BMW Grille Actuator replacement on G Series

This video is about BMW Active Grille Actuator replacement. The warranty on these is 10yr 120k miles if you are in the US. They are known to fail. If you prefer to repair yourself, this video will show you how.

[@essamalyahya4895]

Hello Bob, That was a real clear explanation, thanks a lot

[@johngiacoppo1296]

Thank you! Your video was very detailed and informative!

[@jajcozucchini5438]

Thanks f or a great video !, Dealer in Chicago 'asked. $ 1085.00 for this service . .. With your help I was able to fix it for less than 85.00

[@bobmac1970]

Excellent!

[@charitejeanmary3333]

Would you mind sharing the part # for G30?

[@marcinmackowski9288]

Cool video I'll try it. Thanks a lot man !

[@stefanorizzetto182]

Thank you from Italy

[@garykwok9726]

huge thanks to this video

[@bobfyfe1822]

Hello Bob, great video and now my flaps are now in the open position and stuck. I have no error codes on the dashboard. Do you know what fuse the Actuator is linked to?

[@robertmcneilly2476]

Super...saved me $$$$$$. Thanks.

[@NS-sn9tk]

Thanks for sharing!

[@bho96so]

I have a g30 series. The actuator for the up grill is the same for the actuator of the lower grill? Thank you

[@LuisRamirez-nh7hs]

Hi, Im missing the connectors that appears in 5:41 could you tell what is the name of it and where is connected to at the other end?

[@bossman1968]

Is there a way to move the gears on the actuator? The new one is not sliding in like the old one does- I’ve tried both the closed position and the open position.. Thanks.

[@TAGURODAKU]

Hi Bob, do you happen to have the part number for both actuator

[@syn1c]

Great DYI video however I replaced it on my G31 2018 Touring and now the top active grill flaps are working the other way around, closed when driving and open when parked/ignition off. Any way to reset this behaviour to default? One note to make is that when I disconnected the old motor actuator the flaps went to closed position and wouldn't let me twist them to open. Any help/guidance greatly appreciated. Tnx

[@danielespinosa7522]

Hello, I have a question, do you know how much it costs to repair the blinds more or less since a stone broke a "tooth"? My car is a G20. (At the BMW dealership) Thank you

[@arvind50]

HI, Thank you very much for this video. I have an X3 G01 2018 (Mid) model and my actuator motor (I think) failed. It used to work once in a while but of late its completely stopped in the open position. No error messages in the panel or lights whatsoever. I had it evaluated in my local BMW workshop and they said its most likely failed but I did not insist on replacing it seeing the way they have to remove all the parts. I am worried that when they put back things they may not put it all well (shoddy job). Your explanation makes it look very easy and I can easily do this myself and thank you for that. My only question is - how do I confirm the motor is only broken and not something else - like wiring. The lower flaps operate and I confirmed that though. From the schematic - looks like these two (top and bottom) are in series (From the digital logic standpoint not power wise)? So the fact that the lower ones are operating means the cabling is OK? Is that correct assumption? Please advise and thanks in advance.

[@bobmac1970]

Being that these are known to fail, it would be my first assumption. Unless you have critter living in your car, chewing on wiring, it should be fine.

[@legoman911]

I’ve got code 21b045 loss of comm’s with lower actuator as a permanent code. However I don’t have lower air flaps? And my upper kidney grill air flaps are working fine?? I’m replacing the actuator in any case to see if the error goes away.

[@andrei7568]

В России,в Москве, привод верхних жалюзи оригинальный стоит 40$,замена стоит 30$.Нижний привод меняется только в сборе с решёткой жалюзи.Оригинал BMW стоит 200$.Замена с снятием бампера 100$.Это цены в Москве.Я только что менял у себя на BMW G 30. За все оригинальные запчасти вместе с работой я оплатил 370 $

[@bobmac1970]

That is expensive! These valve motors were problems on many BMW's from 2018-2022

[@essamalyahya4895]

I live in a real hot city and i dont need that grill fins to close , is there a way to deactivate that feature and fool the system to get rid of the check Eng. light ?!

[@MrLugomuro69]

Did get a answer I also live a very hot area

[@jeffmurray395]

Super helpful video! Thank you! Sorry if I missed but what is the part # for the G30 actuator? Thanks for this sir!

[@charitejeanmary3333]

Hi there, I have the same problem. Did you get the part #? If yes, would you mind sharing it please.

