Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

UK forum for general and technical discussion about the Z3 roadster
Post Reply
russg84
Joined: Fri 21 Feb, 2014 14:14
Posts: 54

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by russg84 »

I've been on the hunt for these for a while to fit to my atlanta blue z3. I've managed to source a pair for a good price.
I'm torn between them looking really good and a little bit tacky in some cases. I think it is down to both personal taste and the colour of the car.
Whats everyone opinion? And ideally if someone has a zed in atlanta blue, I'd love to see a pic with them fitted (or any other colour for that matter)
Cheers
Russ
Last edited by russg84 on Mon 12 May, 2014 20:18, edited 1 time in total.
russg84
Joined: Fri 21 Feb, 2014 14:14
Posts: 54

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Chrome bonnet grills? (Opinions)

Post by russg84 »

and here is a picture of it currently (minus the chrome grills):
Image
User avatar
Titan
Joined: Fri 01 Apr, 2005 20:20
Posts: 4002

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: North Yorkshire

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by Titan »

I've always liked chrome gills. Others hate them.
If you like them, that's all that really matters.
Image :devil:
Rafolian
Joined: Wed 27 Feb, 2013 08:41
Posts: 547

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by Rafolian »

As already been said, it's all down to personal taste. Personally way too tacky for me though!
metalmickey
Joined: Sun 23 Feb, 2014 12:30
Posts: 32

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by metalmickey »

Hi Russ
Saw my twin last week, well almost. It had chrome gills and it did not look quite right. I have a Z3 Orinico SE (Deep Green) and it has chrome wind screen trim and door handles but I still prefer it without the chrome on the gills.
As you say it is personal but presumably you can try them and take them off if they don't suit the car or your taste.
Metal Mickey (Mike)
metalmickey
Joined: Sun 23 Feb, 2014 12:30
Posts: 32

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by metalmickey »

Hello again
Just realised what it is. Too much chrome for me but could work on your model with the black trim.
Mike
Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
Posts: 2136

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by Del »

This is a very subjective/personal taste thing :D . Personally, I dislike the side chrome gills on any colour car. With regard to the front chrome kidney grills - they look OK on some colours, but I prefer either OE of a contemporary matt black or carbon fibre. :D
User avatar
Davejue1
Joined: Sun 22 Sep, 2013 07:25
Posts: 1249

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Mansfield

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by Davejue1 »

I mirror what Del says in relation to personal taste. Everyone has difference tastes and I think it is important to have you zed as you see fit. I personally think you have one of the best colours and adding chrome would detract from it so (IMHO) I'd leave it as it is. :)

Cheers
Dave
Image

"Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional!"
User avatar
Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
Posts: 6436

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by Southernboy »

.....personally, I think having the exterior door handles colour coded to the body colour is a better idea... The chrome side gills are OK too... Perhaps have a set of each, and if the fancy takes you, you can mix and match... Why must it be either or... :wink:
"Normal is overrated"
Image

Z3 Upgrades and Additions
bertiejaffa
Joined: Fri 26 Jul, 2013 09:28
Posts: 1733

  M roadster S50
Location: Manchester

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by bertiejaffa »

As people say, each to their own - the fact you are questioning it maybe an answer,


However me personally, I have chrome kidney and side grills on my 2.0l and I hunk they look great, especially with the new headlights, I think it really modernises the car. Plus when I was looking for the car originally 2 years ago, chrome grills were on my wish list.

I think they look good on your colour car too.

Personally, I prefer the chrome ones even over the m grills
Here come the girls.....
Image
My //M Refurb
My First Zed Journal
User avatar
lightning
Joined: Tue 27 Nov, 2007 08:15
Posts: 818

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Stockport

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by lightning »

I fitted chrome side grilles on my sikver 2.8 and they looked great.

