For those looking to install a new grill
08-09-2004, 05:37 AM
#1
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My Ride: 545, Auto, Sport, L7, Pdc, Sunshades, Silver Gray/Black, 19x8.5/9.5 Monet Wheels, Michelin PS A/S Tires, Full M-KIt, B&B Exhaust, 20% Llumar Tint
When installing a new grill make sure you remove the indicated hard plastic piece first (as I recall it just snaps out?may be a couple screws). This will give you some access to the back of the grill and make install much easier
08-09-2004, 09:15 AM
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My Ride: Gone: 2004 525i Jet Black, Built 03/04, Premium Package, Black Dakota Leather, Halogen to Euro Spec Bi-Xenons Retrofit, Dark Poplar Wood Trim, Steptronic Breyton Spirit Reps 20x9F 20x10R - Nitto NT555 245/35/20F-275/30/20R, M5 Front Bumper, H&R Sport Springs, Chrome Grills, 20% Tint, Euro Reflectors, Debadged, Aux Input, CIP v19.x
Thanks for the info ch7656, I'll be installing the grills later tonight 
08-09-2004, 10:11 AM
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I think those who do not have a 545 grill will find it interesting to know that your 520/525/530 grill may have chrome under the black paint. I saw a E60 (not 545) grill on which some of the black paint seemed to have come off and it appeared like there was something shiny under there (chrome?).
I read somewhere that when Lexus did a face lift in the middle of a vehicle life cycle and introduced a full chrome grill, some people with models earlier in the life cycle managed to "chrome" their grills neatly by using a paint remover or something like that to remove the black stuff and expose the chrome.
Although too late for some of us who already bought and installed the 545 grill, I wonder if anyone heard of this or even tried and succeeded?
I read somewhere that when Lexus did a face lift in the middle of a vehicle life cycle and introduced a full chrome grill, some people with models earlier in the life cycle managed to "chrome" their grills neatly by using a paint remover or something like that to remove the black stuff and expose the chrome.
Although too late for some of us who already bought and installed the 545 grill, I wonder if anyone heard of this or even tried and succeeded?
08-09-2004, 10:17 AM
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My Ride: [i][b][u]Since 19 august 2004[/u][/b][/i]: [color=red][b]530i[/b] High Executive[/color], Silvergray with beige interior, Popular wood, Servotronic, Sportssuspension, electric foldable and dimmed mirrors, dimmed interior mirror, pappelmaser braun wood, cupholders, styling 123 18" wheels, Logic 7, Steptronic, alarm class 3, electric sunscreen in the rear and suncreens for sidewindows, Comfort seats, heated seats, Xenon with headlightwashers, Adaptive corner lights ALC, Advanced airconditioning, lightpackage, Nav Pro, 6 cd changer, side airbags rearseats, bluetooth siemens S55, chrome kidneys, gearlever with wood, voice recognition retrofit, front windshield with green band.
Waiting for trunkopener button from Hobi :)
This is very interesting.. Unfortunately I already paid a 175 euros (including fitting)..
08-09-2004, 10:19 AM
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PS when i got the 545 grill installed by the dealer (the only thing they ever did for me in 10 minutes), they told me that they would have to break off the old grill to take it out. It was too excited about the new one and didnt even bother asking why. For those of you replacing the grills yourselves, may be able to tell us, for educational purposes, whether your old grill has chrome underneath the black.
(Of course, if the old grill has to be broken to take it out, "chroming" the old one is no substitute for new 545 grill).
(Of course, if the old grill has to be broken to take it out, "chroming" the old one is no substitute for new 545 grill).
08-09-2004, 12:54 PM
#9
My dealer changed my grille and no damage was done to the old non-chrome grille. In fact they gave the old grille back to me.
Not sure what I should do with the grille. Maybe E-bay???
Not sure what I should do with the grille. Maybe E-bay???
08-09-2004, 01:07 PM
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My Ride: [i][b][u]Since 19 august 2004[/u][/b][/i]: [color=red][b]530i[/b] High Executive[/color], Silvergray with beige interior, Popular wood, Servotronic, Sportssuspension, electric foldable and dimmed mirrors, dimmed interior mirror, pappelmaser braun wood, cupholders, styling 123 18" wheels, Logic 7, Steptronic, alarm class 3, electric sunscreen in the rear and suncreens for sidewindows, Comfort seats, heated seats, Xenon with headlightwashers, Adaptive corner lights ALC, Advanced airconditioning, lightpackage, Nav Pro, 6 cd changer, side airbags rearseats, bluetooth siemens S55, chrome kidneys, gearlever with wood, voice recognition retrofit, front windshield with green band.
Waiting for trunkopener button from Hobi :)
Good idea, there might be 545 owners that want a more sporty look to their car...
I'm gonna ask my dealer to give em back to me too!
I'm gonna ask my dealer to give em back to me too!