My M3 coming with Black Performance Kidney Grilles, want to change to chrome OEM

[sampelligrino]

Hey fellas

My incoming M3 was a dealership spec car that fell through the cracks and went unaccounted for in their computer system. Turns out it was spec'd almost the exact way I wanted, and not being one to wait, I pulled the trigger and put my $1k deposit down on it. The one thing that bothers me, which I know others here love, is that the car is coming with the Performance Black Grilles installed. My incoming car is AW/light 19s, and for whatever reason I much prefer the OEM chrome surroundings instead of the black. I know, I must be crazy.

Anyways, I had some questions for the experts, being that this is my first BMW let alone M car.

- Is the Black Performance Kidney Grille and the one that the M3 comes with fresh from the factory the exact same, except that the original one has chrome surrounds, and the black one has the black surrounds? Both look like the actual grille lines are black if that makes sense.

- To restore my M3 back to the OEM chrome state, can I just get chrome surrounds and put them on the kidneys, or do I need to buy a full set of OEM M3 Kidneys?

Any and all input is appreciated as always. Thanks guys - Sammy

[AlpineE92M3]

I'm sure somone on this forum would gladly trade you their stock grills for your black grills.

[brianeck]

Hey Sammy. To answer your question as best I can: I got the performance black surround, and I reused my black kidney slats during the installation. The actual slats themselves are black OEM. You should only need the Chrome surround.

If you were more local I would just give you my chrome surrounds as I have no use for them, but shipping them to Hawaii might end up being cost ineffective. Any plans on visiting the NY greater area in the near future? Lol

And to answer your other question, you must be crazy the black ones look way better! Haha everyone is entitled to their own opinion

[Mickey D]

Originally Posted by sampelligrino

Hey fellas

My incoming M3 was a dealership spec car that fell through the cracks and went unaccounted for in their computer system. Turns out it was spec'd almost the exact way I wanted, and not being one to wait, I pulled the trigger and put my $1k deposit down on it. The one thing that bothers me, which I know others here love, is that the car is coming with the Performance Black Grilles installed. My incoming car is AW/light 19s, and for whatever reason I much prefer the OEM chrome surroundings instead of the black. I know, I must be crazy.

Anyways, I had some questions for the experts, being that this is my first BMW let alone M car.

- Is the Black Performance Kidney Grille and the one that the M3 comes with fresh from the factory the exact same, except that the original one has chrome surrounds, and the black one has the black surrounds? Both look like the actual grille lines are black if that makes sense.

- To restore my M3 back to the OEM chrome state, can I just get chrome surrounds and put them on the kidneys, or do I need to buy a full set of OEM M3 Kidneys?

Any and all input is appreciated as always. Thanks guys - Sammy

Pm'd

[BPe90M3]

ill trade with money on top

[ohio1978]

To my knowledge, they ALL come with chrome surrounds. Is your dealer getting one from the auction or some other source than "brand new" ?

[SIN_CITY_TROLL]

Originally Posted by sampelligrino

Hey fellas

My incoming M3 was a dealership spec car that fell through the cracks and went unaccounted for in their computer system. Turns out it was spec'd almost the exact way I wanted, and not being one to wait, I pulled the trigger and put my $1k deposit down on it. The one thing that bothers me, which I know others here love, is that the car is coming with the Performance Black Grilles installed. My incoming car is AW/light 19s, and for whatever reason I much prefer the OEM chrome surroundings instead of the black. I know, I must be crazy.

Anyways, I had some questions for the experts, being that this is my first BMW let alone M car.

- Is the Black Performance Kidney Grille and the one that the M3 comes with fresh from the factory the exact same, except that the original one has chrome surrounds, and the black one has the black surrounds? Both look like the actual grille lines are black if that makes sense.

- To restore my M3 back to the OEM chrome state, can I just get chrome surrounds and put them on the kidneys, or do I need to buy a full set of OEM M3 Kidneys?

Any and all input is appreciated as always. Thanks guys - Sammy

The Black kidney grills are "PIA" or Port Installed accessories. These are ALL black and still have the M3/M4 badge.

If you want the OEM's, you'll have to buy them from parts or like someone else said, trade. Keep in mind, you need to remove the front bumper to change out the grills in the F8x's

[SOM3]

I agree with OP, since the headlights touch the grille chrome is much better looking than tacky black.