"No Drill" License Plate Bracket - Which to choose?

Lordrandall · 20th May 2010, 21:06

Well, I finally passed a bored bike cop this morning on my way to work, so it's time to contribute to the city coffers and take care of my fix-it ticket.

I'm loath to drill into my bumper cover, so I went looking for some no-drill options.

These look like my 3 best choices:
Keep the center look - Skene Design License Plate Mount
Offset w/ Aluminum post - Rho-plate
Offset w/ steel post - http://www.wstoshop.com/servlet/Detail?category=BMW%3A5+Series%3AE39+5er+%2896~03% 29%3AExterior&no=1358&searchpath=32423
Offset (Thanks wentouch!) - BMW Parts and BMW Accessories | Bavarian Autosport - Search required, no direct link.

Has anyone tried one or more of the above? Any feedback regarding quality?

They all cost about the same, so I'm not worried about that part.

TIA!

Stack · 20th May 2010, 21:11

There is also the Go Mini Go

Euro Dyne || GoMiniGo :: The 'NO HOLES' License Plate Bracket - Bimmerforums - The Ultimate BMW Forum

Lordrandall · 20th May 2010, 21:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stack

There is also the Go Mini Go

Euro Dyne || GoMiniGo :: The 'NO HOLES' License Plate Bracket - Bimmerforums - The Ultimate BMW Forum

Thanks, that's the one they sell at WSTOShop.

SidekickChuck · 20th May 2010, 21:35

Are you just trying to get the fix it ticket cleared then remove it?
I have received many front license tickets and I just take a small piece of double sided foam tape and press my fingers all over it to get my oils on it so it isnt too tacky. Then around the corner from the CHP office, press it onto the front bumper cover and get it signed off. Then remove it once leaving the CHP lot.

wentouch · 20th May 2010, 21:35

BavAuto offers one for $50 which appears to have a better design (material quality unknown): BMW Parts and BMW Accessories | Bavarian Autosport. Search: License Plate Locator (doesn't link directly).

Choosing between the center mount (fixed) versus hook mount depends on whether your mounting basis is either temporary or permanent. If you're looking for just temporary to get correction cleared, wouldn't hurt to go the tow mount route first and see if it clears.

Fortunately, OC isn't cracking down as hard as LA on front plates yet and I've been lucky in LA. I received only a warning in LA; knock on wood, but if you travel via flying, might as well stick to the center plate, since a missing front plate is almost always ticketed at the airport.

Lordrandall · 20th May 2010, 21:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by wentouch

BavAuto offers one for $50 which appears to have a better design (material quality unknown): BMW Parts and BMW Accessories | Bavarian Autosport. Search: License Plate Locator (doesn't link directly).

Choosing between the center mount (fixed) versus hook mount depends on whether your mounting basis is either temporary or permanent. If you're looking for just temporary to get correction cleared, wouldn't hurt to go the tow mount route first and see if it clears.

Fortunately, OC isn't cracking down as hard as LA on front plates yet and I've been lucky in LA. I received only a warning in LA; knock on wood, but if you travel via flying, might as well stick to the center plate, since a missing front plate is almost always ticketed at the airport.

Thanks, I'll add that one to my original post.

I haven't decided if I'm going to keep it on or not. I guess the smart thing to do would be to leave it in place so I don't get another ticket, but front plates are so tacky. I drove my last car for 4 years with no plate and never got a ticket.

SidekickChuck · 20th May 2010, 21:50

Could just be Burbank PD needing to step up their quota for the month....
I live close, in La Crescenta and the only times in the past were in other vehicles (not the M5) and it was always for something else like tint or exhaust and they just threw in front license for good measure =]

I will always use my method as a fix it ticket is quick and easy, but still a hassle to deal with. But if you are looking, or thinking of keeping your plate on for a fixed amount of time over a few minutes to write off the ticket, the above options are good ones. Anything beats drilling into the cover.

wentouch · 20th May 2010, 21:56

There's also the infamous Home Depot route, or Choose-Your-Own-Design, as SideKickChuck mentions.

If I had time, was a machinist or cared, I would have designed a bracket that mounts under the center bumper in front of the grille similar to stock or the first option that holds a buckle of sort, which allows for a piece which the front plate mounts to, that can be detached quickly. Center mount with removable bracket for CA. There is a retractable/pull out design available, but not offered for the M5 nor would it fit.

Lordrandall · 20th May 2010, 21:59

The double sided tape is a good option, I could even use it on the OEM bracket I have, just stick it to the bumper cover with that tape instead of screws. Cheaper too.

wentouch · 20th May 2010, 22:04

Cops will either laugh and sign the ticket off, or laugh and kick the mount off, with the referred method. True story. Heh.

Perhaps, it also possible to mount a rail mount, similar to a drawer rail/mount under the front bumper, mount the plate to the end of the rail and slide the mount on/off when necessary.