Swapping Grill on Night Vision Car

[Vancouver_M440]

I've read the DYI on swapping front grills. I unfortunately have the useless night vision feature and I can't just rip out the old grill as I need to release the NV camera from the car first. I know where the screw is but I'm not sure how to get it out without dropping it into the car. Does the screw have a retainer so that when it's loose it stays in place?

[core22]

There are also multiple screws that attach the NV unit to the grill. Check my comment here regarding my grill swap experience with night vision.

[Vancouver_M440]

Yeah I did read it which is why I'm a bit hesitant to do it although other have had success. I guess it just depends on how much work or disassembly you're willing to do. So my initial question, how to remove the first screw that mounts camera to the car. Does the bolt come out? I'm worried that I'll loose it in the bodywork.

[Rajpreetm]

I have NV too. I just pulled out the grills hard and it came out. Then unplugged the NV it was fine. Just gotta pull hard.

[core22]

Originally Posted by Vancouver_M5

Yeah I did read it which is why I'm a bit hesitant to do it although other have had success. I guess it just depends on how much work or disassembly you're willing to do. So my initial question, how to remove the first screw that mounts camera to the car. Does the bolt come out? I'm worried that I'll loose it in the bodywork.

It comes out. Just make sure your tool is magnetic, to lift up/pull out the bolt from the lower area where it sits. This must be done before removing the grills.

Originally Posted by Rajpreetm

I have NV too. I just pulled out the grills hard and it came out. Then unplugged the NV it was fine. Just gotta pull hard.

My issue was wire slack. While I was able to pull the grills out of the bumper, there was not enough slack on the wire connecting to the NV unit to get behind it to remove the 4 screws that hold it to the grill. That, combined with the fact that the grill slats are different for the NV setup, I just carefully removed the chrome bezel on the driver's side and swapped with the black one.

[Boosted M5]

Since we're talking about swapping out the chrome part only, what grille exactly do I need to purchase so that it swaps over correctly?

[Vancouver_M440]

Originally Posted by core22

It comes out. Just make sure your tool is magnetic, to lift up/pull out the bolt from the lower area where it sits. This must be done before removing the grills.

My issue was wire slack. While I was able to pull the grills out of the bumper, there was not enough slack on the wire connecting to the NV unit to get behind it to remove the 4 screws that hold it to the grill. That, combined with the fact that the grill slats are different for the NV setup, I just carefully removed the chrome bezel on the driver's side and swapped with the black one.

It's actually not the chrome that bothers me. I actually want the double slats and the M5 logo. The glossy double slats look more up to date. I looked at photos and I like the chrome against the MCB color. If I had a white car I think I would want the black grill

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by Vancouver_M5

I've read the DYI on swapping front grills. I unfortunately have the useless night vision feature and I can't just rip out the old grill as I need to release the NV camera from the car first. I know where the screw is but I'm not sure how to get it out without dropping it into the car. Does the screw have a retainer so that when it's loose it stays in place?

I note you don't think much of the night vision and together with the annoying lane change buzzer are these two options that Bm could have left out as to me they seem to be unwanted distractions.

[Vancouver_M440]

Originally Posted by M5theonlyone

I note you don't think much of the night vision and together with the annoying lane change buzzer are these two options that Bm could have left out as to me they seem to be unwanted distractions.

Actually they could be helpful in foggy situations or if I drove outside of the city more but that is rare. The lane change is ok. At least u don't annoy your passengers with it.

[core22]

Originally Posted by Vancouver_M5

Actually they could be helpful in foggy situations or if I drove outside of the city more but that is rare. The lane change is ok. At least u don't annoy your passengers with it.

NV is useful when I head out most mornings, still in the dark. It detects deer that I cannot see until it may be too late, as well as other animals that may unexpectedly dart out into the road. Gives me time to slow down and be more cautious in these situations.