Staw Poll, Need Your Advice M Gills

R80TER · Post by **R80TER** » Mon 05 Jun, 2006 10:34

Like your thinking, M Gills, with the M removed and smoothed over will look very good. much better than the chrome jobs that wouldn't look great on a silver car IMHO.

get some pics up when you have done it!!

djrobbier · Post by **djrobbier** » Mon 05 Jun, 2006 10:54

Ok, I may have got my hands on some M Gills. However I have a 1.9, so obviously not an M Car. The gills look well smart, so if I were to purchase them and debadge the M part would I still be cheating? My intention is never to make the car something it is not, however they do look sexy! If it also helps, the colour is titan silver. So quick sharp and get your votes in!

oakley6691 · Post by **oakley6691** » Mon 05 Jun, 2006 11:00

i haven't got an M, but i have seen these on a non M car and they look awesome...i'd fit them !!!!!!!!!!

djrobbier · Post by **djrobbier** » Mon 05 Jun, 2006 11:09

R80TER wrote:Like your thinking, M Gills, with the M removed and smoothed over will look very good. much better than the chrome jobs that wouldn't look great on a silver car IMHO.

get some pics up when you have done it!!

well I have to make a definite purchase first, but positive reaction so far!

Alfie · Post by **Alfie** » Mon 05 Jun, 2006 11:14

Don't want to be a spoil-sport, but....even with the ///M badge removed, you're still 'pinching' one of the strongest visual definitions of the ///M Roadster and putting it on a car that isn't.

The 'standard' gills are lovely, and suit the lines of the Zed so well, I can't imagine why you would want to change them. They form the most defining and unique lines on the Zed and (although they take their influence from '50s styling) have been exclusively responsible for the boom in side gills and trim across so many recent brands right through to Range Rover.

There are a million-and-one superb and classy mods you could do before nicking bits from other models, so sorry to P on your chips, but I voted 'no'.

When I was very young, I fancied swopping the front grill on my Escort which had 5 bars, to one from an Orion which had 3 bars..... Thankfully I didn't bother.

A.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon 05 Jun, 2006 11:44

If you like it then do it. Its your car after all!

djrobbier · Post by **djrobbier** » Mon 05 Jun, 2006 11:54

Alfie wrote:Don't want to be a spoil-sport, but....even with the ///M badge removed, you're still 'pinching' one of the strongest visual definitions of the ///M Roadster and putting it on a car that isn't.

The 'standard' gills are lovely, and suit the lines of the Zed so well, I can't imagine why you would want to change them. They form the most defining and unique lines on the Zed and (although they take their influence from '50s styling) have been exclusively responsible for the boom in side gills and trim across so many recent brands right through to Range Rover.

There are a million-and-one superb and classy mods you could do before nicking bits from other models, so sorry to P on your chips, but I voted 'no'.

well you opinion is appreciated nonetheless. I'm still considering if I am going to do it, although I would be slightly swaying to yes-ish. unless there is a backlash on the forum!

When I was very young, I fancied swopping the front grill on my Escort which had 5 bars, to one from an Orion which had 3 bars..... Thankfully I didn't bother.

A.

AussieZ3 · Post by **AussieZ3** » Mon 05 Jun, 2006 12:10

Kiwi has already done this a while back.
See pics here
viewtopic.php?t=6470&highlight=

I think it came out looking pretty good.
However, if it were my car I wouldn't do it. Hell, I once thought about swapping out my M gills from time to time for Z3 gills! The grass is always greener....

Its a personal thing though. I guess with the M badge deleted its not as bad, however, unless a close inspection is carried out, at a glance it will seem as though you are an imposter (sorry).
Not as bad as the countless 318i's that I see every day with M badges on them though.

Even worse there is a guy over here with a 1.9 that has M gills, an M badge on the back, and personalised plates saying M Roadster. Now this I have a real issue with.

But I digress...

