plate mounts

[AW8]

As some will maybe know I'm in the UK and own a 2002 RHD X5 4.4i Sport

Car has factory OE Spec Euro size front number plate holder.

I have a private/personalised number plate which only has 5 characters.

I recently ordered and waiting for delivery of a new set of smaller legal plates as uk law allows narrower plates if less than the max 7 characters, (so long as otehr criteria met such as markings, borders, spaces etc)

My numberplates as fitted have are both 520mmx 111mm.

The new plates being delivered to me are narrower - 350mm x 111mm

I was considering doing away with the front mount completely, ( as all other uk E53's I've seen with smaller fronnt plates), and using stickpads/padding tom affix or cutting a section out of a euro plate mount and rejoining in centre then refinishing to hide crack to centre.


1. Any ideas/thoughts as to best methods/ideas/products apprecaited ?

2. Does anyone have, (or would they be kindly able able to proviode), measurements for USA or Japnese plate mount sizes for prefaclift 2000-2004 X5 E53 ? I may try to import another mount if that option is better but I suspect the depth/height will be to great for my 111mm high plates.

Thanks in advance

[Zulu95]

US plates measure 12" X 6" and the mount is 13.5" X 7". I could arrange getting you one if it will do your job.
PM me if interested.
Cheers.

[CarbonBlackX5UK]

Let me know how you get on, I've also got a 5 digit personalised registration. Where did you get your smaller plates made up?

[AW8]

Thanks Zulu - That's a kind offer , however, I have converted my measurements and the figures I quote translate to imperial as 13 & 3/4" x 4 & 3/8 " by my reckoning that as I suspected means the depth is too tall by over 2.5"......so wont be needing your kind help for now.

I've fitted the rear with stick pads - tried to remove the factory plate washers in tailgate to make plate flush but failed and didnt want to damage paint.

Re the front I removed my existing plate surround. This left exposed screw holes. 2 outside of the new plate area in top section of bumper below bonnet and 2 in the trim panel inside the front PDC's. I carefully removed hole debris and used hot tip of cigarette to heat holes and mould the resultant bore plastic into the holes. Had to rub plastic a little with some wet and dry then tried some satin paint over the marks but finish too dark. May have to look out for some modelling paint in a very dark grey. The visible marks are barely noticeable but I know they are there...............Certainly not going to order a complete new bumper so if I can get the tiny marks sorted to an acceptable standard I may refit the old plate.

I would post pics but due to my mental health and associated paranoia I s edit/conceal plate characters online thus images a bit pointless without same.

Cheers & Thanks again for kind offer.

[AW8]

CarbonBlackX5UK ( lovely cars btw)

I got them from craigsplates

Sounds a bit jack the lad but they seem to know their stuff

http://www.craigsplates.com/standard...-white-acrylic

It's size 5

Both fitted - probs encountered were :

1. Residue & mark removal on painted area surrounding old rear plate
(autoglym SRP sorted worst of that).

2. The screw holes issues to top of front bumper and trim between PDC's. I can only assume a prior owner/trader got a bit carried away with screwing at some point - LOL !

Initial thoughts

Positives -

- Nice and neat and make the 5 character plates more noticeable
- No vast expanses of yelow and white perspex.
- Smaller plates supplied were 100% legal.................Look at the speed plod and law section on Pistonheads Forums from my comments re legality issues. (4th Post page 3 http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/t...&t=578225&i=40
- The words criagsplates and other info req'd by law are tiny and don't stand out.


Negatives

- Looks a tiny bit modified ............then again I am very conservative on cars of this type

- Wife says front plate looks like "Hitler Moustache" and smaller rear now exposes large sections of paintwork either side of same.

- The issue with holes/marks to bumper

- Lack of trim makes it look a little less finished off..............I may try cutting down a euro uk front surround and modifying it by cutting a section from midddle then joining it up and finishing it in a suitable paint finish to hide join.




Willl see how they grow on me so to speak and reasses as /if appropariate.

Need to stop typing now - sounding very sad..........need a shower and alcohol ! LOL

[CarbonBlackX5UK]

Thanks AW8 I'll take a look. I've not gone on the site yet, can you build the plate online to get view on how my reg would look?

[AW8]

No prob- Afraid not - will only show layout on std size plate.