Install OEM Front Bumper License Plate Holder

zmanH2 · 11-13-2014, 09:15 AM

I know, I know......it's a sore subject to some members but I would like to install mine. Can anyone help me in installing my license plate holder? Is there a install pdf floating around here?

1). How many holes have to be drilled?
2). Which screw goes where?
3). Where do the one-sided foam stickies go? The plate holder is raised in the back so they can't really go there...

I tried to label everything below. Any help appreciated!

RedlinePSI · 11-13-2014, 09:30 AM

I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.

TMD29 · 11-13-2014, 09:36 AM

Just take it to the dealer.

Fronzdan · 11-13-2014, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedlinePSI

I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.

My eyes filled with tears and the lower lip started quivering. Those long screws go right into the bumper.

Stein · 11-13-2014, 10:31 AM

Why not get a mount that attaches to the tow hook?

http://www.usmillworks.com/bmw_front..._tow_hook.html

NateDog07V · 11-13-2014, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stein

Why not get a mount that attaches to the tow hook?

http://www.usmillworks.com/bmw_front..._tow_hook.html

Know any other good ones under $100 bucks ? seems pretty steep for a license plate holder

wolves · 11-14-2014, 12:38 AM

Reverse question - if you were clueless on the matter when buying your car and wanted to reverse this, is it pricey to get the holder removed and holes filled? Probably not worth it with the need for patching and re-paint. Cheaper to get new bumper?

Amessforone · 11-14-2014, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NateDog07V

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stein

Why not get a mount that attaches to the tow hook?

http://www.usmillworks.com/bmw_front..._tow_hook.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://<a href="http://www.usmillwor..._hook.html</a>

Know any other good ones under $100 bucks ? seems pretty steep for a license plate holder

Gominigo makes a good one for a fair price.

RedlinePSI · 11-14-2014, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolves

Reverse question - if you were clueless on the matter when buying your car and wanted to reverse this, is it pricey to get the holder removed and holes filled? Probably not worth it with the need for patching and re-paint. Cheaper to get new bumper?

There is no way a new bumper should be cheaper than patching up two small holes. Bondo the holes and blend the paint to avoid painting the whole bumper over. You would never tell the difference if it's done right. Compared to buying a new bumper and prep and paint the whole thing.

Crispykickz · 11-14-2014, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NateDog07V

Know any other good ones under $100 bucks ? seems pretty steep for a license plate holder

And it is worth every damn penny.

The kit is dead simple to install and it is super high quality metal. It doesn't flex and just feels really good.

In fact, OP probably can install the tow hook plate holder quicker than drilling into the bumper.

BXL4 · 11-14-2014, 11:24 AM

Not responsive to the op's question but what about mounting it with double sided 3m tape like the Euro plate (for those of us who got ED) has?

zmanH2 · 11-14-2014, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BXL4

Not responsive to the op's question but what about mounting it with double sided 3m tape like the Euro plate (for those of us who got ED) has?

I know.....no direct responses yet

I'd rather have peace of mind since the front plate is required in Kalifornistan! The tow hook bracket does NOT appeal to me at all.....it looks so uneven

Fronzdan · 11-14-2014, 03:20 PM

Well it pains me to even discuss it....but I would guess the four long screws are used in the four outer recessed holes. The two short screws are used in the two middle recessed holes. The stainless screws are used to hold the plate on the bracket. And the stickers are used between the bracket and the newly screwed bumper (gasp) to try and keep crud from getting trapped between the two. You want to "measure twice and drill once". You don't want it to be crooked or off center.

My bracket is sitting in the storage compartment in the trunk. I can dig it out to see where the foam things should be located.

zmanH2 · 11-14-2014, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fronzdan

I can dig it out to see where the foam things should be located.

Please do, that's my biggest head-scratcher right now.

Labeef · 11-14-2014, 10:50 PM

Very simple. First get the small screwdriver out from your trunk tool kit. Second, grab some masking tape. Third, line up the two center tabs(#1 in your picture are the alignment tabs) on the bracket to the 2 small indents on the bumper. Use the masking tape to temperately hold the bracket to the bumper prior to attachment. Take a step back to make sure the bracket is level and centered. I usually count the kidney grill gills. Make sure you have an even amount on both sides. Take the long black screws that are self taping and put one through the hole#3 in your picture one at a time. Push down till the screw punctures the bumper and screw down. Repeat till you have all four corners in. After take it back off, cut the two center tabs(#1 in your picture) on the brackets and reattach the bracket.

The four short black screws hold down the plate on the front bracket.
The four silver screws hold down the rear frame.
The foam pads are to be place under your license plate so it doesn't rattle.

stroker15 · 06-17-2019, 08:28 PM

I just installed mine. Note that the mount does not come with screws. I purchased some #8 self tapping screws. They did not lock in or feel very secure when I screwed them in. I'd recommend thicker screws, maybe #10.

These are what I used but I'd recommend thicker screws, #10 is the next step up.

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

Since it didn't feel very secure, I used super glue on the threads and the screw heads, hopefully that will keep it from falling off. If it works, then that plate and mount will probably never come off.

MmmmmM2 · 06-17-2019, 08:30 PM

Sore subject is an understatement.

stroker15 · 06-17-2019, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F30ZHP

Sore subject is an understatement.

I agree, but I figured I'd give the police one less reason to pull me over. One guy on here said he got a ticket for no front plate while parked in a parking lot.

I already had the front mount, but no screws. I looked at the non destructive tow hook mounts but didn't have a spare $100 lying around.

I'm definitely not happy I had to screw into my bumper and install a front plate, but I'd be less happy with a ticket.

MmmmmM2 · 06-17-2019, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stroker15

I agree, but I figured I'd give the police one less reason to pull me over. One guy on here said he got a ticket for no front plate while parked in a parking lot.

