2012 Cooper S Front Grill won't come off, please help!
 

I'm trying remove the front grill from my 2012 R56 Cooper S, but it just won't come off. I have read through this forum and followed some instructions as well. But they seem to be for pre 2012 models.

Some people say to remove the bottom chrome trim and then remove the grill. It seems like the trim is attached to the grill and cannot be removed. I pushed the tabs on the side and whole thing (grill and chrome trim) comes off from each side, but how do I get to the two middle two tabs?

Any recommendations please?

Look from the front where the middle tabs are on the trim and you will see that you can pinch them from the front, allowing you to remove the trim. Hope that helps you out. Good luck!

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I'm unable to get to the front front middle tabs, caz the lower chrome trim is not getting off. Can I pinch them with pliers from the back?

Reach behind and pinch with your fingers.

Yes I've had an N14 (easy) and found my N18 much more of a challenge.

I could just reach down and move the tab sideways - but careful they can break easily. (Yup, did that.)

Try a long thin stick? They don't need much moving.

I found on the N18 the chrome trim only comes off (with difficulty) when the whole lot's off. When it all comes off it'll make more sense.

I figured it hadn't changed much from the N14. I can have mine off in about 2 minutes or less. The lower trim strip stays with the grille coming off.

On both of mine (2011 & 2013), the chrome came off with the grill. It is a tight fit for your hand in front of the a/c condenser; you may find a loong (12") pair of needle-nose pliers may help, but they also increase the chance of damaging the condenser. Try not to bash your hand/tools into the fins of the a/c condenser; I put a piece of cardboard in front of it to act as a shield. There are two clips in the center section of the grill that look like a lop-sided capital letter A. The inboard (toward the center of the car) leg of each is attached to the grill, while the outboard leg is the springy part that you need to squeeze to allow it to fit through the slot. You may have to work them one at a time, and pull the loose end of the grill out enough to keep the clip from re-engaging while you work the other one. Like many other things, after you've done it once it's alot easier the next time because you know how.

Thanks very much!! I will give it a shot based on your instructions and let you know.

thanks very much. Quick question:

putting it back...is it a simple snap back in? or was it as complicated as taking it off?

Charlie Victor's description - absolutely perfect!
And good news: It all snaps back in; takes milliseconds!
Then you forget it 2 weeks later + have to go through it all again but being careful not to break the other clip this time.
Loadsa luck.

Thanks everyone for your help. Was able to remove the grill.

Anyone have a picture tutorial of this? The top of the chrome grill is easy with just removing plastic expanding screws. The bottom is attached in someway I can't figure out. I noticed there's some long tabs on the side, but not sure if I lift them up or push them down to release. Where else is it held in place and which direction do I push/pull/pinch?

Don't have a picture but I'll try to explain. It took me quite some time to figure it out as well.

There are four tabs to open. There is a tab on each side of the grill and two lop-sided letter A tabs in the middle. Before starting, put some painters tape on bumper, just to avoid any scratches when the grill comes off.

1. Locate the tab, I used long nose plyers to push the tab downwards and pull the grill outwards. It will pop off. Now do the same on the other side.

2. Once both the sides are off, you got to remove the middle two tabs. They are little tricky, but with the of a 6" long nose plyer, it will easier. Place a piece of cardboard between to grill and the radiator (good suggestion by Charlie Victor), reach behind the grill, now pinch one tab and pull the grill outwards. It will come right off. Do the same with the other tab.

Hope this helps. Good luck.