2013 BMW X6 Bumper & Kidney Grilles: A Guide to Part Numbers & Replacement

Kidney Grilles vs. Bumper Grille Inserts: A Critical Distinction

When discussing grilles on a 2013 BMW X6 (E71 chassis), it's important to distinguish between two separate parts. The upper kidney grilles are the iconic twin grilles set below the hood. The lower bumper grille inserts are the mesh or slatted panels located in the openings of the front bumper cover, often surrounding the fog lights. These parts are not interchangeable and have different part numbers and replacement procedures. Kidney grille part numbers typically begin with '5113', while bumper and bumper insert part numbers often start with '5111'.

Symptoms of Damaged or Failing Bumper Grilles

Failure of a bumper grille is always a visible, physical issue. There are no associated dashboard warning lights or fault codes.

• Visible Damage: The most common symptom is cracking, holes, or missing sections caused by impacts from road debris, rocks, or minor parking lot bumps.
• Loose Fit or Rattling: The plastic mounting tabs that hold the grille to the bumper cover can become brittle and break. When this happens, the grille may feel loose, vibrate, or rattle while driving. In severe cases, it can fall out completely.
• Fading and Discoloration: The black plastic used for many of the grilles is prone to fading over time due to sun and UV exposure. This can cause the finish to turn from a deep black to a chalky gray, detracting from the vehicle's appearance.

Buying a Used 2013 X6 Bumper Grille: What to Check

A used OEM grille can be an excellent value, often offering better fit and material quality than a cheap aftermarket alternative. However, careful inspection is crucial before buying.

1. Inspect All Mounting Tabs: This is the most critical checkpoint. Turn the grille over and carefully inspect every single mounting tab and clip. They should all be present and free of cracks. Even one broken tab can compromise the fit and lead to rattles. A seller's photo showing a damaged tab is a major red flag.
2. Check for Stress Cracks: Look for hairline cracks in the main body of the grille, especially around the tab locations and corners. These indicate the part has been stressed and may fail prematurely.
3. Verify the Correct Variant: The 2013 X6 was available with a standard bumper, an M Sport Aerodynamics package, and the full X6 M model. These bumpers have different shapes, and their corresponding lower grille inserts are not interchangeable. Match the visual style of the used grille to your exact vehicle trim. When in doubt, ask the seller for the part number and verify it fits your specific model.
4. Assess Fading: Compare the finish of the used part to your vehicle. A used OEM part from a low-mileage, garage-kept vehicle may have a better, deeper black finish than a brand-new, low-quality aftermarket part.

Replacement Difficulty & Procedure Overview

The difficulty of replacing a grille on the 2013 X6 depends entirely on which grille you are replacing.

Upper Kidney Grilles (Difficulty: 1/5)

Replacing the main kidney grilles is a very simple task that most owners can do in under 10 minutes. The grilles are held in by several clips that are accessible from behind once the hood is open. By carefully releasing these tabs with a trim tool or screwdriver, the old grille can be pushed out from the front of the bumper. The new grille simply snaps into place.

Lower Bumper Grille Inserts (Difficulty: 4/5)

Replacing the lower grille inserts is a much more involved job. The standard procedure requires the complete removal of the front bumper cover. This is because the grilles snap in from behind, and access is blocked by the radiator support and other components. While some forum users have reported success by only partially removing the bumper, the recommended method involves these general steps:

1. Remove screws in the wheel wells connecting the bumper to the fender liners.
2. Remove screws along the top edge of the bumper under the hood.
3. Remove screws on the underside of the bumper connecting it to the splash shield.
4. Carefully pull the sides of the bumper away from the vehicle to release the clips holding it to the fenders.
5. As you pull the bumper forward, disconnect any wiring for fog lights and parking sensors.
6. With the bumper cover removed and placed on a soft surface, you can access the tabs on the back of the lower grilles to remove and replace them.

Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs

There are no recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) specifically related to the bumper or kidney grilles on the 2013 BMW X6. However, owners should be aware of several important safety recalls for this vehicle:

• Airbag Inflators: Multiple recalls (NHTSA 20V-017, 19V-017, 18V-030, 16V-071) were issued for driver and passenger front airbag inflators that could rupture during deployment, causing serious injury.
• Front Driveshaft U-Joint: A recall (NHTSA 17V-138) was issued for a faulty front driveshaft universal joint that could fail, leading to a loss of drive to the front wheels and potentially causing further damage.
• Power Steering Leak: A recall (NHTSA 12V-267) addressed a potential power steering fluid leak that could pose a fire risk if the fluid contacted hot exhaust components.

It is crucial for any owner to check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) with the NHTSA or a BMW dealer to ensure these free safety repairs have been performed.

Cost Comparison for 2013 BMW X6 Grilles

OEM Part Numbers

Part numbers vary based on trim (Standard, M Sport) and finish (Chrome, Titan, Black). Always verify fitment with a VIN. The parts listed here are for the standard (non-M Sport) 2013 X6.