[@Truth_Seeker_79]

I noticed you skipped over the step to expose the grill clips, I just wanted to swap out my chrome G12 kidney grills for the gloss black without damaging the active flaps/motor. Could you please explain the steps to uncover the clips for grill replacement please? Thank you.

[@shot_by_su_6078]

Hello, great video. I did this repair on my X7 but the engine light keeps coming back. I cleared the code and after a start cycle the engine light is back. Is there more than one actuator on the X7 (G07)? I dont think so but i could be wrong. My flaps operated normally before I changed this and after still the same. Any insight?

[@bobmac1970]

There are two actuators. The top for the grill, and the bottom is the flaps under the grill....If I had to guess...

[@shot_by_su_6078]

@@bobmac1970 you are correct. i never noticed but the flaps are there. found a cigarette bud stuck in the lower grille. Light went away after removing it and changing the upper grille actuator. Thanks!

[@allanbruce9473]

Decent vid - thanks. Couple of points: I have a permanent subscription to NewTIS. There is a repair sequence at Home / BMW G12 750Li xDrive Sedan / Repair Manuals and Technical Data / 67 Electric motor / 67 10 Electrical drive units/systems / 67 10 580 Replacing the drive for air flap control at the top. Also, the TS Bulletin / extended warranty is confirmed or denied by VIN for the models only with the "R" extension after, for example engine type N62R. QUESTIONS: 1. Did you try and cleaning or lubrication of the pivot points, motor control contacts, etc.? 2. Did you locate the controlling fuse? - The NewTIS search I did, did NOT provide a page for the wiring diagram to trace (weird).

[@bobmac1970]

It's awesome to have the entire NewTis all the time! I usually spend one day frantically finding all the answers after my $32 commitment 😆

[@allanbruce9473]

@@bobmac1970 Yeah, sorry about that. The "Moderator" is a real d**k and closed the subscriptions a couple of years ago.

[@rafastepczynski2932]

I have an error P05AF and P05A0. Will replacing this part fix the problem? Yellow check engine is lit. BMW X3 G01 2018

[@sergiob464]

Did you fix it ?

[@nwilliams744]

Wow... it’s actually 4 years - 40k miles but I’m sure the car cost us twice as much here in the US

[@amosmondelus1117]

I like the way you do it bro. But where is your location? I have the same G30 as yours. I would like to do the same thing as well. I’m in Miami.

[@bobmac1970]

AZ

[@4ddy23]

The lower flaps have separate motor ? Looks like eady job once you have the motor

[@bobmac1970]

That's correct. If the lower is bad...bumper off :(

[@rez-4886]

Do you have the Fuse number for this?

[@user-qu1nj5kj4l]

If you unplug the assembly and or motor and replug the new motor in, will the louvres positioning autocorrect or will another code pop up for incorrect position?

[@bobmac1970]

Make sure to note the position prior to avoid that posibility. Since mine went in fine, I don't know if it would cause a problem...but better to be safe!

[@NZimmerly]

I have a 2022 X50i with this issue and the dealership is refusing to replace, despite the vehicle only having 10,000 miles. Any recommendations? They're stating it was not defective and it was caused by something "external" despite there being zero debris or foreign materials wedged into it. It seems like they have the problem uniquely categorized to always charge the customer... thoughts? recommendations?

[@bobmac1970]

If there is no evidence of outside damage, you can let them know that there is a service action recall for the actuator motors. You may need to find it online and print it to show them. Here is one from from prior year BMW's static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10182605-9999.pdf

[@shujaatmalik3002]

Hi do you have to reprogramme it because i did change on mine but engine light is still there?

[@bobmac1970]

There are two. The upper grille, and the lower. Possibly the other is the bad one. Have someone clear the code, then see if it comes back.

[@The93DarkShadow]

I would consider deleting this functionality by removing all the flaps and leaving the motor so it doesn’t throw codes. Hopefully by operating with no load it won’t break as easily and the thermostat will regulate the cooling as it has been since the first watercooled engines, more so with the electronic thermostats in modern BMWs. Cheers!

[@bobmac1970]

If I were staying in Arizona, I'd consider taking the flaps out. I'll be in a bit of a colder winter climate, so I think I'll leave them in for now. :)

[@matthewmanley13]

Is there a way to know if I just need to switch the actuator or if my grill is broken? I got a code for the bottom grills not working, the ones covering the radiator. I really don’t want to take it to bmw because they will void my warranty due to my tune. The code is 138225.

[@bobmac1970]

Chances are that it's the actuator. Aside from visually checking the louvers you can't tell which it is. The Actuators are a known issue for these though.

