When I said drill the bumper, I was replying to Jim's statement about the billet grille listed above.

I used some small ties in that area along the bottom, but cut them off after about a week because the grille had retained the shape and did not deform. The issue is the large, curved corners where there is nothing to attach to and no way to easily get that shape without using a flat peice of metal and that looks like crap.

I have HIGHLY modified my mesh grille with the surround on it not only to look a little different, but also to fit quite differently. I have had 5 different grilles for the XF so I know a thing or two about fitment and install...

I did an engine turned finish on the surround then sprayed with 5+ coats of lightly tinted clear to give it the same smoked look as my lenses, I left the mesh PC black. Then I trimmed down the surround a little in the corners and made the grill lay down a little more, giving the emblem an 'overhang' look...







I hate the massive 'gap' that most of these grilles leave between the bumper cover and grille, so I slowly but surely worked that out by rebending. I am not 100% in love with the surround, but overall the grille looks amazing. The turned finish looks simply greyish in overcast conditions, then when the sun hits it, you see all those concentric circles in the metal and they really POP. I just need to paint behind the grille black to finish it all off...

Sorry for the threadjack, just thought I may spark some ideas