Front plate remorse!

shortseller · 10-28-2010, 02:37 PM

Anyone had from plate remorse after having your bumper drilled out and front plate installed? I do!!

So I will ask...Has anyone has the process reversed, plate removed and holes plugged or repaired? What did it look like and are you happy with the results?

Thanks!

A4rings · 10-28-2010, 02:47 PM

why did u voluntarily drill holes into your bumper? there are other ways of attatching a license plate. And as far as repairing the holes, get plugs to fill the hole. i would not want a body shop to repaint my bumper unless i had to.

shortseller · 10-28-2010, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A4rings

why did u voluntarily drill holes into your bumper? there are other ways of attatching a license plate. And as far as repairing the holes, get plugs to fill the hole. i would not want a body shop to repaint my bumper unless i had to.

The front plates were dealer installed. I did have a choice since I bought the car new, ordered it, so when asked if I wanted a front plate I sad sure but I have since seen quiet a few cars on the road w/o front tags and like that look so much better.

OK, so plugs are available, where?

PhiDeltBeers · 10-28-2010, 03:04 PM

Might want to post this in a non engine forum.

3X3=5 · 10-28-2010, 03:15 PM

To fix it back to new you'd need a shop to fill and paint the whole bumper. I was quoted $700 here in Seattle at BMW's recommended body shop. Ridiculous IMO. I bought two small white nylon plugs from Home Depot, about 1/2" in diameter. Primed them and painted them with off the shelf metallic black GM paint from O'Reillys Auto. Not a perfect match, but it looks perfect in such a small quantity. Glued them in place with some Liquid Nails (to make sure they're completely flush) and done. Here's a pic - you have to look to notice them. Total cost: about $10.

And yes this should be in the general forum.

5050punk · 10-28-2010, 03:18 PM

I had the opposite. I ordered my car with no front plate, and then had remorse after getting pulled over like 4 times in a year and a half specifically for no plate. I finally bit the bullet and put one back on.

shortseller · 10-28-2010, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5050punk

I had the opposite. I ordered my car with no front plate, and then had remorse after getting pulled over like 4 times in a year and a half specifically for no plate. I finally bit the bullet and put one back on.

It took 4 times....

but I hear you!

shortseller · 10-28-2010, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3times3

To fix it back to new you'd need a shop to fill and paint the whole bumper. I was quoted $700 here in Seattle at BMW's recommended body shop. Ridiculous IMO. I bought two small white nylon plugs from Home Depot, about 1/2" in diameter. Primed them and painted them with off the shelf metallic black GM paint from O'Reillys Auto. Not a perfect match, but it looks perfect in such a small quantity. Glued them in place with some Liquid Nails (to make sure they're completely flush) and done. Here's a pic - you have to look to notice them. Total cost: about $10.

And yes this should be in the general forum.

Looks really nice!! Thank you for the tips.

Buegie · 10-28-2010, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3times3

To fix it back to new you'd need a shop to fill and paint the whole bumper. I was quoted $700 here in Seattle at BMW's recommended body shop. Ridiculous IMO. I bought two small white nylon plugs from Home Depot, about 1/2" in diameter. Primed them and painted them with off the shelf metallic black GM paint from O'Reillys Auto. Not a perfect match, but it looks perfect in such a small quantity. Glued them in place with some Liquid Nails (to make sure they're completely flush) and done. Here's a pic - you have to look to notice them. Total cost: about $10.

And yes this should be in the general forum.

that looks really good

too bad my bumper also has numerous rock chips or I might try something like that

Tee212 · 10-28-2010, 03:27 PM

Have a front plate like every other normal driver. If you think it looks that much better without then remove it for photos sake.

JstSqzd · 10-28-2010, 03:32 PM

I bought my car used, and this really bothers me. I might try the diy hole plug solution mentioned above. Good idea!

sneaks · 10-28-2010, 03:34 PM

Bah, carry it in the trunk and when you get pulled over, smile and say it didnt look sturdy, i think one of the bolts is missing and you have an appointment at the dealer to repair it, show it to him in the trunk and be on your way.

This works if you are sincere and not pulled over by a local cop you may run into again. It also doesn't work if your car is ricey.

The key to this is having an appointment at the dealer because you convey an attitude that you can't be bothered by small stuff like this and would have a dealer fix instead of worrying about this yourself. The officer would then feel silly for tagging you on that.

I think it works 60% of the time and eventually you will put it on, but i know a friend who made it 4 years!

PhiDeltBeers · 10-28-2010, 03:36 PM

When I bought my Jeep SRT8 (used), I had the same issue. I told the dealership to have a body shop fix it before I bought it and they did.

Bobble · 10-28-2010, 03:40 PM

I got two no front plate tickets and got tired of the hassle. I have the RHOplate hangar that works just fine and no drilling needed. Just get asked by every kid in the neighborhood why my plate is on the side though.

