Alternative To RS7 Grill on S7 (Facelift)

[davelong9050]

The RS7 grill is just plain "sexy" compared to the standard S7 grill. However for those of us with a Facelift (C7.5) S7 the fit of an RS7 grill is next to impossible, the level of customization is extreme and the security of the grill over time is questionable.

Jkwelsh's thread is the best and most comprehensive installation guide on this forum. http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...Picture-Heavy)

My Ibis White S7 Grill is medium gray which makes the "crash bar" really stand out and IMO really breaks up the front end. There are 3 flat panels in the middle of the grill that cover the metal crash bar behind it and it really detracts from the front of the car. In addition the front edges of the vertical bars (behind the horizontal panels) make the grill look like a "checkerboard." See the "Before Shot" below. I can't tell (from the Audi web site) if all S7's come with a gray grill but it sure looks like all S7's come with 3 gray panels (to cover the crash bar), regardless of the color of your car.

Solution: Paint the grill satin black. The crash bar and vertical bars behind practically disappear. Gloss black is too reflective and the crash bar is still somewhat visible. There are other threads on this topic but none of them keep the horizontal chrome strips and chrome grill frame.

How To: Using JK's link above remove the bumper, then remove the grill from the bumper. The chrome horizontal strips, chrome frame and Audi rings are easily removed so you are left with just the grill which needs painting. I took mine to an automotive paint shop and had it professionally done. Reinstall in reverse order.

Benefit: The crash bar behind the grill and the edges of the vertical bars behind horizontal panels disappear so now the front end does not look like a 2015 Lexus ES or GS. Lexus even figured it out for 2016 and got rid of the "bumper look". Personally I like the chrome strips, rings and frame but I'm old school. The Black Optics OEM and after market options kill most if not all of the chrome which makes the mod above perfect for guys like me.

Cost: I spent $400 at an "Audi Aftermarket Shop" for the entire job including the painting.

Here's an After and Before Shot:

After:


Before:

[tph4m86]

You just made it look like a regular A7 grill


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[davelong9050]

You just made it look like a regular A7 grill


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Good point. Hard to understand how someone could think the S7 grill looks better.

In the meantime jkwelsh just found the FIRST aftermarket RS7 grill that fits the S7 Facelift.
http://www.xenonz.co.uk/audi-a7--s7-2015-to-rs7.html

[davelong9050]

Good point. Hard to understand how someone could think the S7 grill looks better.

In the meantime jkwelsh just found the FIRST aftermarket RS7 grill that fits the S7 Facelift.
http://www.xenonz.co.uk/audi-a7--s7-2015-to-rs7.html

The first aftermarket RS7 grill was released a few months ago,which fits an C7.5 (Facelift) S7 without any modifications.

ECS offers 2 versions: One has a cut out for the night vision (which removes the back of the furthest right ring) but it's the only version that offers the front view camera mount. The second version does not have the cutout for night vision but does not have the front view camera mount either. I wasn't aware you could NOT have the front camera. However if you don't want a huge hole at the back of the furthest right ring you can buy the OEM ring back for $40 and it fits the aftermarket grill with a slight modification.

Anyway, the chrome trim on the OEM grill snaps off and fits perfectly on the after market grill (for those that like some chrome up front). In addition I swapped out the lower grills to black optic. I still need to remount the S7 badge but other than that the front end is done!!

[gta7]

I like it!!!

[richib86]

more info on how you modified the OEM back cover to cover the hole for the night vision camera. i found a company that sells it as part of a front rs6 bumper kit, i just emailed them last night to find out if they would sell separately though

[davelong9050]

more info on how you modified the OEM back cover to cover the hole for the night vision camera. i found a company that sells it as part of a front rs6 bumper kit, i just emailed them last night to find out if they would sell separately though

Not sure if the 2016 S6 and S7 grills would use the same "back cover" but I got mine from an Audi dealer so ask yours to compare the part numbers. I tossed the sleeve it came in, otherwise I would give you the part number.

I had to cut 2 small slots in the grill to receive the tabs (on the OEM part) that do not align. This picture of the OEM and Chinese parts should help.



You will also need to grind out small area so the back fits past one of the nipples.



Otherwise it just snaps on.

Good luck.