I own a 2007 Mini S and need to replace my LOWER grille due to some damage. I have the Bentley Service Manual for my car, however. there is no info on changing the lower portion of the grille. There's info on the top portion (called radiator grill), but the info on the bottom portion is absent for some reason. What is the process to perform this task? Do I need to remove the bottom of the front bumper cover to get at the lower grille attachment points? Any info will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your helpful posts. Ron

 

When I do grill and IC work, I usually take off the bumper. Not sure if that is necessary but it gives me lots of space to work with.

See helix13.com for their instructions to remove the front bumper (for IC install but don't take off the IC). Not too difficult and it took less than 2 hours the first time I did it.

 

Thanks slinger. If there's a way to do it without removing the front bumper, that would be my preference. anyone else?

 

The bumper must be removed. Look at bumper instructions in the Bentley, and the grill instructions will probably be in that section as well.

Meanwhile, attached are instructions from the BMW TIS manual.

 

Just take off the front bumper cover and the clips that hold in the lower grille will be easily accessible.

 

The bumper takes about 5 minutes to take off and yes you have to take it off.

 

Thanks guys, that really helps. I appreciate all the info and help. Have a great week everyone. Ron

 

I have done it 4-5 times already and it still takes me longer than 5 minutes. In fact it takes me more than that that jack up the car and put the front on jack stands and take the front wheels off. This could be Olympic and World record, just keeping with this week's theme.

 

You do that for taking the bumper off? It shouldn't be necessary.

 

That's your problem. You don't need to to jack it up nor take the wheels off.

 

I have to since it is lowered and I cannot get to the screws inside the wheel well. Lowered, running fatter tires and spacers do not give me much room to maneuver.

 

Maybe we can see a live feed of you doing that in 5 minutes. I bet I could learn a few tricks.

 

I haven't done it in so long that it probably would take me about 10 to 15 to do it. Plus you are going to wait on the feed for awhile as my car is 3k miles from me.