BMW license plate cover for non-M car

jcortez75 · 04-19-2020, 10:13 AM

When I purchased my car outright. The first thing I did was to remove the license plate fame with the dealership name on it. I was going for a clean look and didn't want to advertise for any dealership. Also, I read somewhere that you can get a ticket if the license plate information is somewhat partially covered...totally crazy.

I recently upgraded to all LED bulbs in the rear including the license plate rear lights. The rear of my car now looks great, but the license plate itself looks like it needs a frame to look premium. Can any recommend a BMW license plate frame for a non-m car? I have a BMW f36 luxury line, so there are no M badges anywhere.

For BMW enthusiast, will putting an m license plate frame on a non-m car be a big no-no? I would like to hear your opinion...

Just because the only nice BMW OEM plate frame I can find are with the M badge. Here is one in Amazon I am contemplating: https://amzn.to/2YMx1FN

chowser51 · 04-19-2020, 10:36 AM

Do what you want. It’s your car.

I always tell the dealer not to put stickers or plate things on my car. It’s my car. I’m not advertising for them. Last car I had an ARMY cover. My current one is Jack Skellington.

Billfitz · 04-19-2020, 10:49 AM

Get these, and then put whatever stickers you want on them:
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-..._t1_B008S2XJF0

jcortez75 · 04-19-2020, 11:03 AM

These are the other options I was thinking that does not have the M-badge

2-Pieces High-Grade License Plate Frame for BMW: https://amzn.to/2LdQbN8
BMW 82-12-0-042-710 Laser Slim line Plate - Black: https://amzn.to/2LbiUSD

gdgraph · 04-19-2020, 11:06 AM

I was in the same boat as you, I didn't want the ugly dealer plates and I didn't want to be a poser and get some M badge license plate frame. I saw a really nice F30 340i the other day and then noticed it had a fake black M340i badge on the back and I just shook my head.

I went with these plane carbon fiber frames. I like them because they come with caps for the screws so you don't see them.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

chowser51 · 04-19-2020, 11:06 AM

Just make sure nothing is covered that needs to be visible. Stop cops can be real ficks about it. I know. I work with some. Lol

tardboi · 04-19-2020, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gdgraph

I was in the same boat as you, I didn't want the ugly dealer plates and I didn't want to be a poser and get some M badge license plate frame. I saw a really nice F30 340i the other day and then noticed it had a fake black M340i badge on the back and I just shook my head.

I went with these plane carbon fiber frames. I like them because they come with caps for the screws so you don't see them.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Those look nice. I think these look better but a few pricks may have a problem with it https://www.amazon.com/jiayuandz-Performance-License-Stainless-Textured/dp/B07PHYXJQP/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=m+performance+pla te+frame&qid=1587313966&sr=8-3

Pauloxxi · 04-19-2020, 12:47 PM

I'm with you. Removed the dealer frame first thing.
My car and wife's are both black.
The frame on mine is black thin from AutoZone.
Wife's has some sparkling.

not1337 · 04-19-2020, 12:56 PM

I just run it with no frame on my car, looks the cleanest to me

AspektUSA · 04-19-2020, 01:02 PM

No frame, high quality stainless fasteners goes a much longer way to a premium look.

Gen13 F36 · 04-19-2020, 01:06 PM

I got plain black frame just $5 each at autozone part store

I don't want to advertise for the dealer for free. So that's the first thing I remove.

floridaorange · 04-19-2020, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Get these, and then put whatever stickers you want on them:
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-..._t1_B008S2XJF0

I use this one - but I also bought a black silicon plate holder.

I put the silicon plate holder on first then put it inside the matte black metal holder - no rattle when my stereo is turned up

sspade · 04-19-2020, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcortez75

These are the other options I was thinking that does not have the M-badge

2-Pieces High-Grade License Plate Frame for BMW: https://amzn.to/2VI2tlw
BMW 82-12-0-042-710 Laser Slim line Plate - Black: https://amzn.to/2S5Lw3J

I want the black laser slim line one myself!

