Opinions Please...

[bfi2906]

My 135 coupe is in the country, and I'm after some input from folks that have lived with their 1er for a while, and look at the front of it every day.

I really don't want the front number plate drilled into the bumper bar. It seems such a pity.

I have the NSW personalised plates that have the narrower front plate (about 2" high) - similar to this, but not as long because only 2 letters & 3 digits.



so most available options from the USA wouldn't work, as they're designed for the larger USA plates (about 4-5" high). Thus, you'd end up with the mount sticking our above and below the actual placte - I think that would look odd.

So, she best alternative I've found (that's legal) is a product from the USA - from GominGo, which is a simple bracket that fits into the tow hook mount.

http://www.gominigo.com/NHLPB-BMW.html

My question is -- having spent a lot more time than I looking at the front of your cars, how would the front of the 135 Coupe look with the plate mounted to the side - in the tow hook mount. See pics below.

I'd imagine by the time I get it here, it'll be $A80 - $A100, or thereabouts.

Look Good?
Look OK?
Look Silly?

Naturally, I'm very open to suggestions of alternatives.

Thanks for the feedback.

[DTNJNQ]

I got a sticker number plate made up for the front. I have had it since September last year with no problems. It looks very simliar to a real plate. Got it done at Signarama. I did the artwork myself and gave them a file on CD.

There's a few of us here with sticker plates.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showp...7&postcount=13
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=218146

[amk2912]

My problem with this mount is that some knob would come along and bend it out of spite or whatever purile reason people have for doing that sort of this - especially on a BMW or similar prestige marque. It looks like it wouldn't take too much to twist.

In addition, it just takes some clown to hook their knee walking past the front of your car...................

[BBK]

I think it looks crappy.... I can understand not wanting to drill into the bar, but does it really matter if it is always going to be covered by the plate anyway?

I've had the car for just over a month, and am not bothered by the plate on the front, after all, all cars pretty much have it. Unless you don't have a plate at all on the front (which I've seen a Lemans blue without it and it looked nice), I don't see too much of a problem screwing it on.

Personally, I think the only cars that look ok with the plate to the side, are old cars that are reasonably done up which have nice front mount intercoolers in the middle. Otherwise... just looks lopsided.

[amalgamman]

imo, the number plate in the middle looks much better than off to the side.

Also, functionally, I think the plate off to the side partially obstructs the air inlets for the brakes and radiator.

[bfi2906]

Thanks for your views folks. I think you've confirmed what I thought deep down - it looks awkward!

I was just excited to find an alternative that was half-way reasonable.

I hadn't thought about some clown bending it, or using it to entertain their small mind -- good point!

Has anyone tried using one of the "industrial strength" double sided tapes for their plates. I figure that there is a product out there that's used to hold our rear spoilers on, and I've never heard of one coming off - so it must work.

Any thoughts?

Failing that, I think I'll give the sticker a go to start with - if Plod gets upset with me, I will have to go with the normal "drilling" option. But as someone commented - that's how most are done anyway.

[Zuzu]

Mate I cant see what the problem is with drilling the bumper..

Once the plate is installed, the drill holes are covered for life.

I know a lot of guys on this forum have gone with the sticker, but its just like any other car that has to have its plate bumper installed..

If its only for looks then go with the sticker, it is the best option.

I have the Black Euro slim plates and IMO they look awesome...Just the right size..

[d3syd]

OT: Your car is dazzlingly clean Joe.

[Zuzu]

Originally Posted by d3syd

OT: Your car is dazzlingly clean Joe.

Thanks mate..Just finished clay bar/polish/wax then took out for the Northern Beaches drive day.. That was the cleanest it looked all day(8am before I left home)..then it poured with rain..

[Breville]

I'm with Joe on this one, never worried about the holes (not that I wouldn't like a stick on as it looks better).

[kb2dhg]

I know how you feel and I hate drilling holes in anything let alone a brand new car... I just bit my lip and had it doen... I just made sure it was done right!

[Alext]

my car came with the license plate holder drilled on and the plate screwed on top of that! Didnt really bother me.

[bfi2906]

Thanks guys - really appreciate your thoughts.

Sounds like I should just "man up", and get over the "drilling" thing.

[oldman]

I have the same european plate style as Zuzu and IMO think they look the best of the style available in NSW. I certainly did not have an issue with drilling. It's on the car permanently anyway, so it really does not matter.
Having said that, I dont think the normal NSW yellow/black and similar old style black/white full size plates would look as neat and tidy as the european styles do. I mean, look at how bad most of the USA plates look on the front of the car like the second photo.