How to fix the front license plate

[z2g]

What's wrong with using tie-wraps to install it in the plastic "netting" in the air dam below the bumper?

[Armand]

I stopped by the dealer and talked to the sales manager who sold me the car. He took me to the service area to show me how they do it. EVERY x5 had a front license plate with two screws drilled into the front bumper! Ouch! That's how BMW dealers are installing the front license! I was just looking for the standard installation. I decided to go along. Surely, I will get over it. I am surprised though. I expected the Germans to have a more artistic solution. Doesn't it go back to their Bavarian heritage?

[ChuckG]

Originally Posted by Armand

I expected the Germans to have a more artistic solution. Doesn't it go back to their Bavarian heritage?

My daughters VW Jetta was done the same way.

Chuck

[ard]

Originally Posted by Armand

. EVERY x5 had a front license plate with two screws drilled into the front bumper! Ouch! That's how BMW dealers are installing the front license! I was just looking for the standard installation. I decided to go along. Surely, I will get over it. I am surprised though. I expected the Germans to have a more artistic solution. Doesn't it go back to their Bavarian heritage?

No, not 'every'. I live in norcal, the wife and I drive a combined 45k per year between the pennisnula and sierra, and I don't have front plates on the Porsche, the M5 nor the X5. ALL OF WHICH require two holes in the front bumper.

There are many solutions that do not involve permanently ruining the bumper cover.

But you are correct: that is how dealers do it.

But I have a question: If you are already going to drive around with an ugly plate hanging on the bumper, why sweat two little holes?


A

[Armand]

Originally Posted by ard

...If you are already going to drive around with an ugly plate hanging on the bumper, why sweat two little holes?

A

Indeed.

Ard, you seem to have escaped the wrath of CA CHP so far I've been told you are pretty much guaranteed to get a ticket for it in SF. I chickened out!

[bmwman3241]

Use 3M 4011 Double Sided tape. I use it on my X5, Denali, and other cars, and it sticks perfect. It has lasted thru rain, car washes, high speed and more. It will take some pulling to get off, and does not damage the bumper at all.


3M Tape

[shashankmittal]

Originally Posted by Armand

Finally the license plates for my x5 35d arrived in the mail. I cannot figure out how to fix the front plate!! My CA gave me a plastic bracket for it which has a BMW logo on it so I am assuming it belongs to the car but there is no way to attach it to the front bumper unless you are prepared to drill two holes in the bumper. If California law did not require it, I would not bother but unfortunately I must have a front license plate. Any ideas? I should really call the dealer but keep forgetting....

I am in MA and my dealer drilled two holes in the front bumper to mount the plate bracket.