Blacken Out Grills (BMW E36)
Text and photo by Alex
Required tools:
- Phillips (crosshead) screwdriver from the trunk toolbox
- Two pieces of grill sized cardboard
- Primer (dark red color primer is suggested for black paint)
- Flat black spray paint
- 400 grit sand paper
- 1500 grit sand paper (optional)
Steps:
1. Unscrew 4 metal screws (red arrows) and 2 plastic screws and their plastic expandable inserts (yellow arrows) with a crosshead screwdriver.
2. Disconnect the air duct (green arrow) and remove the panel carefully.
3. Remove the grill by pressing the plastic tabs in on the grill in/away from the tabs on the car or vice versa. There are 3 tabs on both the top and the bottom and one on each side. This part is a bit tricky, take your time and try not to break anything.
4. Separate the chrome part from the rest of the grill.
5. Sand the chrome part with 400 grit sand paper until you see swirl marks all over the chrome grill. Clean it with water to remove any dust on the grill. The grill should still be chrome but less shiny.
6. Cut several slits on the cardboard corresponding to the "legs" on the chrome grill. This will make handling the wet-painted grill much easier and you don't have to grab it by its tiny legs.
7. Apply at least 2 coats of primer on the grills and sand it lightly with 1500 grit sand paper if over sprayed.
8. Apply at least 8 coats of flat black paint to the grills and sand it lightly with 1500 grit sand paper if over sprayed. Wait 10 - 20 minutes between coats.
9. When the paint is dry, assemble the blacked out grill back to the rest of the grill. Reinstall everything back to its original place.
10. Voila! You are done! Now, please rate this DIY file :)