Devon Z · Post by **Devon Z** » Mon 05 Jun, 2006 12:11

I have them, bought off this forum about 2 years ago with the badges removed, just had to fill the resesses in. I was just looking to remove the BMW badges as there's just so many on the car, I'm now thinking of removing the BMW badges from the standard gills

Gazza · Post by **Gazza** » Mon 05 Jun, 2006 12:12

I have M gills on my 2.8 and think they are much better looking than the standard type.

Just having M gills does not make it a copy, there are numerous visible differences on a M - no front foglights, different front spoiler, four exhausts, rear number plate position, int. mirror, int styling to name a few.

Gazza.

AussieZ3 · Post by **AussieZ3** » Mon 05 Jun, 2006 12:23

By the way, what is a staw poll??

Paul.Stuhlfelder · Post by **Paul.Stuhlfelder** » Mon 05 Jun, 2006 12:30

One one hand, I do like them, as I'm not a massive fan of the standard grills. So on that side of the coin I'd say yes (M badge removed of course) on the flipside, I also agree with Alfie, its an M thing, specifically for the M car...

tough call, but in the end its your car. You could put some wood veneer there, and give some members heart attacks, but if it was what you wanted, who could really stop you?

spokey · Post by **spokey** » Mon 05 Jun, 2006 12:54

djrobbier wrote:
AussieZ3 wrote:By the way, what is a staw poll??
just a turn of phrase, used in the context of getting a quick answer for a question to summarise.

And what is a straw poll, then?

djrobbier · Post by **djrobbier** » Mon 05 Jun, 2006 13:01

AussieZ3 wrote:By the way, what is a staw poll??

just a turn of phrase, used in the context of getting a quick answer for a question to summarise.

djrobbier · Post by **djrobbier** » Mon 05 Jun, 2006 13:05

I must admit it is tough not 'M'ing a non M car too much, especially when you consider that the steering wheel and my gear knob are m'ed, but that is an option. I haven't decided yet, but keep the opinion coming!

Gazza · Post by **Gazza** » Mon 05 Jun, 2006 13:51

AussieZ3 wrote:By the way, what is a staw poll??

Using bits of straw in ye olde days to cast your vote

Gazza.

djrobbier · Post by **djrobbier** » Mon 05 Jun, 2006 13:57

garythefish wrote:
AussieZ3 wrote:By the way, what is a staw poll??
Using bits of straw in ye olde days to cast your vote

Gazza.

also true!

BartS · Post by **BartS** » Mon 05 Jun, 2006 14:33

of course you can

wanna bet the the 8 people who voted "no" so far, are all ///M owners...

its your car and you can do with it what YOU feel right, and not what others feel is right!

BartS · Post by **BartS** » Mon 05 Jun, 2006 14:36

Alfie wrote:D
The 'standard' gills are lovely, and suit the lines of the Zed so well, I can't imagine why you would want to change them.

A.

well if you like them so much Alfie, I expect that next time around you have changed your ///M gills to Z gills as they suit the Zed so well

or is you Zed no longer a Zed?

oakley6691 · Post by **oakley6691** » Mon 05 Jun, 2006 15:07

BartS wrote:of course you can

its your car and you can do with it what YOU feel right, and not what others feel is right!

i'd have to agree with the above......if i could find a set for the right money i wouldn't hesitate.

Alex L · Post by **Alex L** » Mon 05 Jun, 2006 16:58

I like them, so long as the ///M has been removed. They look good on Gary's car.

Giles · Post by **Giles** » Mon 05 Jun, 2006 19:14

AussieZ3 wrote:By the way, what is a staw poll??

It's what you'll find in a Corn Dolly's strip joint

SilverZ3 · Post by **SilverZ3** » Mon 05 Jun, 2006 22:02

I too agree that M gills look better as i am looking for a pair myself as i too have a silver Z and chrome ones dont look right at all.
I do agree with removing the M badge as after all my cars not an M.