[@nelsonwilliams1336]

I'm a little confused, if this is covered under warranty let them fix it... have it on record and if something else goes wrong with the part or something in that area take the car back. It's a car things fail...

[@bobmac1970]

In the US you have the priviledge of a 3 yr warranty. In many other places, it's over after just 1yr

[@kiloantraxs4]

If u change the kidney grills to a aftermarket like carbon fiber will u get a check engine light on? Mine did I took it to the bmw dealer and they said it was cus of the after market grill🤦🏻‍♂️

[@bobmac1970]

You can leave the actuator, but remove the arm. Clear the current codes, and you should be good

[@trevormacenski6364]

@@bobmac1970 what is the part number? The dealer said they only replace the front assembly which is like 1k plus.

[@rev.carltonwilliams7577]

Does the flaps come with the grill or are they separate parts.

[@bobmac1970]

It's separate parts...sorry for the late reply. Life gets in front of this hobby sometimes

[@Socom_458]

Actually the active grille is for aerodynamics and that's it.

[@euronymous9849]

Does anyone have a guide like this for an E60 523i LCI? mine are stuck closed

[@celsomonteiro6541]

I have the same problem. I have the 4349 alarm "active radiator shutter, actuation"... Let me know if you find a solution

[@130checker]

Does anyone have any idea where the fuse for the Active Grill is on a G11/G12???

[@bobmac1970]

I believe it's in the trunk passenger side

[@daej312]

So I thought this was a recall part? Covered by a 10 year warranty. I would think you would only delete it and not replace it?

[@bobmac1970]

It is under warranty. You're correct...partially. In the US the customer gets great service. In some places they get 1yr, then good luck. If you're in the US, I would just take it in as it is under warranty.

[@damians8498]

Im in limp mode ( drivetrain error) after deleting the shutter assembly, keeping the motor in though. My ambient temp is now showing 30 degrees higher ambient temp 😅. Odd unless it's an unrelated issue.

[@bobmac1970]

Did you clear the codes?

[@damians8498]

@bobmac1970 yes and no. I've reflashed a couple times to the stock bm3 file and each time the codes come back, despite adding the 3 codes to the config

[@bobmac1970]

@@damians8498 Did you separately clear the codes though? With Bimmerlink or ISTA?

[@damians8498]

Nope, not yet. I'll do via bimmerlink

[@kaichang2634]

So ista is not really needed? Bimmerlink can do the job?

[@2nd2nun]

I bought a new motor but it does nothing, old one at least cycles but new one doesnt :-(

[@bobmac1970]

Did you do a OBD scan first to see what the problem with the old one was?

[@130checker]

Nobody seems to know where the fuse is on a G11/G12 for the grills. It’s driving me crazy. If the grill is obstructed, the fuse should blow. I’ve replaced my actuator and nothing. This fuse is like the holy grail of secrets. Can anyone help me?

[@bobmac1970]

You may want to try BMWtis.com It will cost you $30 for a couple days, but it sounds like you're at the point where it's worth it.

[@mikelee9346]

Can we just deactivate it? My CEL is on due to this issue

[@bobmac1970]

You can code it off with Bimmercode or Esys

[@jabajaba15]

Grille doesn't ever open on 19" m40i. Could it be because of the motor?

[@bobmac1970]

What temperatures are you driving in? I should open depending on conditions

[@jabajaba15]

@@bobmac1970 It doesn't open, there's a check

[@bobmac1970]

@@jabajaba15 If you have bimmerlink or ista you can do a function check

[@jabajaba15]

@@bobmac1970 any thoughts about OBDLINK SX? Is it good enough?

[@bobmac1970]

@@jabajaba15 Get the MX...otherwise you'll kick yourself for not seeing many other available functions.

[@collsguy]

Mine seem to be stuck in the closed position. No CEL though. Should you be able to open the flaps manually by pushing on them?

[@bobmac1970]

I haven't tried pushing on them. When the car is cold and ignition is turned on, the flaps should cycle. If they're truely stuck closed, I would fix or manually set open until you can get them fixed.

[@collsguy]

@bobmac1970 would I be correct by saying there are the 2 for the kidney grille(these are closed),lower one in the middle(open) then 2 other small ones at the lower corners(passenger side open/drivers side closed)? Sounds confusing but that's currently what I can see. How do they open manually? EDIT: nevermind, the mf's opened today as I idled the car with A/C on. Got out with car running. Turned car off and they shut. I appreciate the replies! 🤟