BTW I've not had a front plate on any BMW in years, never a ticket in the others but twice in this one. My son drives my E46 with no plate and no problem. Go figure hassle the old guy

5050punk · 10-28-2010, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobble

BTW I've not had a front plate on any BMW in years, never a ticket in the others but twice in this one. My son drives my E46 with no plate and no problem. Go figure hassle the old guy

Yeah I had no front plate on my MKV GTI for 3 years, got pulled over multiple times for speeding and stuff, and the cops never said anything about the plate. But I seem to be a target in this car and they're just looking for reasons to pull me over.

shortseller · 10-28-2010, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tee212

Have a front plate like every other normal driver. If you think it looks that much better without then remove it for photos sake.

Well gee wizzzzzzz!!

Coolieman1220 · 10-28-2010, 04:02 PM

i wish my front plate fit flush with the bumper. like if the bumper had a recessed spot to put the plate. My G35 was like that. it was a lot nicer.\

Those holes look like PDC lol

michaelthepsycho · 10-28-2010, 04:09 PM

I used to think "Oh no! The holes are going to end my world!" But in reality... You can't really notice until you're very close... That is unless you have a white car.

Bama335 · 10-28-2010, 08:14 PM

I bought my car in MO, and they already had the plate holder installed - not wanting a front plate bracket, I used these:

http://www.bumperplugs.com/home.html

No, they're not cheap, but they match well, and I didnt want to do the filler/paint match route at the time.

To those who drive without the plate when your state mandates it, I lived in OH, and they were serious about enforcing the front plate - they called it "failure to display", and I got nicked twice in 3 yrs, including by a state trooper who actually slowed down to 45 in the right lane on the pike to get me to pass, and then pulled me over (bstrd).

Funny thing is the very same thing happened last year driving thru OH, but this time the plate in the back wasnt OH, and smokey had to look elsewhere for prey. My wife was like "wtf is that cop doing??"....well, honey, he's just checking to see if we'd like to make a donation to the Ohio general fund.....

rosskie · 10-28-2010, 08:58 PM

I think 3m tape would be a smart way to go before you drill anything that's the way I'm ganna go if I get pulled over

E46toE90 · 10-28-2010, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortseller

The front plates were dealer installed. I did have a choice since I bought the car new, ordered it, so when asked if I wanted a front plate I sad sure but I have since seen quiet a few cars on the road w/o front tags and like that look so much better.

OK, so plugs are available, where?

same thing happend to me

dealer ran some self tap

holy crap i wanted to cry when i removed my front plate.

ForTheD · 10-28-2010, 09:50 PM

There is a nice fix for this in the DIY section.
I decided to put my front plate on after, two pull overs. Only the first one is free.

