[ksfrogman]

After installing these new grilles, I'm not quite sure I like them.

I'm posting before and after photos for those interested in seeing the comparison:

[NaTuReB0Y]

huh........no comment!

i have the exact set of grille........but BLACK!

[ksfrogman]

In black, there would be less of an issue with the top portion of the grille. In chrome, the top strip looks wider. I'm also surprised at how shiny the new grilles look; maybe I'll get use to them.

[BMW320i]

congrats on the new grill frogman

hmmmmm, both look quite good, but the thik ones r kinda too bling bling

but i cant make a judgement unless i see the car in person, and even better, in movement

[uhaulball]

looks a little odd, but at least it stands out more. (looks like a prison gate to me though)

[Chris33]

I think I prefer the original one's. The other one's look alittle "after market".

[Brunotheboxer]

sorry not a fan, i like the originals better.

[KL2DC]

Originally Posted by Chris33

I think I prefer the original one's. The other one's look alittle "after market".

+1 I am afraid, I'd have to agree....

[ksfrogman]

I didn't expect these to be so shiny. If you look at the X5, the slats are more of a flat silver/gray color.

[mouse1277]

not my style.
I would go for the original ones!

[diesel007]

Whoa now that is shiny Michael. One thing you could do is sand down the center slats and paint them flat silver.

[G8Btech]

looks nice! painting the chrome slats (flat silver) to match with the inner portions will make it even better looking.

[ksfrogman]

Originally Posted by diesel007

Whoa now that is shiny Michael. One thing you could do is sand down the center slats and paint them flat silver.

I was thinking about this, because then the color scheme would be exactly the same as my wheels.

I have two questions about this though. First, I've often been told that with plastic (at least ABS) there is a special treatment that needs to be done for paint to stick. Second, once I sand or gently sand-blast the center slats, won't the chrome portion start to chip away at the edges where it was removed?

[Hula-Hula]

I think it would look great if you do what diesel told ya.. do you have any other pic from a further distance or something??

[ksfrogman]

Originally Posted by Hula-Hula

I think it would look great if you do what diesel told ya.. do you have any other pic from a further distance or something??

Hah, I already put back the stock ones. I think the fish eye effect of the wide angle lens accentuates the grilles more than usual. In the flesh, they aren't "that bad," but if I'm not close to 100% happy with something, I'll stay conservative.

I'm close to separating the two panels of each of the grilles. They are glued at the top, then fastened with plastic clips toward the sides.

[Hunter399]

I like them

Looks really nice!

[diesel007]

The best way to paint the slats is to use a primer after you sand it. Make sure you let the layers dry properly and use a heavy duty silver spray paint. This is the process I used for my blacked out grills and while the paint application is not perfect (rattle can never is) I have no chipping or adhesive problems.

[just4kickz]

oem looks more sharp

[poldim]

looks less refined...

[ksfrogman]

Thanks for all the feedback guys.

[shragon]

cant really form an opinion. any other pics from other angles?

[ksfrogman]

Okay, each kidney grille has a flat grey plastic back and a chrome part. They are fastened together with plastic tabs, and adhesive. With some fiddling and a soldering iron, I separated the pieces to form 4 kidney grilles.

I started sanding one by hand, but realized the Makita orbital sander will be much easier. Will tackle that later on when I'm not so hot and lazy.