Mazda 3 grill "i" vs "s"

[m3m]

As I searched there are many threads about the Mazda 3 grills for the "i" and "s" models, and we know that they are not interchangeable, except the one nabobery selling on eBay that is custom designed to fit the "s" or "SP23".

This is my question, say if someone buy one of those cheap Mazda 3 grills on eBay that only fits the "i" model and put it on the "s" or "SP23", would the grill fit at all? I've been told it may still fit but there is a 1/2" gap due to the different bumper, is that right?

BTW, will this Mazda 3 i grill (one of those on eBay) fits the Hatchback too, if someone does a major modifications like this guy?

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=86751

Can someone confirm this info? Thanks.

 

[BC3I]

no the i model will interchange with the s model sedan

 

[wongpres]

no the i model will interchange with the s model sedan

No totally true. For the sedan, the sporty and regular bumper curvatures are slightly different and interchanging grills is not a perfect fitment (depending on which way you're going, there's either a small gap or a bit of trimming required on the bumper). But it's pretty close and I've seen people switch both ways and just do the minor trimming or fill the minor gap.

 

[m3m]

Are you saying one of those ABS Mazda 3 "i" grills will fit all models? And how big is the gap on the "S" and "SP23" models anyway? Can anyone post some pics, thanks.