Saved this for a rainy day....very useful. (archive)

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I just installed the chrome grill in less than 15mins. I highly recommend this look. I posted comparison pictures for all to review. The new grill has chrome tipped fins and is bowed out like the new 5's. The grill is for a 2001 750il.
Left side part#511382315956
Right side part#511382315934

According to ETK (8/2K1), the front grill part numbers for the 99-2001 740iL are 51 13 8 231 593 and 4 while the part numbers for the 99-2001 750iL are 51 13 8 231 595 and 6 (with a note: "Chrome").
Question 1: There is evidently a difference between the 740 and 750 grills. What is it? Will someone please post pics. I thought they are the same.

Question 2: The grills come as one piece--the outside trim and the insde slats, correct? There is not a seperate part for the inside slats, right?

The 2001 750 chrome grill fits the 95-2001 740's. Its a very easy replacement. Easier to put in but still rather painless. And they look good on. I just replaced my 96 740il with them and the difference is amazing. They cost around $35 each at Pacific BMW-and they'll ship them to you for like $5..well worth it

Question 1: There is evidently a difference between the 740 and 750 grills. What is it? Will someone please post pics. I thought they are the same.
Question 2: The grills come as one piece--the outside trim and the insde slats, correct? There is not a seperate part for the inside slats, right?

The 750 grilles have a chrome finish down the front of the vertical slats, but not the sides. The 740 grilles have vertical slats that are all black.

The grilles come complete. They do split in half, being a sandwich construction: the front half of the sandwich is the chrome kidney, the rear half the slats. To get the old ones out, I had to split them. To get the new ones in, however, you leave them in one piece. Three tabs on the top of the grille fit (i.e. get jammed) into a horizontal double-skin metal slot on the inside of the kidney hole, while you hold the rest of the grille outside the bonnet. You then just push the bottom half into the hole and it (miraculously) all slots home.

When fitting the new grilles, do not split them and try to sandwich them together from the front and rear of the hole in the bonnet. That _does not_ work. Ask me how I know...

the chrome surround is somwhat narrower on the newer grilles. If you replace an older version you may see marks in the paint where the new grille doesn't cover as much.
I want to reiterate what I've said before though: Upgrading to the new chrome grilles is an inexpensive and well worth investment that you won't regret. Great improvement of the front hood looks....I promise! :)

It's real easy to remove the old grills, I have a 98 740il, and I replaced mine this summer. Here's the thing, from the front of the car lift the hood to move grill above ports, size the palm of your hand against the old grill to get a measure of your hitting area, pull palm back and smack the center of the grill, the force should pop the back out and all you have to do is pull the silver piece forward. If the smack does not release all the clips you can easily remove the remaing ones with your hand from the inside. Clean and wax the area and snap the new ones in, I'm surprised these things are not often reported stolen, they come out so easy.
Let us know how you make out.

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