Nose Panel Question...please advise before I buy!

switlikbob · #1 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002, 04:07 AM

Hey guys...anyone ever put a 1997 nose panel (and kidney grilles) on a 1996? I have a badly dented nose panel (96 328i) and woul dlike to replace it. I like the look of the 97-99 panle better than th eone I have now...has anyone done this? I called the local stealership and they told me they never got a question like that before and they couldn't answer it...lol

TIA

bob

Bruce · #2 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by switlikbob
Hey guys...anyone ever put a 1997 nose panel (and kidney grilles) on a 1996? I have a badly dented nose panel (96 328i) and woul dlike to replace it. I like the look of the 97-99 panle better than th eone I have now...has anyone done this? I called the local stealership and they told me they never got a question like that before and they couldn't answer it...lol

TIA

bob

It can, and has been done with ease. I don't know why your dealership does not know it will work. I did it to my 95 and it improved the look 100%! I love it. The panel is something like $150. Probably a bit more. THat does not come with the kidneys, though. The cost of the kidneys escapes me. ANd I think you know this alreayd, but you have to replace the entire panel if you want the 97+ grill. Good luck!

switlikbob · #3 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002, 04:49 AM

So, you are saying that there is no issue doing this and it's a straight up replacemnt? If so, great! Check this out though:
http://www.autobodypartsonline.com/c...07102382027.a1
Really cheap price for the nose panel! Now I need to get kidney's...thanks for the info!

ayton · #4 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002, 06:00 AM

no issue what so ever...grill panel is about $128 from the dealer and $20 a side for the kidney grills...that is what I paid.

Bruce · #5 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002, 06:00 AM

You got it! Just make sure that nose piece you get comes with any clips you would need. That is an awsome price for it! The kidney grill I believe run no more than $60. I could be wrong though. Don't forget to post before and after pics!

alexd · #6 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002, 07:17 AM

I just did this last month to my 1995 318, and it fits no problem and yes it improves the look 150%.

$128 for the panel.
$41.50 for both grilles.
97+ look.......priceless.

PS Bruce your car looks great!!

E36Eric · #7 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002, 07:19 AM

I've done this, its very easy. Grill panel you can find online for $100-130ish? Not sure. And grills, you can find for $20 a piece. You need to take your headlights off to install and you can use your existing bolts and screws. All you need is to get the grill panel painted. Good luck.

switlikbob · #8 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002, 07:35 AM

Thanks for all the help guys...BTW, where can I get the grilles for $20 a peice (and do they include the chrome surrounds)? Anyone have a link?

.. v B .. · #9 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002, 08:26 AM

what the hell???
http://www.autobodypartsonline.com/c...36102154891.ee sells the usd front panel for only $68 or sth...

the grills are like 30 bucks...

gabe · #10 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002, 09:07 AM

i see everyone's chimed in and helped out, but here's my .02 cents of help:

pacific bmw (1-800-909-PART) can get you the surrounds.

--

i had a 96 328 and changed my grill panel to the 97+. it was a great mod, and I dind't need to do anything funky w/ the car.

I will warn you though, that installation is quite the biznatch and can run up install costs. you have to remove your headlights, radiator and some other misc parts to get the panel on there. it takes a couple of hours at least, and I did it w/ my front bumper install to minimize costs.

switlikbob · #11 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002, 09:15 AM

I have to remove my radiator???? That sucks! The headlights, I can see, but the radiator. Maybe I should just wait until I get a new front bumper (mine is mad chipped up). Man, i figured this was going to be a simple job. I guess nothing worth doing is easy...when you say misc. parts, do you mean clips and such? nothing else major, right?

And Pacific BMW has the grilles and the surrounds for around $20 each?

Andy W. · #12 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by .. v B ..
what the hell???
http://www.autobodypartsonline.com/c...36102154891.ee sells the usd front panel for only $68 or sth...

the grills are like 30 bucks...

$67.95? thats damn cheap...might have to get me one of those.

///M3Ryder NY · #13 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by gabe
I will warn you though, that installation is quite the biznatch and can run up install costs. you have to remove your headlights, radiator and some other misc parts to get the panel on there. it takes a couple of hours at least, and I did it w/ my front bumper install to minimize costs.

NOT true. I had it done on a previous M3 due to a dented nose panel and grill surround.

I paid $120 for the panel, $40 for the grills and $115 for paint and installation. The shop that did it DID NOT have to remove the radiator to put it on. Headlights DO have to come out though.