10-28-2010, 02:37 PM	#1
shortseller Brigadier General 1003 Rep 3,396 Posts Drives: ‘18 ABM F80ZCP/dct Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: NOVA iTrader: (0)	Front plate remorse! Anyone had from plate remorse after having your bumper drilled out and front plate installed? I do!! So I will ask...Has anyone has the process reversed, plate removed and holes plugged or repaired? What did it look like and are you happy with the results? Thanks! Last edited by shortseller; 10-28-2010 at 04:22 PM..
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10-28-2010, 02:47 PM	#2
A4rings First Lieutenant 22 Rep 367 Posts Drives: 07 Space 335i Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: SBizzle iTrader: (0)	why did u voluntarily drill holes into your bumper? there are other ways of attatching a license plate. And as far as repairing the holes, get plugs to fill the hole. i would not want a body shop to repaint my bumper unless i had to.
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10-28-2010, 03:04 PM	#4
PhiDeltBeers Lieutenant 96 Rep 552 Posts Drives: SEVERAL Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Tulsa, OK iTrader: (0)	Might want to post this in a non engine forum. __________________ 2019 RANGE ROVER SPORT SUPERCHARGED; 2023 JEEP WRANGLER RUBICON 4XE 2022 AUDI R8 PERFORMANCE RWD; 2023 BMW M3 XDRIVE; 2017 MERCEDES G550; 2023 CORVETTE Z06 (ORDERED)
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10-28-2010, 03:15 PM	#5
3X3=5 Lieutenant 117 Rep 557 Posts Drives: in a lot of traffic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Seattle iTrader: (8)	To fix it back to new you'd need a shop to fill and paint the whole bumper. I was quoted $700 here in Seattle at BMW's recommended body shop. Ridiculous IMO. I bought two small white nylon plugs from Home Depot, about 1/2" in diameter. Primed them and painted them with off the shelf metallic black GM paint from O'Reillys Auto. Not a perfect match, but it looks perfect in such a small quantity. Glued them in place with some Liquid Nails (to make sure they're completely flush) and done. Here's a pic - you have to look to notice them. Total cost: about $10. And yes this should be in the general forum. Attached Images
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10-28-2010, 03:18 PM	#6
5050punk Private First Class 26 Rep 177 Posts Drives: 2016 Golf R, 2009 335xi Coupe Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Kirkland, WA. iTrader: (0)	I had the opposite. I ordered my car with no front plate, and then had remorse after getting pulled over like 4 times in a year and a half specifically for no plate. I finally bit the bullet and put one back on. __________________
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10-28-2010, 03:27 PM	#10
Tee212 Banned 81 Rep 4,541 Posts Drives: yes Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Riverside iTrader: (9) Garage List 2010 335 [8.00]	Have a front plate like every other normal driver. If you think it looks that much better without then remove it for photos sake.
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10-28-2010, 03:32 PM	#11
JstSqzd Enlisted Member 1 Rep 31 Posts Drives: '08 335i 6mt Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	I bought my car used, and this really bothers me. I might try the diy hole plug solution mentioned above. Good idea!
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10-28-2010, 03:34 PM	#12
sneaks Lieutenant 17 Rep 431 Posts Drives: '08 335xi Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: 24 Sussex iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 335xi [0.00]	Bah, carry it in the trunk and when you get pulled over, smile and say it didnt look sturdy, i think one of the bolts is missing and you have an appointment at the dealer to repair it, show it to him in the trunk and be on your way. This works if you are sincere and not pulled over by a local cop you may run into again. It also doesn't work if your car is ricey. The key to this is having an appointment at the dealer because you convey an attitude that you can't be bothered by small stuff like this and would have a dealer fix instead of worrying about this yourself. The officer would then feel silly for tagging you on that. I think it works 60% of the time and eventually you will put it on, but i know a friend who made it 4 years!
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10-28-2010, 03:36 PM	#13
PhiDeltBeers Lieutenant 96 Rep 552 Posts Drives: SEVERAL Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Tulsa, OK iTrader: (0)	When I bought my Jeep SRT8 (used), I had the same issue. I told the dealership to have a body shop fix it before I bought it and they did. __________________ 2019 RANGE ROVER SPORT SUPERCHARGED; 2023 JEEP WRANGLER RUBICON 4XE 2022 AUDI R8 PERFORMANCE RWD; 2023 BMW M3 XDRIVE; 2017 MERCEDES G550; 2023 CORVETTE Z06 (ORDERED)
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10-28-2010, 03:40 PM	#14
Bobble Major 56 Rep 1,232 Posts Drives: Whatever POS the wife leaves Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1)	I got two no front plate tickets and got tired of the hassle. I have the RHOplate hangar that works just fine and no drilling needed. Just get asked by every kid in the neighborhood why my plate is on the side though. BTW I've not had a front plate on any BMW in years, never a ticket in the others but twice in this one. My son drives my E46 with no plate and no problem. Go figure hassle the old guy
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10-28-2010, 04:02 PM	#17
Coolieman1220 Banned 73 Rep 1,770 Posts Drives: 2010 335d Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New York City iTrader: (0)	i wish my front plate fit flush with the bumper. like if the bumper had a recessed spot to put the plate. My G35 was like that. it was a lot nicer.\ Those holes look like PDC lol Last edited by Coolieman1220; 10-28-2010 at 04:20 PM..
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10-28-2010, 04:09 PM	#18
michaelthepsycho Lieutenant Colonel 76 Rep 1,644 Posts Drives: 11 Montego Blue E90 335i Step Join Date: May 2009 Location: CA iTrader: (4)	I used to think "Oh no! The holes are going to end my world!" But in reality... You can't really notice until you're very close... That is unless you have a white car. __________________ Former car 2011 BMW 335i Step - Montego Blue / Chestnut Brown
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10-28-2010, 08:14 PM	#19
Bama335 Lieutenant 27 Rep 542 Posts Drives: '13 E82 135is '13 E88 135 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Dixie iTrader: (0)	I bought my car in MO, and they already had the plate holder installed - not wanting a front plate bracket, I used these: http://www.bumperplugs.com/home.html No, they're not cheap, but they match well, and I didnt want to do the filler/paint match route at the time. To those who drive without the plate when your state mandates it, I lived in OH, and they were serious about enforcing the front plate - they called it "failure to display", and I got nicked twice in 3 yrs, including by a state trooper who actually slowed down to 45 in the right lane on the pike to get me to pass, and then pulled me over (bstrd). Funny thing is the very same thing happened last year driving thru OH, but this time the plate in the back wasnt OH, and smokey had to look elsewhere for prey. My wife was like "wtf is that cop doing??"....well, honey, he's just checking to see if we'd like to make a donation to the Ohio general fund..... __________________ 2013 E88 135i B39/LWD1 DCT 2013 E82 135is 416/LWNL 6MT
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10-28-2010, 08:58 PM	#20
rosskie Major 34 Rep 1,118 Posts Drives: 335 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: albany or iTrader: (11)	I think 3m tape would be a smart way to go before you drill anything that's the way I'm ganna go if I get pulled over
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10-28-2010, 09:50 PM	#22
ForTheD Second Lieutenant 19 Rep 251 Posts Drives: 2007 e90 335i 6MT (ZSP) Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Salem, OR iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [0.00]	There is a nice fix for this in the DIY section. I decided to put my front plate on after, two pull overs. Only the first one is free.
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