Currently running with no frame. Never advertise dealer unless you're being paid.

Was hoping to get it cheaper than $35 after tax though. Might be dreaming..

eleven11 · 04-19-2020, 04:10 PM

Unless you are family or have a close friendship with a dealership, no car enthusiast should ever have a dealership anywhere on their vehicle.

I'm currently using this slim model from Future Classic - https://ind-distribution.com/collect...e-hardware-kit . It's very solid, and minimal.

I've previously installed iND's painted frames on several vehicles. These are also very nice, but I prefer my current one secondary to its smaller size. https://ind-distribution.com/collect...se-plate-frame

kpgray · 04-19-2020, 07:23 PM

I just purchased the BMW Slimline Plate with BMW Tire Valve caps for $38, the plate itself can be had for $28 from BMWpartspros.com:

BMW LASER SLIMLINE LICENSE PLATE FRAMES - BLACK FINISH - BMW (82-12-0-042-710)

BMW BLACK SLIMLINE PLATE FRAME AND BMW ROUNDEL VALVE STEM CAPS - BLACK - BMW (82-12-2-456-416)

Name: IMG_7426 Rev 1.jpg
Views: 2514
Size: 874.3 KB

Name: IMG_7426 Rev 1.jpg
Views: 2514
Size: 874.3 KB

jcortez75 · 04-19-2020, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kpgray

I just purchased the BMW Slimline Plate with BMW Tire Valve caps for $38, the plate itself can be had for $28 from BMWpartspros.com:

BMW LASER SLIMLINE LICENSE PLATE FRAMES - BLACK FINISH - BMW (82-12-0-042-710)

BMW BLACK SLIMLINE PLATE FRAME AND BMW ROUNDEL VALVE STEM CAPS - BLACK - BMW (82-12-2-456-416)

Attachment 2289432

Thank you. After seeing your pics, you have inspired me. I like how your plate frame matches your black car badges. I think I would go with the Polished Stainless Steel Slimline License Plate Frame to match the chrome badges I have with my f36 luxury line. https://amzn.to/2YbZl4v

Thank you and thank you everyone for providing their input. I really appreciate it.

alohasurftoad · 04-19-2020, 08:58 PM

normally i'd have removed any frame however this is what the dealership put on mine. looks clean and simple, so i kept it.

jcortez75 · 04-19-2020, 09:25 PM

For an even cleaner look, I may just go with a no-name plate frame while also reducing the cost. https://amzn.to/2VFEK5r

jmg · 04-20-2020, 12:36 AM

No frame is the cleanest.

davidr3 · 04-20-2020, 03:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kpgray

I just purchased the BMW Slimline Plate with BMW Tire Valve caps for $38, the plate itself can be had for $28 from BMWpartspros.com:

BMW LASER SLIMLINE LICENSE PLATE FRAMES - BLACK FINISH - BMW (82-12-0-042-710)

BMW BLACK SLIMLINE PLATE FRAME AND BMW ROUNDEL VALVE STEM CAPS - BLACK - BMW (82-12-2-456-416)

Attachment 2289432

+1 for the simple BMW plate. What I run on my car

dmaxdmax · 04-20-2020, 05:34 AM

OP, I am pretty strict when reviewing cars in my own mind. Black gloss or black matte finish--no advertising, not even BMW on the frame. Everyone knows it's a bmw...it's got 6 Roundels on it.

If your car is silver or light, maybe stainless is okay? Personally I believe that you want people looking at the car and you and not distracted by other things. All the things you put on the car take away from the car. Less is more.

00e46sedan · 04-27-2020, 03:28 PM

I have the CF BMW Performance plate , hard to come by but I'm sure u can find em'.

