V10 Front Plate to Filler Panel change

[FL AUDI]

Next week I will be picking up my new 2011 V10 Coupe. (White, manual) I am new to the forum as well.
The coupe will come with the front panel for a plate; I do not need that and want to instal the filler panel (as I have done on other Audi's, i.e. RS4, A3 and A5). I understand the R8 V10 is not a simple change out.
Does anyone have the details, step by step instructions as to how to change this panel, once I have the new filler panel in hand.
Thank you.

[SDR8]

1st update your location for your profile. It helps with answering some questions... With your name, I am guessing FL, but not sure.

2nd Welcome

as for your question, you need to get a new grill. This is one location to get it. They are a supporter and regular poster on here.

[mark25]

What exactly is a filter panel? Me and my friend have changed the front grill. It is quite involved and will take you about 3 hours as getting an R8 bumper off isnt the easiest of things due to the millions of bolts ;p

[NFS13]

What exactly is a filter panel? Me and my friend have changed the front grill. It is quite involved and will take you about 3 hours as getting an R8 bumper off isnt the easiest of things due to the millions of bolts ;p

Really? I am getting my grill changed out by the dealer and they said it takes an hour.

[KfabR8]

Welcome to the site and R8 ownership. May it be as much fun for you as it has been for the majority of us.

Please put your location in your profile, as the R8 is sold in many markets and they vary quite a bit. Your grill change out is a perfect example.

In the US there are two styles of grills - one has the mounting panel for a plate, one does not. (there may be three - one for a European style plate). (okay, four styles - V8 & V10 versions of each - someone will end up calling me on that comment if I don't clarify. )

If you're half way competent with a screw driver, then you can do the work yourself. If you don't know what a Torx, Phillips or flat is, then I advise that you walk away and find someone that's capable.

To change out the grill you'll need to remove the front wheels, lower front under tray, then remove the inner fender liners, then remove the bumper facia. The grill is installed on the inside of the bumper facia and it must come off to do so. There is one large plug that's down on the driver's side, sort of between the middle and left hand radiators - this plug connects the running lights and the parking assist sensors - disconnect it. Push it together then push down on the clip that releases the two pieces and pull them apart. If there's even a little pressure on the clip, it won't let go, hence the reason to push them together before you start trying to pull them apart.

If someone's familiar with this job, then about an hour sounds right. If it's your first time, expect at least double that.

When removing the torx head screws (#25 - I think) from the car, carefully arrange them out on a table top or the likes in the same position that they come out of the car. There are (I believe) three different fasteners. Some have shoulders, some do not, some have larger diameter heads and they all have a specific spot that they live in. Arranging them will keep them where they need to go. If you'll pay close attention to the differences, you'll see that the shouldered bolts go through a body panel or skid pad, the non-shouldered screws go through things like the inner fender liners, etc. and you'll be able to put them back where they belong.

If you have access to a lift, that will make life much nicer, if not, use JACK STANDS, not the suicide jack that some of us have with our R8's. (not included with your car at purchase).

You'll want some sort of blanket or protection under the bumper facia when removing it. If you do this stuff by yourself, it WILL hit the ground (don't ask me how I know this). A buddy to help hold is invaluable.

When putting the bumper facia back on, start out in the middle front; get it set in place and stick a couple of the top bolts back in and then work on getting it located on the car. The outer, lower corners of the bumper are a beast - you'll have to pull back and out to make the lip go around the lower inner fender mounts. Swearing loudly at it while tugging on it seems to help persuade it back into place.

Get it back on the car, go around and get the fasteners in, but not tight and then work from the upper rear corners inward, tightening them back down. You'll want to close the hood and check alignment as you do this. There should be witness marks left in the plastic by the fasteners and usually these will keep everything aligned if you make sure the heads of the screws align with the marks as you put it all back together.

Do NOT over tighten - you'll break the tabs around the holes. Snug, not ham-fisted is all that's needed. They're small screws holding plastic, not big bolts holding together a bridge. (you'd be amazed how tight some people think things need to be...)

[FL AUDI]

Thank you all for your welcome and the excellent step by step instructions by KfabR8.
This is something I can do... with care and patience. I really appreciate this information and now I cannot wait to pick up the car next week!
FYI, I updated my location. Thank you again.

[ldye]

I would ask the dealer to do the swap for you. You never know until you ask. Lot of times the dealer can get their Audi rep to furnish a part if the dealer will cover the labor.

[Europrice]

First place to start is by asking the dealership to swap the grilles. If that fails I can always assist in getting the grille with the filler plate for you and currently have some holiday special discounts as well. If you need any assistance don't hesitate to ask via PM or email: contact@europrice.us

Cheers,

[OEMplus.com]

KfabR8 covers the process quite well, but hopefully the dealer will handle this for you. We've done dozens of them here, so don't hesitate to ask us (or Alex or the boards) for input if you get stuck...