Instructions for drilling and attaching front license plate bracket?

[nachob]

I got my license plate bracket and hardware at Welt and told dealer not to install it after delivery. I think I will go ahead and do it, but there were no instructions. Anyone know of a PDF or instructions somewhere? There are screws and felt strips, etc that I don't know where they go or if they are for the rear bracket.

Thanks

[DriveHard]

are you talking european long plate bracket, or usa small plate bracket???

if usa, there are 2 tabs on the bottom of the bracket that go into a slot in the bumper cover. once those tabs are in, its basically run a screw into the cover... sometime they come with the 2 longer screws that are fine thread to grab the cover well... thats all ther is to it..

it just sucks that you actually drill into the cover...

i havent put a front plate on my cars in over 10 years!!! and in NY its a front plate state.. 1 ticket in over ten years.... guess ive been lucky..

[Amnizu]

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...33#post5725633

You might try the CP-E tow hook plate out.

[oldBMWguy]

Originally Posted by DriveHard

are you talking european long plate bracket, or usa small plate bracket???



it just sucks that you actually drill into the cover...

i havent put a front plate on my cars in over 10 years!!! and in NY its a front plate state.. 1 ticket in over ten years.... guess ive been lucky..

We have the same problem re having to have front plates here is Va.--- I did not use my front plate for about 15 years... then got stopped twice [in 2009] in two months for not having them. I talked my way out of a ticket both times by saying the bracket was "on order". After the second one I decided to give up and put the front plate on. Now that I have my 1M, I am thinking again about not putting the front plates on ......it looks so damn good without them!

[Moo]

Noooooooo, don't do it!

Both the PCD and dealership folks told me they were so glad that I didn't choose to drill holes in the front bumper.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by Moo

Noooooooo, don't do it!

Both the PCD and dealership folks told me they were so glad that I didn't choose to drill holes in the front bumper.

It's the US bracket....I will try to get by without it as long as I can but if I have to, I wanted to see where the foam pads and which screws go where. They just gave me both brackets and hardware because the dealer was going to do it, but told them not too. Already took the car so I don't think they would do it now...maybe they would charge me, but it's not even the money. IF I have to drill, I want to drill my baby...no one else.

Anyway, I will hold off as long as I can but if anyone knows of the instructions for where the foam pads go, let me know.

Thanks

[NihonX]

I'm going to use the Tow Hook Mount. I am not going to put holes in my bumper.
I live in California but never gotten pulled over for the license plate.

I might just go without a front plate until then.

[Moo]

Originally Posted by Amnizu

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...33#post5725633

You might try the CP-E tow hook plate out.

I still have the BMW-branded black plastic license mount. I don't remember seeing foam pads...

BTW +1 for the tow hook mounts.

http://www.rhoplate.com/

http://www.cravenspeed.com/the-platypus/

http://m3forum.net/m3forum/showthrea...light=eurodyne

[1978.530i]

My guy at Ridgefield BMW in CT called me to ask whether I wanted it drilled or not. The answer was 'NO" and he's getting all 10's in his survey because of it. Thanks David!

[theblackangus]

Tow hook all the way.
I got the 70$ jobbie from us millworks. Works good and is solid and versatile mount.
http://www.usmillworks.com/bmw_front..._tow_hook.html

You can call the guy and he will talk with you about it, good guy very helpful.

The CP-e is the other choice. Very solid looking.

[ayao]

There was an extensive discussion about tow hook mounts several weeks back:

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...light=tow+hook

Black Angus: can you post some pics of the US Millworks mount on your 1M? I'd reiterate the positive experience with US Millworks. Even though I didn't buy, he was completely helpful in offering assistance.

[JC Exec]

Originally Posted by theblackangus

Tow hook all the way.
I got the 70$ jobbie from us millworks. Works good and is solid and versatile mount.
http://www.usmillworks.com/bmw_front..._tow_hook.html

You can call the guy and he will talk with you about it, good guy very helpful.

The CP-e is the other choice. Very solid looking.

+1
Great mounting and easy to use!!

[Stratus650]

If you want a center mounted plate, just use double-sided tape

[nachob]

Originally Posted by Stratus650

If you want a center mounted plate, just use double-sided tape

I thought of that too! The bracket hooks underneath. I was thinking if I got pulled over, I could put heavy duty 3M double-sided tape on the inside of the screw seats to hold it in place without drilling. That stuff is amazing. I put my lip spoiler on with it and it was a bear to remove it. I will also look at the tow hook thing. You guys talked me out of drilling for now.

Thanks!

[bmwmck]

rho plate is one of the best tow hook mounts

[eeghie]

Now this is a nice way of plating: Stick On, does anyone know if NYS allows / who produces stick on front plates?

Does anyone notice the local rivalry between 911 and GTR owners (sorry for low contrast pic: what will hopefully be visible is a Belgium GTR that has "911 Bye" as a stick on front license plate !

[pearlwhites]

I'm in NY and I'm running the cp-e plate and it's definitely a solid piece.

I know some people have gotten away with not running a plate at all (it's the best aesthetically,) but the last thing I'd want is to get pulled over after a dinner where I had a glass of wine. Just a thought...

[Rikx1M]

Also very adamant about screwing up the front bumper of this gorgeous car..so for a couple of weeks drove with plate in windshield until I came up with a solution.

I basically took a L-shaped bracket...kind of like to hang a shelf, 3-4 inches per side, bent the 90 degree angle about 10+ degrees more. Bent the other end completely around in a "U" shape, drilled a hole through both sides of the "U" and then slipped it into the grill. Once all the way through, pulled it out using the grill as the first point of support. Put 4 layers of double-sided tape to provide cushion between bracket and bumper...that's the second point of contact. Slipped a couple of plastic washers between the "U" and then stuck a screw about 3/4" long and secured bracket to bumper from underneath. That's the third point of contact/support.

Finally screwed the European frame against the bracket with short screws and used duct tape to make everything neat. I intentionally used the same points under the bumper as the US style bracket so I can use this same gizmo in the states.

Entire job from idea to final, two hours. Hope that helps.

[oldBMWguy]

VERY smart!.. I may do the same for my US plate

TKS !

[AntonV]

http://skenedesign.com/FPBracket/index.shtml