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      07-24-2025, 05:46 PM   #1
Tiffany
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Thinking about changing my grille

Hi Everyone!

I recently got an X3 Xdrive30i with the sport package in dark graphite metallic. I’ve thought about switching the kidney grille for gloss black to match the shadow line trim. What do you all think will look better? Thank you!
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      07-24-2025, 07:51 PM   #2
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Nice car
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      07-24-2025, 08:02 PM   #3
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I, personally, like some shine at the front - all black grilles appear that they're missing (don't get me started on black wheels). Perhaps there is a set with black surround and silver ribs. Good luck!
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      07-24-2025, 08:36 PM   #4
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Yes, change the grille to gloss black. The car will look much nicer with a black grille. Every BMW I have ever owned the grille is one of the first mods I do.
Either matte black or gloss black, it all depends on the trim color.
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      07-24-2025, 09:48 PM   #5
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Try it with photoshop first?
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      07-24-2025, 09:53 PM   #6
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Go for it! You can re-sell them if you end up not liking them.
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      07-25-2025, 03:54 AM   #7
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I'm with John I like the silver to break up the front. I like the contrast. It is all personal taste. Nice car.
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      07-25-2025, 06:23 AM   #8
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I own a BSM E92 and would not put black grills or wheels on it, the car needs a little contrast. The blacked out look had travel its arc and is boring, especially on a compact SUV, compact car or non-M BMW.
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      07-25-2025, 03:35 PM   #9
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Thank you everyone! I think I’m going to get the black grille but hold on to my silver one in case I want to switch back at a later date. I just love the aggressive look that the black grille gives, but I definitely see what you all are saying about the silver adding nice contrast. Will keep you all updated!
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      07-25-2025, 07:11 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tiffany View Post
Thank you everyone! I think I’m going to get the black grille but hold on to my silver one in case I want to switch back at a later date. I just love the aggressive look that the black grille gives, but I definitely see what you all are saying about the silver adding nice contrast. Will keep you all updated!
We'll need before and after pics!
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      07-26-2025, 03:31 PM   #11
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Black**
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      07-26-2025, 05:55 PM   #12
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I have 3, a black, Cerium and Chrome with black slats. I like them all but currently have black on the vehicle. Can't go wrong with either. Get black and see how you like it. Plenty of pictures on this forum.
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      07-28-2025, 09:16 AM   #13
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Tiffany, I have allover Shadowline on my Z4 which I love but I also have all black wheels. In your car, the silver color grill looks great with your wheels and I like that look.

At the end of the day, either way, your X3 will look great!
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      07-28-2025, 06:18 PM   #14
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Personal taste but black is much better IMHO as it matches with lower trims. You can always swap out anytime if you dont like. But I bet it's not gonna happen once you put it on.
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      07-28-2025, 07:48 PM   #15
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Thank you everyone for your input! BMW quoted me $550 for the grille and install. I saw the part on OEM sites for $200, but nervous about doing the install myself since I have the parking assist camera and I’m scared of breaking something. Haven’t decided what I’m going to do yet but will update on the final result.
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      07-29-2025, 06:09 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tiffany View Post
Thank you everyone for your input! BMW quoted me $550 for the grille and install. I saw the part on OEM sites for $200, but nervous about doing the install myself since I have the parking assist camera and I’m scared of breaking something. Haven’t decided what I’m going to do yet but will update on the final result.
I don't blame you for not wanting to deal with the parking assist camera.
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      07-29-2025, 08:28 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tiffany View Post
Thank you everyone for your input! BMW quoted me $550 for the grille and install. I saw the part on OEM sites for $200, but nervous about doing the install myself since I have the parking assist camera and I’m scared of breaking something. Haven’t decided what I’m going to do yet but will update on the final result.
Don't pay anyone money to do this... very much a DIY job! You got this!

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      08-09-2025, 10:35 AM   #18
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Hi Everyone! Here’s a quick update, I was able to swap out the grille for gloss black! It was a little difficult to get the bottom clips to give on the silver grille, but I finally got it! I kept the silver grille in case I want to switch back in the future. For now I’m enjoying the look of the black. Thank you everyone for your input!
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      08-09-2025, 01:49 PM   #19
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Gloss Black Grille forever, personally I don't like chrome grille.
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      08-09-2025, 11:55 PM   #20
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Congrats on the DIY. Great job. Looks perfect.
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      08-10-2025, 12:00 PM   #21
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very nice.....chrome grilles are for older couples or as someone else said, makes the car look like a Buick

Last edited by Three Stents; 08-12-2025 at 06:44 AM..
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      08-11-2025, 10:40 AM   #22
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lets test a theory what ever color you choose you have to put your age or age range (if you must) after your choice

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