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Repair Summary
The following article gives detailed instructions on removing and replacing the side fender grilles on a BMW E9x M3 car. Even though we have used a 2013 E92 M3 to perform this repair, this article can be applied to any 2007-2013 E9x M3 vehicle with minor modifications.
One of the more popular customization's on the BMW M3 is replacing the basic side chrome grilles with a more stylized option. A BMW M3 fender grille removal is quick and easy and a great way to add a more aggressive look to your ride.
It seems these days more and more BMW M3 owners are trying to find tasteful ways to remove the chrome for their vehicles to give them a more aggressive track look. A BMW M3 fender grille removal and replacement is an easy way to clean up the side stance of your car, especially if most of the other trim on your car is black or carbon fiber.
You may be reading this article because you only need to replace or upgrade your side grille LED lights. Whatever your goal is, removing the side grilles is simple...as long as you do it the right way.
Doing it the wrong way risks scratching your paint. We have seen articles on the internet where owners are attempting to remove grilles with metal picks and screwdrivers wrapped in tape; this is the wrong way to remove your grilles. Always use a plastic trim tool when performing a BMW M3 fender grille removal.
View the detailed parts diagram for this repair.
Includes detailed part diagrams, part numbers and links to purchase all of the required components needed to complete this repair.
Before starting this repair, you must have the following required parts.
All BMW 9x M3
Matte black. Set includes both right and left fender grilles. Autotecknic blackout fender grilles will help your vehicle stand out. Made of 100% ABS plastic, they are resistant to cracking and chipping. Developed and engineered with the OEM standard as the framework, all Autotecknic fender trims are made with 100% non-recycled raw plastic that results in overall durable construction with strong clips and tabs for a secure and seamless fit. Each trim is individually finished with precision that yields a product of superior quality and fit to clean up your fenders.
All BMW 9x M3
Gloss black. Set includes both right and left fender grilles. Autotecknic blackout fender grilles will help your vehicle stand out. Made of 100% ABS plastic, they are resistant to cracking and chipping. Developed and engineered with the OEM standard as the framework, all Autotecknic fender trims are made with 100% non-recycled raw plastic that results in overall durable construction with strong clips and tabs for a secure and seamless fit. Each trim is individually finished with precision that yields a product of superior quality and fit to clean up your fenders.
All BMW 9x M3
Carbon fiber. Set includes both right and left fender grilles. Looking to add style to your M3? These carbon fiber side fender grilles replace the stock chrome ones giving your M3 an agressive look. A great addition to existing carbon fiber components on your M3 such as a rear spoiler or front lip. They also look great as a simple add-on all by itself.
All BMW 9x M3
Right side. This is the same factory right marker light that would be installed at the BMW dealership.
All BMW 9x M3
Left side. This is the same factory left marker light that would be installed at the BMW dealership.
Section 1 - Fender Grille Removal
- Using a plastic trim removal tool, gently pry the top of the BMW M3 fender grille away from the body of the vehicle. Remember there are tabs on the back of the grille that attach it to the body of the vehicle; make sure that you are in between the tabs before you pry the grille loose (see images below).
- When the grille is loose, grasp with your hand and gently pull the remaining portion from the car.
- Using a T20 torx bit, remove the LED turn signal light from the grille.
- Install replacement grille following above steps in reverse.
Section 2 - Final Note
Whether you are replacing the BMW M3 side grille badges with the existing ones, or if you have purchased new ones, make sure to add a small dab of black silicone adhesive to the back before installing. The stock adhesive on new badges will not hold by itself.
BMW M3 Fender Grille Removal Finished
