Drivers Side Open Grill X5 50i

[NJDJ]

I hate the fact that one of my bottom front grills is open and one is closed on my 50i. I was thinking about getting a replacement for the closed one from RG Sports, so that they match. Can anyone who is already done this on a 50i share a close up picture? I'm curious what it's going to look like and what exactly will be behind there once it's open. What can be seen as your are standing in front of the car? Lastly, I have read that this replacement is a pain. Can you share your experience?

[CatalinP]

Can you search?

[NJDJ]

Originally Posted by CatalinP

Can you search?

I did. I couldn't find a single good image of a 50i with the open grill on the drivers side. Not here and not on the internet (Google). Why, do you have one?

[maDjzo]

https://www.google.com/search?q=f15+...;client=safari

[NJDJ]

Originally Posted by maDjzo

https://www.google.com/search?q=f15+...&client=safari

You are a better searcher than me! Thank you Sir!! It was exactly what I needed.

[alphaod]

I assume you have Msport, I think the left open grill can be purchased. If you don't have Msport, I don't think it's possible.

[Duke I]

I replaced mine sourced from Ben at RG sport. He gets you all you'll need.

After accessing with removal of several plastic cover pieces, was a pain to do to get it properly seated having to work both inside the wheel well and from the front. With some patience and adroit contortions, was eventually able to get in.

[NJDJ]

Originally Posted by Duke I

I replaced mine sourced from Ben at RG sport. He gets you all you'll need.

After accessing with removal of several plastic cover pieces, was a pain to do to get it properly seated having to work both inside the wheel well and from the front. With some patience and adroit contortions, was eventually able to get in.

Can you share a picture? Also, did you get the splitter as well or just the open grill?

[wearenh]

Here is my post from 2015

[wearenh]

and Ben's awesome DIY!

[NJDJ]

Originally Posted by wearenh

Here is my post from 2015

You did not put on the silver splitters and I am not planning to do so either. I was wondering, since we are not putting on those Splitters, do you think it might be possible just to not take everything apart? Not remove the wheel and cowling and come in from the back? Instead, just use a Dremel to cut out the old solid grille and then insert the new open grille from the front? It doesn't look like there's anything other than clips holding that and I'm wondering if you can't just pop it in? It sure would be nice not to have to remove the wheel and cowling, etc. I don't plan on using the old solid grille anyway, so breaking it and cutting it out is not an issue. What do you think? Would it be possible to do the install this way?

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by NJDJ

You did not put on the silver splitters and I am not planning to do so either. I was wondering, since we are not putting on those Splitters, do you think it might be possible just to not take everything apart? Not remove the wheel and cowling and come in from the back? Instead, just use a Dremel to cut out the old solid grille and then insert the new open grille from the front? It doesn't look like there's anything other than clips holding that and I'm wondering if you can't just pop it in? It sure would be nice not to have to remove the wheel and cowling, etc. I don't plan on using the old solid grille anyway, so breaking it and cutting it out is not an issue. What do you think? Would it be possible to do the install this way?

It's not hard. Just jack up the front. Remove wheel and inner fender liner. And boom it's right there. And you can't attach it without going from the back side. Plus the PDC connector has to be disconnected and reconnected.