Just got a grille set and haven't found any videos or write ups on how to swap the grilles on the XF.

Anything I need to know before trying to figure it out on my own?

 

Nevermind. Instructions came with grille.

 

Which grille did you buy?

 

Set of SS mesh. Looks fantastic! I'm having trouble understanding how to install the bottoms ones though.

 

Not sure on that set, as I have had the other 2 available. On those sets the bottoms actually attach to the existing plastic grilles. Then snap them back in. Those may do the same...good luck...

OH wait, did they come from Great Britain? Or, USA?

 

They came from Canada actually, the brand is APS I believe, don't quote me on that.

The instructions say something about them clamping onto the existing ones and it gives me bolts and all that... I just have no idea what to do. Do I take the old ones out and then attach the new ones to them? Can I just attach them somehow without taking the old ones out? How do I take the old ones out? The instructions suck!

 

I bought a set from a company in Florida. Billet aluminum. Carefully snap out the existing black plastic grilles, they just snap in place. Fit the new grilles over them, attach with wire ties and snap back in place. Really quite simple. The top grille, that is another story. The system of bolts etc. I was supposed to use just wouldn't work for me. Just could not get in there. I ended up using LONG sheet metal screws to hold it in place. Has been fine for over a two years. now. HEY, good luck.
Bill T.

 

The OEM lower grills pivot from the center of the car. Look at the outward end and you will see a hole in which you can insert a flat blade screw driver; with the screw drive press the tab of the grill outward and that end of the grill unsnaps from the car. There are two "L" shaped ends on the inboard end of the grill; the grill will pivot out and the two "L' shaped tabs will easily release. The grill on the drivers side also has the outside air temperature sensor attached. Be careful to release that so you do not damage it while removing the grill.

 

So use a flat head screwdriver into a hole on the outside of the car? I haven't looked for any holes, just making sure I don't need to do anything under the hood to get them out.

 

Sit down an looking at the bottom grill you will see the holes. Left an right side.

 

You do not even open the hood. The holes (one hole in each grill) are in the two small lower grills themselves.
Just for info the larger center grill comes out easily also. I must remove it to clean/oil the air filter on the cold air intake. It has some tabs on the bottom were it meets the bumper cover, and you unscrew the screws you see on the top of the grill when you have the hood open. It will lift easily out. I unscrew those screws on the top and reach down behind the grill from the top to release the tabs which hold it to the bumper cover.

 

The highlighted text above is most important as just pulling at the grille after removing the screws will succeed in breaking the tabs off.