The kidney grille that fits your BMW is decided by two things: the chassis code and whether your car is pre-LCI or LCI (the mid-life facelift). On many models the grille changed shape or size at the facelift, so a grille for a 2019 X3 will not fit a 2022 X3 even though both are G01. Find those two facts first, then match them to the product title and the fitment table on the product page.
Step 1: find your chassis code
BMW model names such as "320d" or "X5 xDrive30d" do not tell you which grille you need. The chassis code does: E46, E90, F30, G20, G05 and so on. A VIN decoder will show it, and our guide on how to find your BMW chassis code covers the quickest ways.
Body style matters too. A saloon, Touring, coupé and convertible can share a chassis family but not a front end. The E46 and E9x 3 Series are the classic examples: the coupé and convertible use different grilles from the saloon and Touring, which is why the product titles split them.
Step 2: pre-LCI or LCI
LCI is BMW's term for the facelift. On the models below the grille shape or size changed at the facelift, and the product titles say which version each grille is for:
- 3 Series E90 / E91: separate pre-LCI and LCI grilles. A car built in 2008 could be either, so check before ordering.
- 3 Series E92 / E93: separate pre-LCI and LCI grilles.
- 3 Series G20 / G21: the LCI from 2022 has a different grille from the 2019 to 2022 cars. Our G20 LCI vs pre-LCI grille and headlight guide shows how to tell them apart.
- 5 Series G30 / G31: the LCI from 2020 has a larger grille.
- X1 F48: the LCI from mid-2019 has larger kidneys and a one-piece grille.
- X3 G01, X5 G05 and X7 G07: separate pre-LCI and LCI grilles for each.
If you are unsure which version you have, our LCI vs pre-LCI explainer covers the usual clues: headlight and tail light design, bumper shape and build date.
Step 3: cameras, ACC radar and air flaps
Newer BMWs can carry a front camera, an adaptive cruise control (ACC) radar or active air flaps in or behind the grille. Some aftermarket grilles leave room for these and some do not. For example, the G26 4 Series Gran Coupé kidney grilles with ACC cut-out are the version for cars with ACC and the 360 camera, and several G-series sets say "with or without camera". If your car has any of these options and the listing does not mention them, check the fitment table or send us a photo before ordering.
Model-by-model mapping
Prices are rounded and correct at the time of writing.
| Model and version | Grille to look at | What to check | From around |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Series E46 1998-2001 (saloon and 2-door) | E46 gloss black grille, 1998-2001 | Pre-facelift only; not M3 or Compact | €61 |
| 3 Series E46 2002-2005 saloon | E46 saloon double-slat grille | 4-door only; not coupé, convertible or Compact | €66 |
| 3 Series E90 / E91 pre-LCI | E90 / E91 pre-LCI double-slat grilles | 2005-2008 cars | €74 |
| 3 Series E90 / E91 LCI | E90 / E91 LCI grille set | Facelift saloon and Touring | €68 |
| 3 Series E92 pre-LCI | E92 pre-LCI double-slat grilles | Coupé, 2006-2010 | €65 |
| 3 Series E92 / E93 LCI | E92 / E93 LCI double-slat grilles | Coupé and convertible, 2010-2013 | €74 |
| 3 Series G20 pre-LCI | G20 pre-LCI diamond grilles | Tagged for G20 only | €74 |
| 3 Series G20 / G21 LCI | G20 / G21 LCI honeycomb grilles | 2022 on, with or without camera | €106 |
| 4 Series G26 Gran Coupé | G26 grilles with ACC cut-out | For cars with ACC and 360 camera | €189 |
| 5 Series G30 / G31 pre-LCI | G30 / G31 pre-LCI grilles | 2017-2020 only | €84 |
| 5 Series G30 / G31 LCI | G30 / G31 LCI grilles | 2020-2023, with or without camera | €88 |
| X1 F48 pre-LCI | X1 F48 double-line grille | 2015 to mid-2019 only | €79 |
| X1 F48 LCI | X1 F48 LCI one-piece grille | Mid-2019 on; check air flap clearance | €122 |
| X3 G01 pre-LCI | X3 G01 pre-LCI grilles | 2018-2021 | €74 |
| X3 G01 LCI | X3 G01 LCI grilles | 2021-2024, with or without camera | €106 |
| X5 G05 pre-LCI | X5 G05 pre-LCI double-slat grilles | 2019-2023, with or without camera | €97 |
| X5 G05 LCI | X5 G05 LCI grilles | 2023 on, with or without camera | €106 |
| X7 G07 pre-LCI | X7 G07 pre-LCI grille | 2019 to mid-2022; fits with adhesive tape | €191 |
| X7 G07 LCI | X7 G07 LCI grilles | 2022 on, with or without camera | €88 |
Not on the list? Many more models are covered, including the F30, F10, F20 and the M3 and M4. Browse your chassis collection, for example 3 Series F30 / F31, and filter by kidney grille.
