Front bumper... mesh renewal

[FelixTheCat]

I am having the front of my 2003 3.0i re-sprayed in the bodyshop next week to freshed it up and to lose the numerous stone-chips and the scuffs to the lower part of the spoiler that it has picked up over the last 80k miles.

I need to replace the plastic mesh in the bumper as the existing one is broken - Can this be done easily without removing the bumper? The mesh looks like it is clipped on from behind.

I couldn't find anything on this on previousd posts.

Cheers

 

[Kaide]

I recently had to due this on mine. Same car, 03 3.0. I got the part from a BMW Dealer for about $100. Got it home, had the bumper off and then realized I needed about 16 one time only spring nuts. Cut them off. So after another trip to the dealer and 16 spring nuts @ $0.81 a piece, i was able to install my new grill.

Known as the "lower valence grill" btw. Very easy once you get the bumper off. Yes, it has to come off.

To be sure we're talking about the same piece... view http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BT53&mospid=47799&btnr=51_4848&hg=51&fg=15

Lower Valence Part Number: 51117016061
Clip Part Number: 64111364257

Good luck w/ the install!

 

[GAZA62]

The bodyshop will need to remove the bumper and the mesh to respray it get them to pop on the new mesh when they re-assemble your front bumper

 

[FelixTheCat]

Thanks for the replies. Yep, that's the same part, about £70 GBP.

The bumper has been off and the grille has gone in just fine... Just the colour matching that the bodyshop have cocked-up on repainting the front bumper (Sterling Grey, but too dark and stands out a mile), so the car is still with them and they are having a second attempt...

Cheers

 

[Kaide]

I know we've all seen a million and a half pics of z4's but some before and afters would be cool!