I have owned two CS coupes since 1988 and have always assumed that there were no differences between the all aluminum grill and the later one with the black center vertical slats.
Today, out of curiosity, I removed the black version from my coupe and compared the two side by side. Well, here are differences that I saw between the two units: The early all aluminum unit has a semi dull finish with no protective coating compare to the later black one which has a bright anodized finish and clearcoated. The frames are also different, though, they have the exact outer dimensions. The outer frame which surrounds the vertical slats is wider and thicker on the black center unit when compared to the all aluminum one. I've always thought both grills were the same with just the later units having the black painted slats. What I discovered was that the early unit supports 10 slats, 5 per side compared to 8 slats, 4 per side on the later black center unit. I was also surprised that it was made out of a single piece black plastic and not painted aluminum.
I am thinking of possibly chroming both grills to better match the chrome plated bumpers. At the same time, it may be good idea to also chrome the dull bare aluminum plate that sits behind the rear license plate. I've always thought the finish on the front grill and the rear plate were somewhat odd when compared to the mirror like full chromed bumpers and taillight frames. The plastic center can be easily removed by drilling out two rivets to facilitate easier polishing or chroming. The ten individual aluminum slats on the earlier version grill can also be removed but is a lot more involved as they are held together to the frame by the twisting locking tab method, a lot more tedious procedure that will surely damage some parts during the removal and re-installation process. My feelings are that a fully chromed grill will look just right and will make a more dramatic appearance whereas the black centered grill makes the coupe more modern looking as compared to the post E9 Bmw's.
Bert
72 3.5 Csi
88 M6
Somewhat dull finish on left unit and shinier but more pitted unit on right.
Today, out of curiosity, I removed the black version from my coupe and compared the two side by side. Well, here are differences that I saw between the two units: The early all aluminum unit has a semi dull finish with no protective coating compare to the later black one which has a bright anodized finish and clearcoated. The frames are also different, though, they have the exact outer dimensions. The outer frame which surrounds the vertical slats is wider and thicker on the black center unit when compared to the all aluminum one. I've always thought both grills were the same with just the later units having the black painted slats. What I discovered was that the early unit supports 10 slats, 5 per side compared to 8 slats, 4 per side on the later black center unit. I was also surprised that it was made out of a single piece black plastic and not painted aluminum.
I am thinking of possibly chroming both grills to better match the chrome plated bumpers. At the same time, it may be good idea to also chrome the dull bare aluminum plate that sits behind the rear license plate. I've always thought the finish on the front grill and the rear plate were somewhat odd when compared to the mirror like full chromed bumpers and taillight frames. The plastic center can be easily removed by drilling out two rivets to facilitate easier polishing or chroming. The ten individual aluminum slats on the earlier version grill can also be removed but is a lot more involved as they are held together to the frame by the twisting locking tab method, a lot more tedious procedure that will surely damage some parts during the removal and re-installation process. My feelings are that a fully chromed grill will look just right and will make a more dramatic appearance whereas the black centered grill makes the coupe more modern looking as compared to the post E9 Bmw's.
Bert
72 3.5 Csi
88 M6
Somewhat dull finish on left unit and shinier but more pitted unit on right.
