How to remove front license plate? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Kevmmm · 21st January 2002, 03:12

What is the best way in which to remove the front license plate holder? Thank you in advance.

rvacha · 21st January 2002, 03:20

There are only two screws that hold the plate holder in place. Simply remove the screws (I would not recommend a cordless screwdriver if you are the anal type), and pull the top of the holder towards you and down. The bottom half of the holder is held in place with integral hooks that hook the bottom of the bumper cover. Very easy.

Kevmmm · 21st January 2002, 03:43

Thanks for your reply rvacha, I'll give it a try.

Deanger · 21st January 2002, 04:40

3 tickets when my beast has been parked in the 6 months I've had it -- all for not having the front plate on here in so. cal.

Jerks...

atomic80 · 21st January 2002, 06:45

I heard about a company that supposedly makes body colored plugs to cover up those holes left by the license plate holders. JimC and Arie was working on trying those but I haven't seen a follow up on those yet.

Hamann7 · 21st January 2002, 07:00

Deanger, where in Southern Cali did you get those parking tickets? I'll be sure to avoid parking on the street in those areas.

I guess these idiotic meter maids have nothing better to do.

Hey Kev, I guess you should have specifically instructed the dealer not to put on the front plate mounting frame, eh? When my Beast comes in, I am going to tell them not to even think about drilling any holes in the car!

I don't think they drill them at VPC, do they? I think it's a dealer thing...

atomic80 · 21st January 2002, 07:10

Yup..they drill those holes at the dealership not at the VPC.

basil · 21st January 2002, 08:00

I don't know if this would work but I just thought of this trick to display a plate while parked. Assuming that the plates aren't made of aluminum:

What if we could install powerful enough magnets behind the front bumper that could hold the plate, perhaps with a very thin fabric on the backside of the plate to protect the paint. Every time it's needed one can place the plate on the bumper - hopefully out of view from scumbags.

A magnet or two of practical size probably wouldn't be sufficient to hold the plate in a parked situation - and I'd probably drive off and forget about it as well, but I might just try it since I'll be repainting the front bumper soon. Perhaps if I gouge out some plastic from the inside to reduce the thickness and create clearance from the internal (real) bumper it might work.

In my area and with my lifestyle it might be worth trying since I hear they're cracking down on not displaying a front plate. And I refuse to ruin the look with one.

Kevmmm · 21st January 2002, 09:27

Unfortunately, it came with front plates

as the car was traded in from another dealer. M cars are not supposed to have front plates IMHO, but you do have to be careful in LA.

Deanger · 21st January 2002, 17:34

Beverly hills, Brentwood, Santa Monica.

And the magnets idea is good, have to think about that one...