarred loose when you hit the tire, a set with better fit would be an improvement! http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?81-ZHP-Related-Parts-amp-Accessories-(no-vehicle-sales)

You could also check with Chris at supremeautoimports@gmail.com - he sells/parts out E46s.

[Yelkos]

So today I got the Center Bumper Grille replaced. I'm having trouble finding the exact black matte kidney grille online because that style is no longer made and the newer style looks very plain. I just need the left side kidney grille because it lost one rib; even a used one. I'm looking at Ebay today.

the grills look aftermarket to me.
Ebay has a lot of them, $48.00 a pair if you want the same thing

[Newjack]

the grills look aftermarket to me.
Ebay has a lot of them, $48.00 a pair if you want the same thing

I bought mine off eBay. For the low price of like $30 shipped. The expensive ones are great, but with how much wear these will see it's worth it to just get a cheap pair you can keep replacing every year or so if they ever get pitted or damaged. I promise you no one would be able to tell I have eBay grills without me telling you. They look almost identical unless you take them off the car and carefully examine them.

[thinkpad240]

I finally got all the items fixed. The exact grille cost me $49 from Ebay and the Center Bumper grill cost $40 plus 1 hour labor time. Not too bad and the car looks better. I also replaced the hood's faded roundel . Going to give it a great hand wash and wax tomorrow morning.

[johnrando]

Nice

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[BADCLOWN]

I always appreciate the little modifications/new item replacements more than big ones. Looks great