The only other thought iv had so far is to remove the indicator from its postion and fit the gill with a Z4 side repeater in place of the orignal BMW badge.

Alfie · Post by **Alfie** » Mon 05 Jun, 2006 22:16

BartS wrote:
Alfie wrote:D
The 'standard' gills are lovely, and suit the lines of the Zed so well, I can't imagine why you would want to change them.

A.
well if you like them so much Alfie, I expect that next time around you have changed your ///M gills to Z gills as they suit the Zed so well

or is you Zed no longer a Zed?

Did I miss the point or did the original post ask for opinions?

A.

John Boy · Post by **John Boy** » Tue 06 Jun, 2006 06:26

BartS wrote:wanna bet the the 8 people who voted "no" so far, are all ///M owners...

Bart, I understand your thinking, however I voted NO, as IMO the ///M Gills are for ///M cars.

///M_aniac · Post by **///M_aniac** » Tue 06 Jun, 2006 07:28

Personally, I think the ///M gills should be reserved for ///M cars.

I watched with horror as E36 ///M3 wing mirrors were placed on other E36 coupes, and then copied by other manufacturers for corsas and 206s, etc.

The standard gills are great as they are.

Just my 2 pence worth.

C

Paul.Stuhlfelder · Post by **Paul.Stuhlfelder** » Tue 06 Jun, 2006 07:39

BartS wrote:wanna bet the the 8 people who voted "no" so far, are all ///M owners...

I've not voted at all, because on one hand he can do what he wants, but on the other hand, I also believe they're "M bits"

djrobbier · Post by **djrobbier** » Tue 06 Jun, 2006 08:31

it's very close and I thank you all for your opinions, to be honest I am now further down the line than I was when I started the poll. I do have the respect for certain 'M' parts and would never start badging the car as M, without having the beef to match it up. But as for the gills, well the main factor for me is that they look very good indeed. I may just as well purchase the gills and see what I think...

flyingalexf68 · Post by **flyingalexf68** » Tue 06 Jun, 2006 09:38

IMO the four exhaust pipes makes the M car. Look at all the M kits for other BMW's. Like the 316i with M styling. Or the 520i M5 lookalike. They have everything but the four pipes. I'd buy the gills if I were you. Just DON'T buy the quad pipe conversion.

Alfie · Post by **Alfie** » Tue 06 Jun, 2006 09:38

I get the impression that you're buying the gills secondhand?

I heard that if you want to buy dedicated ///M trim from BMW then you have to provide a chassis number for a relevant ///M car and supply proof of ownership.

I'd be interested if anyone can confirm or deny this.

A.

flyingalexf68 · Post by **flyingalexf68** » Tue 06 Jun, 2006 09:42

Thats not fair. What if you wanted to buy a birthday present for an M owner? Do you ring your mate and ask for his chassis number? Hardly a surprise then is it?

oakley6691 · Post by **oakley6691** » Tue 06 Jun, 2006 10:31

Alfie wrote:I get the impression that you're buying the gills secondhand?

I heard that if you want to buy dedicated ///M trim from BMW then you have to provide a chassis number for a relevant ///M car and supply proof of ownership.

I'd be interested if anyone can confirm or deny this.

A.

Just spoken to mate (Parts Manger at the local BMW dealer), he said you need a chassis number to verify the type of grill that's needed, but you don't need proof of ownership, but he also said there are dealers selling without the chassis number.

djrobbier · Post by **djrobbier** » Tue 06 Jun, 2006 11:20

well part of the reason i'm willing to take a punt is i may get them for a steal. Though incdientally anyone know how much they go for at a dealer? I must admit this has to be one of the most contentious debates ever, there is nothing in the voting! I do have an alternative however, that is non M and I may be more inclined to do this now, involving the front bumper.....

oakley6691 · Post by **oakley6691** » Tue 06 Jun, 2006 11:35

djrobbier wrote:Though incidentally anyone know how much they go for at a dealer?