I am getting a blue 3.0 and l think on that colour they would not look as good, so l won't be trying to find some.
User avatar
BonBon
Joined: Tue 08 Jan, 2008 21:10
Posts: 1227

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by BonBon »

Just to throw a spanner in the works :D
I feel the same about the chrome but felt I needed a bit extra. My first step was to paint the expanded metal mesh in my Montreal Blue gills to silver. Small touch but it makes a tremendous difference.
The latest iteration was to go half way and go for Arctic Silver gills. Looks quite nice and not as "in your face" as Chrome. I'll stick with them for a while. (pic below)
Image
Image
Image
Last edited by BonBon on Thu 15 May, 2014 13:18, edited 2 times in total.
User avatar
Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
Posts: 6436

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by Southernboy »

........ I like that.. :wink:
"Normal is overrated"
Image

Z3 Upgrades and Additions
User avatar
BladeRunner919
Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
Posts: 2225

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by BladeRunner919 »

I'm not a fan of silver grilles, but I must say the Arctic Silver looks a million times better than the chrome.
russg84
Joined: Fri 21 Feb, 2014 14:14
Posts: 54

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by russg84 »

As expected, some VERY mixed opinions. I'm no further in deciding whether they will look any better :dunce:

I have bought the chrome gills anyway as they were at a good price and if they aren't to my taste then I should easily get a return on what I spent on them. They should be with me this weekend, so once I've fitted them, I'll take some pictures and post them so we have a bit more of a visual representative. The few pics that I have seen of chrome gills on atlantic blue, looks pretty good.

BonBon - I'm liking them in arctic silver A LOT. This might be might plan b if Im not keen on the chrome look.

Thanks for all the feedback guys, very helpful :wink:
russg84
Joined: Fri 21 Feb, 2014 14:14
Posts: 54

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by russg84 »

Found an example of atlanta blue with the chrome. Apologies for the poor quality pic
Image
User avatar
BonBon
Joined: Tue 08 Jan, 2008 21:10
Posts: 1227

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by BonBon »

If the mesh is not really "black" I recommend removing it from the gill and giving it a quick once over in matt black.
gookah
Z Register member
Joined: Thu 07 Aug, 2008 09:51
Posts: 2737

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by gookah »

I love them
I hate them

there ya go, every opinion you could expect :D


just fit to one side ....then you can have best of both worlds
Image

Z3 2.8 Progress Journal (Mine)
Z3 1.9 Sport Progress Journal (Wifey's)

I have an element of 'M-styling' on my car, If that's a good enough reason for the manufacturers to adorn a 320 with the M badge, then its certainly a good enough reason for me..
User avatar
akirk
Joined: Fri 20 Apr, 2012 08:11
Posts: 122

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by akirk »

gookah wrote:I love them
I hate them

there ya go, every opinion you could expect :D


just fit to one side ....then you can have best of both worlds

nah... ;)

I love them
I hate them
I am not sure...

:D

Alasdair
User avatar
sirius-c
Joined: Wed 12 Dec, 2012 22:24
Posts: 499

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Eeh ba gum lad, 'ow do?

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by sirius-c »

russg84 wrote:Found an example of atlanta blue with the chrome. Apologies for the poor quality pic
Image
Ew! Tacky if you ask me, but then that's just my opinion.

Sent from my Hudl HT7S3 using Tapatalk
Designed or not designed, that is the question.
User avatar
mwpe
Joined: Wed 05 May, 2010 17:55
Posts: 183

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Camberley

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by mwpe »

It is very much a case of personal opinion, before I bought my Zed, I definitely didn't like the chrome ones but the car I found which was perfect in every other way had them. I soon got used to them and quite liked them but still was not sure so I bought another pair and painted them to match the car. I now have the choice but I am still not sure :head:

Image
Image
gookah
Z Register member
Joined: Thu 07 Aug, 2008 09:51
Posts: 2737

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by gookah »

My opinion is that the side gills are a defining feature of the Z3, and so should be highlighted as such, whether in chrome or a contrasting colour.
The first generation Z4 missed out this feature, but they introduced it again to a degree on the current Z4..
Image

Z3 2.8 Progress Journal (Mine)
Z3 1.9 Sport Progress Journal (Wifey's)

