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F21 Kidney Grill

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iDavidson2 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote iDavidson2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: F21 Kidney Grill
    Posted: 03 May 2017 at 10:57pm
Hi Guys,
This is my first post and I am looking to get some answers.
I have a 2016 118 1 Series. People refer to E & F models so I need to know if mine is a F21 or not?
My second question is I would like to change my crome kidney grill to a black one and just wondering if this is easy to do or needs a professional.
Thanks in advance for your answers.
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PDJT View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote PDJT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 May 2017 at 3:09am
Hello Davidson... and welcome to the club! Thumbs Up
 
Those model codes are a bit complicated on first encounter (maybe even 2nd and 3rd too!). Been there!
 
Your 2016 1 Series is either a F20 or F21, the former for 5 door versions, the latter for 3 doors.
 
Here is a link to a listing of all BMW model codes including Mini and Rolls Royce codes.
http://www.bmwarchive.org/e-code/

In some places you might see it written as F20 LCI or F21 LCI. You may know about this already so skip this bit if that's the case. The life cycle of most modern BMW models last for seven years. In the middle of the seven years, there is a mid-cycle "refresh" where some minor changes are made to give the model a bit of a sales boost and keep interest going. Also known as faceliftd.

The differences in this "refresh" vary from model to model. The individual models and codes listed in the archive noted above can then be individually drilled down to give the details of features, equipment etc in the original and three years later, the "refresh" model.

These refreshed mid-cycle models as known as LCI models - Life Cycle Impulse. (I think in Germany, the term may be 'MUE' - as listed on the model listing shown above.) My nephew has just bought a 14 Reg 5 Series Touring (F11 LCI), which has the code F11. However, he was briefed about the fact that F11 models started their life cycle in 2011, but got their LCI from mid/late 2013. Consequently he knew to look for a 2014 model as he wanted an LCI model, in part because when he comes to sell on, LCI models are sometimes favourites as to some, they indicate is more " up to date".

So just to sum this bit up, depending on the number of doors your car has, it will be either a F20 LCI or F21 LCI.
 
Hope that helps a bit.

Finally, you asked about changing over your kidney grills. Not done this myself, but looking at these photos of the correct items on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-F20-1-SERIES-2010-5-DOOR-SPORT-MATTE-BLACK-FRONT-KIDNEY-GRILLES-GRILLS-Z1864-/261482017621?fits=Car+Make%3ABMW%7CModel%3A1+Series&hash=item3ce18af355:g:6OQAAOxyV85R1u~Q , it appears there are just simple plastic lug clips - three at the top and three at the bottom, plus one at one side. Please see this link for product photos that can be enlarged to see the detail. Incidentally, I note that some suppliers recommend that the grills are fitted "professionally", whilst others say it can be an owner job.  I suggest a good close look first!

Hope a little/some/most/of the above has been of use.

Best wishes

Peter


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iDavidson2 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote iDavidson2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 May 2017 at 9:44pm
Hi Peter,
Thank you so much for your reply. You educated me in both areas and I now understand the LCI I have sporadically seen. So I have an F21 LCI & I am eager to get the Kidneys transplanted, so I can do that with confidence now.
Maybe see you on a meet one day & Clear Roads!
D2
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote PDJT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 May 2017 at 12:19am
Thanks, D2. Delighted to help and share.

You might find this link interesting (but then again, you might not!):
http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=901686
Anyway, it's a regularly updated thread that an American guy writes which pools lots of gathered/leaked info on planned timings for new models, LCI models, and End of Production dates for current models. I've looked at it over a period of time now, and although the info naturally has an American focus, I still find it interesting to see the future plans, models etc. Of course, not on tablets of stone, but from what I've seen, fairly accurate in general.

If you have a chance to look at the thread in the link, then I think you'll find it good exercise for your newly-acquired model codes knowledge. You do know that you have to learn the full list by heart, including relevant engine numbers, in time for your first meeting/event/run. There, your Regional Chair will give you the standard new member initiative test. As long as you know the codes etc., then it will be a breeze. Mostly multiple choice questions, but always a few trick ones too.Wink

Let us know how you get on with the kidney transplant. (V witty!) Go gently and explore carefully how to get those clips/lugs released!

Cheers

Peter

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