Saloon vs coupé: the E46 and E92 trap
The E46 is the model where owners most often order the wrong grille. The 2002-2005 saloon grilles are stated for the 4-door only, not the coupé, convertible or Compact. For the earlier cars, the 1998-2001 E46 grille is listed for both the saloon and the 2-door, but not the M3. If you have a facelifted E46 coupé, ask us before ordering.
On the E9x, the coupé and convertible (E92 and E93) do not share a grille with the saloon and Touring (E90 and E91). Within the E92 family there is a second split at the facelift. The pre-LCI set we list is tagged for the E92 only, while the LCI set is tagged for both the E92 and E93. E93 owners with a pre-LCI car should check the fitment table on the product page.
Full replacement grille, overlay or trim strips
Most of the grilles above are full replacements: the original kidneys unclip and the new ones clip into the same mounts. That is the clean option, and it lets you choose the slat style. If you are torn between looks, our guide to single slat vs double slat kidney grilles compares the two.
Not every product works this way. The X7 G07 pre-LCI grille fits onto the standard grille opening with the supplied adhesive tape rather than replacing the grille underneath. Read the "Fitting" line on the product page so you know which type you are buying.
If you only want a splash of colour, trim strips are the cheapest route. The kidney grille colour strips slide onto the existing slats in about 5 to 10 minutes. They are tagged for a long list of F-series cars, including the F20, F21, F22, F23, F30, F31, F32, F10, F11 and F40, and come in a big tube and a small tube size; the product page says which size suits which model. They are fully reversible.
Fitting and buying checks
- Match the title and the fitment table, not the photo. Pre-LCI and LCI grilles can look alike in a photo but differ in size.
- Check the build date if your car sits near the facelift. A 2008 E90 or a 2019 X1 could be either version.
- Look for camera, ACC and air flap notes. If your car has a front camera or radar in the grille and the listing does not mention it, ask first.
- Test fit before final mounting. Keep the old grille until you are happy.
- Allow time and the right tools. Most listings quote 30 to 60 minutes with plastic trim tools and the bonnet open. Fitting instructions are often not included, so a professional fit is sensible if you have never removed a grille.
If a grille listed for your chassis and version does not fit, our fit guarantee explains what happens next.
FAQ
Will a pre-LCI kidney grille fit my LCI BMW?
On many models, no. The E90 / E91, E92 / E93, G20, G30 / G31, X1 F48, X3 G01, X5 G05 and X7 G07 each have separate pre-LCI and LCI grilles in our range. Buy the version that matches your car.
Do E46 saloon grilles fit the E46 coupé?
Not the 2002-2005 saloon grilles, which are stated for the 4-door only. The 1998-2001 grille we list is for both the saloon and 2-door, but not the M3. For a facelifted coupé, ask us before ordering.
My car has a front camera or ACC. Can I still change the grille?
Often yes, but pick a grille that allows for it. Several G-series sets say they suit cars with or without a camera, and the G26 set has an ACC cut-out. If the listing is silent on your option, check with us first.
Do I need coding after fitting a new kidney grille?
Our grille listings describe a clip-in mechanical swap and do not list coding as a step. If your car has a camera, radar or air flaps behind the grille, make sure they are clear of the new grille.