I will be able to find out tomorrow, my mates on half day today.....i'll try and remember and post it here.

djrobbier · Post by **djrobbier** » Tue 06 Jun, 2006 12:05

oakley6691 wrote:
djrobbier wrote:Though incidentally anyone know how much they go for at a dealer?

I will be able to find out tomorrow, my mates on half day today.....i'll try and remember and post it here.

you're a scholar and a gentleman

BartS · Post by **BartS** » Tue 06 Jun, 2006 15:43

Alfie wrote:I get the impression that you're buying the gills secondhand?

I heard that if you want to buy dedicated ///M trim from BMW then you have to provide a chassis number for a relevant ///M car and supply proof of ownership.

I'd be interested if anyone can confirm or deny this.

A.

I think you are right, apparently Stu had to do the same to get the "S" badge for his zed as he was asked to quote VIN number of a Cooper S.

anyhow they are easy to come by, just pop into your local dealer and look under the bonnet of one of the showroom cars... that is how Stu did it for his "s" badge and it worked.

I think most dealers are not even that anal about it and sell it to you even without query

AussieZ3 · Post by **AussieZ3** » Wed 07 Jun, 2006 00:59

Over here everything M can be bought no questions asked except the ///M badge at the back. Proof of ownership is required, and a VIN must accompany the order.
Furthermore only one a year may be ordered.

MontyBlue · Post by **MontyBlue** » Wed 07 Jun, 2006 01:26

Hi ive just got a 1.9 and lots of people have told me to get the chrome gills, however I have decided not to, as the original gills suit the style of car much more and are more subtle. I also would not have carbon interior for a similar reason. However the addition of chrome rings on the interior will work as well as replacing my black plastic with wood. What Im saying is that for me the materials should be sympathetic to the style of the car. When i can afford it and prices drop (probably never) I will sell my 1.9 and go for an M. Then I can have the chrome on the outside knowing that it was designed like that.
However the main point is that when it comes down to it its you driving the the car and if it makes you smile when you approach the car then do it! I have not stopped smiling since i bought it about a month ago

djrobbier · Post by **djrobbier** » Wed 07 Jun, 2006 10:41

oakley6691 wrote:Right, the price for each ///M Gill is £257+VAT = £301.98 EACH !!!!!! and there is a huge back order waiting list on them.

So i'd get them second hand if you can

oh my giddy aunt! That is a horrific price! I have half a mind to snap them up anyway, maybe even to peddle on! Thanks for enquiring mate, much appreciated!

oakley6691 · Post by **oakley6691** » Wed 07 Jun, 2006 11:04

Right, the price for each ///M Gill is £257+VAT = £301.98 EACH !!!!!! and there is a huge back order waiting list on them.

So i'd get them second hand if you can

oakley6691 · Post by **oakley6691** » Wed 07 Jun, 2006 11:28

djrobbier wrote:
oakley6691 wrote:Right, the price for each ///M Gill is £257+VAT = £301.98 EACH !!!!!! and there is a huge back order waiting list on them.

So i'd get them second hand if you can
oh my giddy aunt! That is a horrific price! I have half a mind to snap them up anyway, maybe even to peddle on! Thanks for enquiring mate, much appreciated!

I'm hoping an ex employee from the local BMW dealer still has a set he confiscated

of a write off several years ago, he replaced them with the wrong colour standard ones, when the car was collected to be broken for spares no one noticed or didn't care. He's going to see if he still has them.

djrobbier · Post by **djrobbier** » Wed 07 Jun, 2006 13:43

oakley6691 wrote:
djrobbier wrote:
oakley6691 wrote:Right, the price for each ///M Gill is £257+VAT = £301.98 EACH !!!!!! and there is a huge back order waiting list on them.

