European Front License Plate Issue w/ Parking Sensor

Speedlogix · #1 01-13-2011, 11:13 PM

I put a (standard size) European front license plate on my X5 (pic below) and it installed easily with the included frame/bracket as it had a number of holes and lined up perfectly with the dealer drilled holes from their goofy plate. The plate is flush with the bumper. I love the look, but I'm having an intermittent issue. Sometimes it doesn't cause any problems and other times it does ... it sets the front parking sensor off. It only ever sets off the driver side, and I've adjusted it and nothing seems to make it totally fixed. It's weird because it'll be fine when I back out of the driveway, but then 15 minutes later when I back into my parking space it'll set it off.

Just curious if anyone else has had an issue or knows what the best fix is. Are the US parking sensors set in farther than the European ones? It seems like I've seen tons of BMW with the European front plates so this must be doable.

Thanks,
Lisa.

Kloogy · #2 01-13-2011, 11:17 PM

Same here. I took it off.

Speedlogix · #3 02-07-2011, 03:32 PM

I wonder if the European front plate bracket would work as it may be contoured for the bumper.

Penguin · #4 02-07-2011, 09:34 PM

Well, if you want to try something weird for the heck of it...

The sensors might be getting reflection from the back of the license plate. Put something that absorbs ultrasonic waves, and it might be just enough to prevent false alarms. I'd try sticking some of that self-adhesive insulating foam strips used for general heat sealing around openings in houses. Or cut from a sheet of foam and glue it onto the back of the plate near the sensors.

If it is reflecting from the edge, that a problem, as any foam or anything would be unsightly.

It's a bit of a crazy idea, but might be interesting to try.

You never know...

Kloogy · #5 02-07-2011, 10:23 PM

I came to the conclusion that the sensors are located differently on the front bumper of Euro Spec models.

bren3085 · #6 02-07-2011, 10:38 PM

FYI..I have a pre LCI x5 and the sensors are placed at the top of the grill (just under where your new ones are..

just an idea..would it help taking off that back mounting bracket, and mounting the numberplate directly to the bumper so it is more flush?

M5_Traveler · #7 02-08-2011, 06:07 AM

I have US spec X5 with German plates and don't have this issue. I however did not use a bracket. I slightly bent the plate to match the natural curve line of the front bumper and it works fine.

Kloogy · #8 02-08-2011, 10:01 AM

I don't want to out the plate directly , since bare metal on paint is not something I really want.

M5_Traveler · #9 02-08-2011, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kloogy

I don't want to out the plate directly , since bare metal on paint is not something I really want.

Forgot to mention that I wrapped must of the front end with clear bra to include the front bumper

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