I have an element of 'M-styling' on my car, If that's a good enough reason for the manufacturers to adorn a 320 with the M badge, then its certainly a good enough reason for me..
t-tony
Joined: Sun 21 Feb, 2010 23:17
Posts: 353

  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: torksey lock

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by t-tony »

My car is Oxford Green and has the M tec pack all the chrome goodies including chrome gills which I think look great on my car. Not the screen surround tho thankfully, I don't rate them, again just my personal taste. This what makes all our cars as individual as they are and long may it continue to do so. :)
"Knowledge and experience are not always the same"
t-tony
Joined: Sun 21 Feb, 2010 23:17
Posts: 353

  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: torksey lock

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by t-tony »

Ps almost forgot, whilst I've been in Florida I bought some chrome replacement bonnet grilles to fit when I get home these will add the finishing touch I hope.these are slightly different shape from the original ones, slightly wider to look more like the Z4 type of style. We shall see.
"Knowledge and experience are not always the same"
russg84
Joined: Fri 21 Feb, 2014 14:14
Posts: 54

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by russg84 »

Right the results are in gents. Much debate about this and ultimately, it is entirely down to personal taste.
I think (rightly or wrongly) there are a lot of people out there who will only retain the original design of their zeds and there are equally as many who like to experiment and laugh in the face of conformity, with sometimes disastrous results :lol:
Neverthless, I think I'm sold on the chrome gills.....for now anyway :wink: this is likely to change. My tastes change as regular as the british weather :roll:
BEFORE
Image

AFTER
Image
User avatar
Captain
Joined: Thu 28 Jun, 2012 06:43
Posts: 520

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Durban

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by Captain »

I think they suit the look of your car, as has been said it's a personal choice :)
ImageImage
User avatar
g8jka
Z Register member
Joined: Sun 18 Apr, 2010 21:16
Posts: 1149

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Telford

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by g8jka »

I like them and have changed to chrome on mine. Only thing I didn't like about them was the silver mesh that's visible through the inserts. I took the mesh out and sprayed it matt black which I think looks much better and contrasts against the chrome.

Image
2000 BMW Z3 2.8 Titanium Silver Roadster with too many mods to list :-D :drive
Image
Click For 2.0 Progress Journal
Click For 2.8 Progress Journal
User avatar
sirius-c
Joined: Wed 12 Dec, 2012 22:24
Posts: 499

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Eeh ba gum lad, 'ow do?

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by sirius-c »

have you got a full length side shot g8jka?
Designed or not designed, that is the question.
User avatar
Titan
Joined: Fri 01 Apr, 2005 20:20
Posts: 4002

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: North Yorkshire

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by Titan »

Just found these old pics on my Flickr account

Image


Image
Image :devil:
User avatar
lightning
Joined: Tue 27 Nov, 2007 08:15
Posts: 818

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Stockport

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by lightning »

The chrome does look good on the silver Z3.

Not sure about my Topaz Blue one though.
I might have to buy a set and try them. Looks like they cost nearly £150 though, so it will be an expensive gamble.
User avatar
lightning
Joined: Tue 27 Nov, 2007 08:15
Posts: 818

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Stockport

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by lightning »

If anybody has a set that they don't want, l will buy them.

As my other option is £131 from BMW and six weeks wait for new stock.
So l will pay a good price for a mint pair, new or used.
User avatar
BladeRunner919
Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
Posts: 2225

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by BladeRunner919 »

Why not try some chrome vinyl wrap first to see if you like the look? If you do, buy the real thing, if not you'll only have spent a few quid.
User avatar
lightning
Joined: Tue 27 Nov, 2007 08:15
Posts: 818

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Stockport

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by lightning »

I never thought of that!

I have ordered a set from BMW now, but if l don't like them l can always sell them, the supplier on ebay sells them for nearly £150 and they are sold out.
So l should get my £130 back, or near enough anyway.
User avatar
BonBon
Joined: Tue 08 Jan, 2008 21:10
Posts: 1227

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Chrome kidney/side grills? (Opinions)

Post by BonBon »

Post Reply