So i'd get them second hand if you can
oh my giddy aunt! That is a horrific price! I have half a mind to snap them up anyway, maybe even to peddle on! Thanks for enquiring mate, much appreciated!
I'm hoping an ex employee from the local BMW dealer still has a set he confiscated of a write off several years ago, he replaced them with the wrong colour standard ones, when the car was collected to be broken for spares no one noticed or didn't care. He's going to see if he still has them.

ah, the joys of working in a car dealership. My friend used to work for merc and used to 'acquire' all sorts from AMG wheels to radios. He was very skilfull at viewing what was coming in wrecked/damaged and manipulating the stock, a very sneaky character. If only he worked in BMW!

oakley6691 · Post by **oakley6691** » Wed 07 Jun, 2006 14:20

ah, the joys of working in a car dealership. My friend used to work for merc and used to 'acquire' all sorts from AMG wheels to radios. He was very skilfull at viewing what was coming in wrecked/damaged and manipulating the stock, a very sneaky character. If only he worked in BMW!

To be fair to this guy he always asked the boss before he swapped anything....it was more than his job was worth

stussy · Post by **stussy** » Wed 07 Jun, 2006 20:32

I fitted m gills and an M bumper, the M looks more aggressive but i cant afford to run an M every day and i only do 70 mph on the motorway so this way it looks a little more aggressive but its cheaper to run, I love it and that`s all that matters.

oakley6691 · Post by **oakley6691** » Wed 07 Jun, 2006 21:09

stussy wrote:I fitted m gills and an M bumper, the M looks more aggressive but i cant afford to run an M every day and i only do 70 mph on the motorway so this way it looks a little more aggressive but its cheaper to run, I love it and that`s all that matters.

could u post a pic

djrobbier · Post by **djrobbier** » Thu 08 Jun, 2006 07:57

oakley6691 wrote:
ah, the joys of working in a car dealership. My friend used to work for merc and used to 'acquire' all sorts from AMG wheels to radios. He was very skilfull at viewing what was coming in wrecked/damaged and manipulating the stock, a very sneaky character. If only he worked in BMW!
To be fair to this guy he always asked the boss before he swapped anything....it was more than his job was worth

Something told me the it was probably him and the boss in on it!

oakley6691 · Post by **oakley6691** » Thu 08 Jun, 2006 14:08

My mate from BMW has rang and he has given me a much cheaper price for the ///M Gills, the price he had quoted(£301 each) was for factor ordered and painted to match, he can get them for around the £280.00 + VAT for a pair and they come in primer without the badge....Much better option.

djrobbier · Post by **djrobbier** » Thu 08 Jun, 2006 14:39

oakley6691 wrote:My mate from BMW has rang and he has given me a much cheaper price for the ///M Gills, the price he had quoted(£301 each) was for factor ordered and painted to match, he can get them for around the £280.00 + VAT for a pair and they come in primer without the badge....Much better option.

That's a little better. Well I'm still in the market for the gills, however I have just got myself an AC Schnitzer flipper for the front. So I may end up with both!

AJL · Post by **AJL** » Thu 08 Jun, 2006 14:45

djrobbier wrote:
oakley6691 wrote:My mate from BMW has rang and he has given me a much cheaper price for the ///M Gills, the price he had quoted(£301 each) was for factor ordered and painted to match, he can get them for around the £280.00 + VAT for a pair and they come in primer without the badge....Much better option.
That's a little better. Well I'm still in the market for the gills, however I have just got myself an AC Schnitzer flipper for the front. So I may end up with both!

That you did for a bargain price!!

oakley6691 · Post by **oakley6691** » Thu 08 Jun, 2006 14:46

[quote]That's a little better. Well I'm still in the market for the gills, however I have just got myself an AC Schnitzer flipper for the front. So I may end up with both!

[quote]

You'll have to post a pic when it's fitted

zroadster.net

Staw Poll, Need Your Advice M Gills

M Gills on a normal Z (with the M removed!)?

Staw Poll, Need Your Advice M Gills

go for it

Re: go for it

Re: go for it

Re: go for it

What do you think?

Its your car!!

Re: Its your car!!