Rear licence plate rattle advice pls

[JP_X3]

I’ve got a new X3 (already my 4th BMW now) and have noticed that the rear licence plate rattles.

It’s got a German plate on it, meaning a long rectangular licence plate that is clipped into a standard plastic bracket (dealer-fit).

By design, the body area under the plate is curved on the X3, so the plate holder is not flush against the body surface (as it would be on say an E39 or E46).

Plus, it appears that it is only attached to the tailgate with two screws. This is what causes the plate-holder-to-body rattle when going over big bumps or closing the tailgate.

What I want is for the plate to be PROPERLY fixed in place (as opposed to sticking foam or stuff underneath).

Problem is I think there are only these two pre-drilled holes in the body. Any suggestions?

[Dr. T]

Get a licence plate frame to secure the plate more steadily.

[JP_X3]

Originally Posted by Dr. T

Get a licence plate frame to secure the plate more steadily.

Well, the plate is already in a large plastic frame/holder/bracket that exactly matched the license plate. The plastic frame in turn is mounted to the body. It's a standard article that is used to fit plates to all BMWs by all German dealers.

Trouble is that on the X3 (at least on mine), this is only held in place with two screws, giving it too much free movement against the body.

[ROMEO]

same thing on my 02 X5 4.4 yeah i also noticed 2 little pieces of foam on the 2 botoom corners. I guess i have to replace the foams, they look old and very thin now...