I already had the front mount, but no screws. I looked at the non destructive tow hook mounts but didn't have a spare $100 lying around.

I'm definitely not happy I had to screw into my bumper and install a front plate, but I'd be less happy with a ticket.

What part of LA do you live in? I'm about 35 miles east of downtown and they are way lax about front plate laws here.

stroker15 · 06-17-2019, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F30ZHP

What part of LA do you live in? I'm about 35 miles east of downtown and they are way lax about front plate laws here.

After I drill the holes he tells me they are lax.

No going back now.

MmmmmM2 · 06-18-2019, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stroker15

After I drill the holes he tells me they are lax.

No going back now.

Well, in and around the LA downtown area, they are hardasses and will ticket you for just about anything.

IK6SPEED · 06-18-2019, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stroker15

I already had the front mount, but no screws. I looked at the non destructive tow hook mounts but didn't have a spare $100 lying around.

I'm definitely not happy I had to screw into my bumper and install a front plate, but I'd be less happy with a ticket.

With all due respect, but if you don't have a spare $100 laying around, you 100% purchased the wrong car.

11-13-2014, 09:15 AM	#1
zmanH2 New Member 11 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 320i AW Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Install OEM Front Bumper License Plate Holder I know, I know......it's a sore subject to some members but I would like to install mine. Can anyone help me in installing my license plate holder? Is there a install pdf floating around here? 1). How many holes have to be drilled? 2). Which screw goes where? 3). Where do the one-sided foam stickies go? The plate holder is raised in the back so they can't really go there... I tried to label everything below. Any help appreciated!
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11-13-2014, 09:30 AM	#2
RedlinePSI Lieutenant 127 Rep 502 Posts Drives: Something else Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: LI, NY iTrader: (0)	I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.
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11-13-2014, 10:31 AM	#5
Stein Private First Class 12 Rep 173 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Rip City iTrader: (0)	Why not get a mount that attaches to the tow hook? http://www.usmillworks.com/bmw_front..._tow_hook.html
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11-14-2014, 12:38 AM	#7
wolves Second Lieutenant 29 Rep 261 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW 328i Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Reverse question - if you were clueless on the matter when buying your car and wanted to reverse this, is it pricey to get the holder removed and holes filled? Probably not worth it with the need for patching and re-paint. Cheaper to get new bumper?
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11-14-2014, 11:24 AM	#11
BXL4 First Lieutenant 49 Rep 312 Posts Drives: 2015 328i Alpine White Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Bainbridge Island WA iTrader: (0)	Not responsive to the op's question but what about mounting it with double sided 3m tape like the Euro plate (for those of us who got ED) has?
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11-13-2014, 09:36 AM	#3
TMD29 Don't care 117 Rep 224 Posts Drives: 17 SO M3 ZCP Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Ohio iTrader: (0)	Just take it to the dealer.
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11-14-2014, 03:20 PM	#13
Fronzdan Lieutenant Colonel 304 Rep 1,739 Posts Drives: '24 M240 xDrive Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	Well it pains me to even discuss it....but I would guess the four long screws are used in the four outer recessed holes. The two short screws are used in the two middle recessed holes. The stainless screws are used to hold the plate on the bracket. And the stickers are used between the bracket and the newly screwed bumper (gasp) to try and keep crud from getting trapped between the two. You want to "measure twice and drill once". You don't want it to be crooked or off center. My bracket is sitting in the storage compartment in the trunk. I can dig it out to see where the foam things should be located.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-14-2014, 10:50 PM	#15
Labeef Captain 265 Rep 807 Posts Drives: 320I Sport/Xenon Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0)	Very simple. First get the small screwdriver out from your trunk tool kit. Second, grab some masking tape. Third, line up the two center tabs(#1 in your picture are the alignment tabs) on the bracket to the 2 small indents on the bumper. Use the masking tape to temperately hold the bracket to the bumper prior to attachment. Take a step back to make sure the bracket is level and centered. I usually count the kidney grill gills. Make sure you have an even amount on both sides. Take the long black screws that are self taping and put one through the hole#3 in your picture one at a time. Push down till the screw punctures the bumper and screw down. Repeat till you have all four corners in. After take it back off, cut the two center tabs(#1 in your picture) on the brackets and reattach the bracket. The four short black screws hold down the plate on the front bracket. The four silver screws hold down the rear frame. The foam pads are to be place under your license plate so it doesn't rattle.
	Appreciate 1 stroker1562.50 Quote

06-17-2019, 08:28 PM	#16
stroker15 Private First Class 63 Rep 178 Posts Drives: 2013 328I Sportline Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	I just installed mine. Note that the mount does not come with screws. I purchased some #8 self tapping screws. They did not lock in or feel very secure when I screwed them in. I'd recommend thicker screws, maybe #10. These are what I used but I'd recommend thicker screws, #10 is the next step up. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Since it didn't feel very secure, I used super glue on the threads and the screw heads, hopefully that will keep it from falling off. If it works, then that plate and mount will probably never come off. __________________ ER Catted Downpipe\| K&N Drop in Air Filter\| FTP Charge Pipes\| CSF Intercooler\| Bootmod3 Stage 2\| Michelin Pilot Sport 4S\| Carbon Fiber Trim\| 30% Ceramic Tint\| Audio Control DM-810 DSP\| Audison Bit DMI Digital Interface\| Pioneer Amps\| Rockford Fosgate T3-BMW1\| Earthquake Subs.
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06-17-2019, 08:30 PM	#17
MmmmmM2 Colonel 2589 Rep 2,432 Posts Drives: 2021 M2C Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Claremont, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 Mazda CX-5 [0.00] 2021 BMW M2C [0.00]	Sore subject is an understatement.
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