04-19-2020, 10:13 AM	#1
jcortez75 Private 16 Rep 63 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 428i xdrive F36 Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Queens, NY iTrader: (0)	BMW license plate cover for non-M car When I purchased my car outright. The first thing I did was to remove the license plate fame with the dealership name on it. I was going for a clean look and didn't want to advertise for any dealership. Also, I read somewhere that you can get a ticket if the license plate information is somewhat partially covered...totally crazy. I recently upgraded to all LED bulbs in the rear including the license plate rear lights. The rear of my car now looks great, but the license plate itself looks like it needs a frame to look premium. Can any recommend a BMW license plate frame for a non-m car? I have a BMW f36 luxury line, so there are no M badges anywhere. For BMW enthusiast, will putting an m license plate frame on a non-m car be a big no-no? I would like to hear your opinion... Just because the only nice BMW OEM plate frame I can find are with the M badge. Here is one in Amazon I am contemplating: https://amzn.to/2YMx1FN Last edited by jcortez75; 05-08-2020 at 08:59 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

04-19-2020, 10:36 AM	#2
chowser51 Colonel 2025 Rep 2,808 Posts Drives: F33 430 and F39 M35i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cleveland, OH iTrader: (3) Garage List 2018 BMW 430i xDrive [0.00]	Do what you want. It’s your car. I always tell the dealer not to put stickers or plate things on my car. It’s my car. I’m not advertising for them. Last car I had an ARMY cover. My current one is Jack Skellington.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-19-2020, 10:49 AM	#3
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,081 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Get these, and then put whatever stickers you want on them: https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-..._t1_B008S2XJF0
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-19-2020, 11:03 AM	#4
jcortez75 Private 16 Rep 63 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 428i xdrive F36 Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Queens, NY iTrader: (0)	These are the other options I was thinking that does not have the M-badge 2-Pieces High-Grade License Plate Frame for BMW: https://amzn.to/2LdQbN8 BMW 82-12-0-042-710 Laser Slim line Plate - Black: https://amzn.to/2LbiUSD Last edited by jcortez75; 05-08-2020 at 09:00 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-19-2020, 11:06 AM	#5
gdgraph Private First Class 102 Rep 189 Posts Drives: 2016 340i xDrive Join Date: May 2019 Location: NOVA iTrader: (2)	I was in the same boat as you, I didn't want the ugly dealer plates and I didn't want to be a poser and get some M badge license plate frame. I saw a really nice F30 340i the other day and then noticed it had a fake black M340i badge on the back and I just shook my head. I went with these plane carbon fiber frames. I like them because they come with caps for the screws so you don't see them. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
	Appreciate 1 jared21927168.00 Quote

04-19-2020, 12:47 PM	#8
Pauloxxi Captain 339 Rep 660 Posts Drives: 2014-320Xi / 2017-330Xi Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northwest iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW / 330xi [0.00] 2014 BMW / 320xi [0.00]	I'm with you. Removed the dealer frame first thing. My car and wife's are both black. The frame on mine is black thin from AutoZone. Wife's has some sparkling. Attached Images Last edited by Pauloxxi; 04-19-2020 at 06:28 PM..
	Appreciate 1 upsidedownfunnel1996.00 Quote

04-19-2020, 12:56 PM	#9
not1337 Private 102 Rep 82 Posts Drives: 2016 340i Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	I just run it with no frame on my car, looks the cleanest to me
	Appreciate 3 Pauloxxi339.00 jmg18697.00 Rhyzen7.50 Quote

04-19-2020, 01:02 PM	#10
AspektUSA Lieutenant 271 Rep 495 Posts Drives: 340i MSport/THP Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Denver iTrader: (0)	No frame, high quality stainless fasteners goes a much longer way to a premium look.
	Appreciate 1 Pauloxxi339.00 Quote

