With Mercedes-Benz already offering illuminated badges as a factory option, we knew it was only a matter of time before BMW responded. According to Bimmerpost, dealerships will soon offer “Chrome Iconic Glow Kidney Grilles” as an option.
The accessory is exactly what it sounds like. BMW either looks to be trying to steal a bit of Mercedes’ thunder or this is a touching tribute to Mercury vehicles from the early 1990s. Obviously, we’re hoping it’s the latter scenario.
Of course, Bavaria’s setup is a bit more complicated that tucking a couple of bulbs behind some frosted plastic. Its grilles are still chrome in color and rely on embedded LEDs to produce illumination. While BMW notes that the accessory does provide some forward light, it frames the Glow Kidney Grille primarily as an inclusion to help complement the style and features of the vehicle.
Those interested in individualizing their Bimmer to the max need only spend $644. Considering the amount of tacky lighting you get for the money, it could be a better deal than Mercedes’ $450 illuminated star. Unfortunately, you’ll be outing yourself as someone who really wants the rest of the world to know what brand of car they’re driving. But that may be why you opted for the Benz or BMW in the first place.
Expect the trend to catch on among other premium manufacturers. However, if you can’t wait, there are loads of cheap aftermarket products that can do something similar with pretty much anything you’ve got sitting in your garage.
[Image: BMW]
On the X7 and 7-Series a light up grille could probably replace the headlights altogether.
Gaudiness on BMW designs – who woulda thunk it?
When it comes to lighting garbage, ALL German carmakers are guilty. It’s why we have so many expensive, gotta-replace-the-whole-thing headlights that don’t work well, and LED party lights everywhere – the auto equivalent of neon signs. So why stop at illuminated grilles? They won’t.
I miss the days when they built good looking, good driving cars.
This implementation is worse than the plastic light bars on ’80s Mercury Sables.
But, like the lit Mercedes star, it’ll be handy to identify annoying people.
DAL….
I liked the full width headlights on the Sable. It fit the semi futuristic design very nicely.
Only when was working.
I liked the spacey Sable light bar…it was something unusual from Ford of all places.
The lit Benz star is super annoying and always makes me wonder…what, folks can’t tell the car is a Benz ?
Usually, BWM drivers are so far up my backside, I can’t even see their grill in my rear view mirror.
…..so what’s the point.
The lighted Mercedes star looks like it came off of the Ace and Gary car.
I’ve seen them and they seem decorative not functional like the Subaru Brat or Leone cyclops center light or the innovative Tucker movable connected to the steering linkage.
This sort of stuff makes me appreciate my 90’s BMW even more.
When, and why, did MB and BMW decide that function follows form? And can we convince them to go back?
They likely decided that about the time they realized their product is a Birkin Bag for men.
Oh great, another thing that will become an aftermarket fad, like LED running lights and stick-on fender vents. Six months from now, you’ll be able to find glowing grilles for your _________ _______ (your make and model here), available from a zillion different eBay sellers.
I’ve seen this on low riders and donks.
Somehow, that photo of the BMW with the glowing grill reminds me of an angry David Letterman. BMW – the Ultimate Texting Machine. ggg!
The Chrysler 300L had an illuminated grille emblem way back in 1965.
’77-78 Olds Toronados had dual illuminated emblems, one on each side of the grille.
There’s nothing really new about M-B’s glowing stars or BMW’s grille floodlight.
Good grief! Next thing you know the Muumuu dress will be back in style. Wait a second….
Pontiac is more appropriate comparison to BMW. BMW is like Pontiac is the “driver’s” car. And both have kidney grills. And AFAIK some Pontiac also had light bar in front.
Stick some LED’s in this (https://www.walmart.com/ip/Vision-Scientific-Life-Size-Kidney-Model-2-Parts/140786706?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=4391&adid=22222222227056617902&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=161428998606&wl4=aud-481962823846:pla-269891647321&wl5=9012283&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=113836531&wl11=online&wl12=140786706&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQjwwIPrBRCJARIsAFlVT8_uG-9rEI7t6p0-tNXYxiJcbzwQCb6nVxCYM3SqiCWO8zXQX82X74gaAqc0EALw_wcB), tape to the grill and any car can have dual, illuminated kidneys. Six hundred dollar savings!
IIRC you can get Chevy pickups with glowing badges. I know you can get aftermarket F150 badges.
Fripperies, fripperies, everywhere, but not a one I want.
I’d be happier with headlights that didn’t twinkle or blind everybody who isn’t the driver.
I am waiting for stick-on Buick portholes to come back. I need some for my car.
BMW, sponsored by JC Whitney!
Can’t wait until the Duh sisters, Hon and Toyo, and their rebadged sisters A-Cure-Uh and Lexus follow suit and make sure we can see their hideous exteriors even on the darkest nights. Maybe they could then play an organ music tune that sounds like something Count Dracula might like.
Can we bring back those neon licence plate frames from the 90’s too?
Extra credit: How much does this reduce range?