"back to OEM" project

[neelio]

Hi all!

It's been a fun month owning the ZHP, really loving it. I'm planning to bring the car back to stock/OEM on the exterior and had a few questions if you guys have some insight.

I already have the OEM tails, side markers, and corners that will be going in soon. I am now contemplating the kidney grilles and lower mesh, but I am just not certain what is OEM, factory option, etc. Here's a photo of the car how it is today. Does anyone know if the grilles are OEM? I think the lower mesh grille was darker/black from the factory right? Or did some of them come like this?

Also I see 2 "bmw genuine" options on FCP Euro for the kidney grilles: 1. chrome outside with black slats or 2. chrome outside with chrome slats. Does anyone know which option is true stock?

Thanks for your help in advance!

38108

[fredo]

The bumper grille is black from factory, it will get white-ish after some time. The PN is 51-11-7-893-331. I replaced mine 6 years ago, you may want to replace the black trim that goes right behind it. I didn’t and now I can tell the difference in color.

I have no clue about the OEM kidney grilles, mine has black ones which PO installed.

[neelio]

Thank you fredo! I have no clue about the kidney grilles as well.

Here is a photo of the chrome with black slats:

38109

[Galapolis]

There are discussions out there on the grills. Based on my understanding it was like this:

USA cars: Chrome and black
Euro cars: All chrome
MSport: Gloss black

[ItsRichieRich]

Did you sell your taillights, side markers and corner lights?

[John in VA]

My coupe has the original stock grilles:
Grille left CHROM from 03/2003 51137064317
Grille right CHROM from 03/2003 51137064318

For the sedan:
Grille left CHROM from 09/2001 51137042961
Grille right CHROM from 09/2001 51137042962

[az3579]

Your car looks completely OE to me with the exception of the corners/sidemarkers and the tint. The only difference with the lights is that you have euro clear lights, which are technically factory stock but for European cars. The U.S. cars received amber lights. But, they are BMW-spec for Europe so that would still classify as 'original' depending on which viewpoint you take.


Your lower grille is a stock item, but it's faded. They are black when they are new and fade to grey as time goes on.

Your kidney grilles are also factory for U.S. spec cars.

[sna77]

Your car looks completely OE to me with the exception of the corners/sidemarkers and the tint. The only difference with the lights is that you have euro clear lights, which are technically factory stock but for European cars. The U.S. cars received amber lights. But, they are BMW-spec for Europe so that would still classify as 'original' depending on which viewpoint you take.


Your lower grille is a stock item, but it's faded. They are black when they are new and fade to grey as time goes on.

Your kidney grilles are also factory for U.S. spec cars.

Yes... Clears are OEM for Europe. A much better look than amber. We can blame the US DOT for those...

[az3579]

Yes... Clears are OEM for Europe. A much better look than amber. We can blame the US DOT for those...

We can blame US DOT for a long of stupid things, like multifunction brake/turn bulbs and turn signals that are red... and the lack of other cool lighting technology they get in Europe but not here. Sigh...

[neelio]

Did you sell your taillights, side markers and corner lights?

Not yet but as soon as I get the ambers on they will be up for sale. I'll give you first dibs!

[neelio]

Thank you all for the feedback. I debated between the clears and ambers quite a bit but ultimately decided to go back to US-spec OEM, therefore ambers it is.

Anyone know the part number of the plastic piece behind the lower mesh grille?

[neelio]

There are discussions out there on the grills. Based on my understanding it was like this:

USA cars: Chrome and black
Euro cars: All chrome
MSport: Gloss black

going by this, it seems that my car has the "Euro" kidney grilles?

[John in VA]

going by this, it seems that my car has the "Euro" kidney grilles?

The sides of your grille slats look black (from here!) vs. chrome like the front edge = stock USA.

[ItsRichieRich]

Not yet but as soon as I get the ambers on they will be up for sale. I'll give you first dibs!

Awesome, PM sent!

[fredo]

Anyone know the part number of the plastic piece behind the lower mesh grille?

Realoem.com is your friend. Enter the last 7 of your VIN to browse parts and diagrams for your car. Looks like the PN is 51117893324.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=EV53-USA-12-2004-E46-BMW-330i&diagId=51_4519#51117893324

[Galapolis]

Thank you all for the feedback. I debated between the clears and ambers quite a bit but ultimately decided to go back to US-spec OEM, therefore ambers it is.

Anyone know the part number of the plastic piece behind the lower mesh grille?

I have a set of OEM ambers if you're interested.

[Oli77]

My signature shows a stock grill. Black side and chrome front edge and surrounding each kidney.

[neelio]

Hi all, it's been a while but I'm finally installing the amber lights all around. I was wondering if anyone could help me determine the proper bulb for the front corner lights? I see a clear option and a yellow option. Thanks in advance.

38465

[PdZHP]

Yellow bulb for clear lenses, clear bulb for amber lenses.

[neelio]

Thank you @PdZHP!