04-19-2020, 01:06 PM	#11
Gen13 F36 Brigadier General 1599 Rep 3,752 Posts Drives: 428i Gran Coupe Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (1)	I got plain black frame just $5 each at autozone part store I don't want to advertise for the dealer for free. So that's the first thing I remove.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-19-2020, 04:10 PM	#14
eleven11 Major 372 Rep 1,425 Posts Drives: -F85 X5M- Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Derby City iTrader: (0)	Unless you are family or have a close friendship with a dealership, no car enthusiast should ever have a dealership anywhere on their vehicle. I'm currently using this slim model from Future Classic - https://ind-distribution.com/collect...e-hardware-kit . It's very solid, and minimal. I've previously installed iND's painted frames on several vehicles. These are also very nice, but I prefer my current one secondary to its smaller size. https://ind-distribution.com/collect...se-plate-frame __________________ 2017 X5M - Current 2017 F31 Wagon - Current 2014 M5 ZCP - Retired 2011 135i Coupe - Retired 2007 335i Sedan - Retired
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-19-2020, 07:23 PM	#15
kpgray GasCompressor 333 Rep 564 Posts Drives: 2022 Porsche 911 Cabriolet Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Rochester, MI iTrader: (4)	I just purchased the BMW Slimline Plate with BMW Tire Valve caps for $38, the plate itself can be had for $28 from BMWpartspros.com: BMW LASER SLIMLINE LICENSE PLATE FRAMES - BLACK FINISH - BMW (82-12-0-042-710) BMW BLACK SLIMLINE PLATE FRAME AND BMW ROUNDEL VALVE STEM CAPS - BLACK - BMW (82-12-2-456-416) __________________ 2022 Porsche 911 Cabriolet Agate Grey/Black PDK 2019 440i M-Sport Smoke Topaz Metallic/Opel (Sold) 2014 335i M-Sport Black/Beige MPPK/MPE (Totaled) 2013 328i Sport xDrive Imperial Blue/Grey (Sold)
	Appreciate 1 davidr3447.50 Quote

04-19-2020, 08:58 PM	#17
alohasurftoad Brigadier General 3077 Rep 4,325 Posts Drives: 440i gran coupe w/mppsk Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: hawaii iTrader: (0)	normally i'd have removed any frame however this is what the dealership put on mine. looks clean and simple, so i kept it. Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-19-2020, 09:25 PM	#18
jcortez75 Private 16 Rep 63 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 428i xdrive F36 Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Queens, NY iTrader: (0)	For an even cleaner look, I may just go with a no-name plate frame while also reducing the cost. https://amzn.to/2VFEK5r
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-20-2020, 12:36 AM	#19
jmg Lieutenant General 18697 Rep 14,115 Posts Drives: G82 M4C X-Drive Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2022 G82 M4C X-Drive [9.85] 2018 F80 M3 CS [9.87] 2019 i3 BEV [0.00]	No frame is the cleanest. Attached Images __________________ 2022 G82///M4 Competition X-Drive - KW-HAS, EBC Bluestuff, Millway Race Camber Plates, Cup2 Connect, PSI High Flow Midpipe, Lightweight Front Lip, M Perf Flow Through Wing Previous • 2018 F80 ///M3 CS • 2016 F80 ///*M3 IG: Raging_G82
	Appreciate 1 alohasurftoad3076.50 Quote

04-20-2020, 05:34 AM	#21
dmaxdmax Captain 417 Rep 923 Posts Drives: 2016 M235i 6-spd Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	OP, I am pretty strict when reviewing cars in my own mind. Black gloss or black matte finish--no advertising, not even BMW on the frame. Everyone knows it's a bmw...it's got 6 Roundels on it. If your car is silver or light, maybe stainless is okay? Personally I believe that you want people looking at the car and you and not distracted by other things. All the things you put on the car take away from the car. Less is more. __________________ '92 325i, '99 328i, '16 340i, '16 M235i all manuals dmax on FB My last pre-covid standup set
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-27-2020, 03:28 PM	#22
00e46sedan Captain 68 Rep 698 Posts Drives: 16’ F13 640i M Sport Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Colton iTrader: (4)	I have the CF BMW Performance plate , hard to come by but I'm sure u can find em'.
	Appreciate 0 Quote