[ajchoi]

Originally Posted by BradMX5

Reminds me of this as well

Yes I was picturing this too, as well as those grilles you used to see people put on like their Explorers and that sized SUVs in the 2010s to match their big chrome wheels with like 255/10/23s

[Mr. Hankey]

Originally Posted by BradMX5

There a reason BMW added the "protection" to manuals but not the automatics?

The autos have the transmission cooler (I believe) in front of the actual radiator in that open area…so the tranny cooler catches all the flies and flying rocks first.

Like the frog said: “Times fun when you’re catching flies”

[sammytothe]

Originally Posted by T-Rexx

That would be great if you could mate!
For me Stradale is the most effective and attractive solution, I just don’t think I want to, or be capable enough to take the bumper off.
Hope you can get them in through the front!

I was not able to get them on through the front . I'll get them installed when I do the carbon fiber front ducts since you need to take the bumper off for those as well.

[Mhrob24]

I ordered the Zunsport full 5-piece radiator protection from IND distribution today. There’s a Labor Day sale and you can get $45 off. The shit is already coming tomorrow and I just chose the cheap ground shipping lol. I’d recommend them…

[T-Rexx]

Originally Posted by sammytothe

I was not able to get them on through the front . I'll get them installed when I do the carbon fiber front ducts since you need to take the bumper off for those as well.

Oh well, it is what it is I guess.
But thanks so much for remembering me and letting me know.
I will probably still get the stradale grills, but thanks to you I know I need to organise a body shop to do it.
Thanks again.

[ajchoi]

Originally Posted by sammytothe

I was not able to get them on through the front . I'll get them installed when I do the carbon fiber front ducts since you need to take the bumper off for those as well.

You gotta take the whole bumper off for those?!?! Thanks for that, I'm not buying them anytime soon then haha

[e92_enthusiast_1]

Originally Posted by sammytothe

I was not able to get them on through the front . I'll get them installed when I do the carbon fiber front ducts since you need to take the bumper off for those as well.

I saw Daily Downshift install the middle piece but they had to unclip/remove the black gloss section but after that it slipped behind w/o taking off the bumper. The air duct one's probably do need whole bumper to come off though.

[sammytothe]

Originally Posted by e92_enthusiast_1

I saw Daily Downshift install the middle piece but they had to unclip/remove the black gloss section but after that it slipped behind w/o taking off the bumper. The air duct one's probably do need whole bumper to come off though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExMbC7Znzqk

Yeah the middle one I have installed already and didn’t need the bumper removal. The 2 side ducts I think you definitely do it’s very tight. I’m not sure how someone was able to get them in without removing the bumper.

[sammytothe]

Originally Posted by ajchoi

You gotta take the whole bumper off for those?!?! Thanks for that, I'm not buying them anytime soon then haha

Yeah the only aftermarket ducts that don’t need the bumper removal are from INDIV, I think they just stick onto the stock ones.

[whatthehuck]

Originally Posted by BradMX5

Reminds me of this as well

God I miss 90's body kits.

Anyway, thanks to all the info here I ended up going with Stradale Design. I'll slap it on when it gets here and snap some pics. Question for you all, is there any way or any tool to re-straighten the fins that have been bent on the radiator/HE? I'm sure it hasn't reduced effectiveness for cooling purposes, I'd wanna do it more cause I hate the way it looks damaged.

[TallGibbs]

whatthehuck have you tried just a flat head screwdriver and prying them back to straight? They are generally thin, flexible aluminum. Just be careful not to snap them.

[aerobod]

Originally Posted by whatthehuck

God I miss 90's body kits.

Anyway, thanks to all the info here I ended up going with Stradale Design. I'll slap it on when it gets here and snap some pics. Question for you all, is there any way or any tool to re-straighten the fins that have been bent on the radiator/HE? I'm sure it hasn't reduced effectiveness for cooling purposes, I'd wanna do it more cause I hate the way it looks damaged.

There are tools that are used for straightening fins on air conditioning units, such as this: https://www.homedepot.ca/product/div...omb/1001415537, it may be easier just using an appropriately sized screwdriver for a small area, though.

[TallGibbs]

I’m starting to see that I like the way you think aerobod on several of these topics 😀

[whatthehuck]

Originally Posted by TallGibbs

whatthehuck have you tried just a flat head screwdriver and prying them back to straight? They are generally thin, flexible aluminum. Just be careful not to snap them.

Originally Posted by aerobod

There are tools that are used for straightening fins on air conditioning units, such as this: https://www.homedepot.ca/product/div...omb/1001415537, it may be easier just using an appropriately sized screwdriver for a small area, though.

thanks gentlemen. I should have just asked the Google machine myself but I figured in a place with so many car guys someone might know lol. I can tear a whole car apart and I'm just now realizing I've never heard of fixing the fins on a radiator lol.

[yash27]

Originally Posted by JABCAT

Any of the options will work. I like that the ZunSport grille is in front of my ACC sensor protecting it. I imagine it's probably expensive if it were to get hit by a rock or debris.

Do you notice the ACC still working normally with the grille in front of it? I'd imagine a metal grille in front of a radar device may cause an interference.

[DSTR]

Originally Posted by yash27

Do you notice the ACC still working normally with the grille in front of it? I'd imagine a metal grille in front of a radar device may cause an interference.

Zero reports of any temp or accessory systems not working with the Zunsport so far.

[JABCAT]

Originally Posted by yash27

Do you notice the ACC still working normally with the grille in front of it? I'd imagine a metal grille in front of a radar device may cause an interference.

ACC works as it should. Use it nearly every weekend on my 250 mi one-way commute.

[suncasty]

Originally Posted by yash27

Do you notice the ACC still working normally with the grille in front of it? I'd imagine a metal grille in front of a radar device may cause an interference.

I emailed Zunsport before purchase. The office manager confirmed it does not interfere the ACC sensor.