No more front plate

Rox335i · 05-30-2018, 11:26 AM

I no longer need a front plate and now I will have 2 holes on the bumper. What is the solution to fix it? Should I get bumper plugs, buy a German plate/sticker, or buy a new bumper? What other solutions are there?

kern417 · 05-30-2018, 11:50 AM

You could get the holes filled and painted by a body shop.

metallicpea · 05-30-2018, 11:53 AM

I think you have it covered. If your car happens to be black, there are little plugs you can buy in the hardware drawers at the hardware store. You might have to drill up to the next standard size, but they can be pretty decent looking. Bumper plugs are also an option. It depends on the color and your level of insanity.

I have been insane enough that on a white car with a very visible front end I have taken the entire front apart and had a body shop professionally fill and paint it. I then reinstalled it myself as well, trying to keep the cost down and the insanity out of unreasonable levels...

Even I wouldn't buy a new bumper for the license plate holes, unless of course it was an excuse to upgrade to an M sport bumper

It's up to you, but I think you have all the ideas covered. Just don't do one of these. I think they look terrible.

Coercion Shaman · 05-30-2018, 12:45 PM

Several companies make paint matched plugs with factory color if you want the cheapest/easiest fix. I've used some in the past that were excellent and low profile, but expensive for what they are at $35. I can't recall the vendor at the moment. They did Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, etc. May be able to Google them.

Edit: It was these...

https://www.bumperplugs.com/index.ph...&product_id=73

Rox335i · 05-30-2018, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coercion Shaman

Several companies make paint matched plugs with factory color if you want the cheapest/easiest fix. I've used some in the past that were excellent and low profile, but expensive for what they are at $35. I can't recall the vendor at the moment. They did Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, etc. May be able to Google them.

Edit: It was these...

https://www.bumperplugs.com/index.ph...&product_id=73

That's probably going to be the path I'll go with. You have to drill the holes to make it larger right?

Logicoeur · 05-30-2018, 01:28 PM

Best way to cover the holes imo

Coercion Shaman · 05-30-2018, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rox335i

That's probably going to be the path I'll go with. You have to drill the holes to make it larger right?

If I remember correctly I had to enlarge them slightly. In some instances you don't need to or they may be too large. There is an installation link towards the bottom of that page.

http://www.bumperplugs.com/index.php...gory&path=1_11

I liked the ease of having these paint matched ahead of time and also being a lower profile than some of them. I think they have nearly every color.

BrettKA7 · 05-30-2018, 01:34 PM

This was my solution for my 6 holes drilled into my bumper

Rox335i · 05-30-2018, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrettKA7

This was my solution for my 6 holes drilled into my bumper

Lol. Took me like a minute to find your solution. I just don't want to buy a new bumper and getting it painted.

Rox335i · 05-30-2018, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Logicoeur

Best way to cover the holes imo

I was planning to do the same thing, but is the license plate actually a plate or is it a sticker?

Logicoeur · 05-30-2018, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rox335i

Quote:

Originally Posted by Logicoeur

Best way to cover the holes imo

I was planning to do the same thing, but is the license plate actually a plate or is it a sticker?

Used plate from a German province

sspade · 05-30-2018, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Logicoeur

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rox335i

Quote:

Originally Posted by Logicoeur

Best way to cover the holes imo

I was planning to do the same thing, but is the license plate actually a plate or is it a sticker?

Used plate from a German province

What mount did you use? Have the part number? Where did you buy plate?

metallicpea · 05-30-2018, 02:16 PM

You can have custom European/German license plates made as well.

You could have these made

Logicoeur · 05-30-2018, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sspade

Quote:

Originally Posted by Logicoeur

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rox335i

Quote:

Originally Posted by Logicoeur

Best way to cover the holes imo

I was planning to do the same thing, but is the license plate actually a plate or is it a sticker?

Used plate from a German province

What mount did you use? Have the part number? Where did you buy plate?

It's from eBay and just a generic plate holder. They have hundreds of screw holes in the back so it will fit almost any array of preexisting holes you have. I've used this same frame and plate on three different cars over the years so I can't recall the seller. But it was less than $25 shipped

Grabbed the plate on ebay as well. Used from Germany. They just scratch off the "rmv" sticker that makes it valid.

OR you can buy one brand new and customize the message. Should find plenty of options on eBay "German license plate"

metallicpea · 05-30-2018, 02:34 PM

The BumperPlugs are a bit big and bulky in my opinion. If the holes are small and there isn't damage around them that needs to be covered, you can probably find smaller more flush fit ones at the hardware store and paint them yourself with a can of color matched spray paint.

upsidedownfunnel · 05-30-2018, 02:45 PM

I say bumper plugs. I'm personally not a fan of having Euro plates on a car. If you don't have an M-sport, my recommendation is to just get one of those before going to get the holes plugged and painted by a body shop. It seems like the quality on them is near OEM (meaning OEM isn't exactly perfect either).

Ralph335 · 05-30-2018, 02:54 PM

I switched from the OEM front plate holder to a tow-hook mount plate holder and am just rocking the two holes up front with no plugs. Don't even mind the holes that much. Barely notice them to be honest.
One of these days I'll DIY up some plugs though. It's on my list of things to do to the car this summer.

Rox335i · 05-30-2018, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metallicpea

You can have custom European/German license plates made as well.

You could have these made

Is it just a sticker or screwed on?

sspade · 05-30-2018, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Logicoeur

Quote:

Originally Posted by sspade

Quote:

Originally Posted by Logicoeur

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rox335i

Quote:

Originally Posted by Logicoeur

Best way to cover the holes imo

I was planning to do the same thing, but is the license plate actually a plate or is it a sticker?

Used plate from a German province

What mount did you use? Have the part number? Where did you buy plate?

It's from eBay and just a generic plate holder. They have hundreds of screw holes in the back so it will fit almost any array of preexisting holes you have. I've used this same frame and plate on three different cars over the years so I can't recall the seller. But it was less than $25 shipped

Grabbed the plate on ebay as well. Used from Germany. They just scratch off the "rmv" sticker that makes it valid.

OR you can buy one brand new and customize the message. Should find plenty of options on eBay "German license plate"

Bought one. $11 all in, on eBay from Arizona.

Genuine, used German plate.

Why not.

Ill give it a whirl... until I break down and go for an M Sport front bumper and paint.

Im budgeting for about $800 all in for a quality paint job and good fitment, parts wise. Does that sound about right?

Rox335i · 05-30-2018, 08:58 PM

If I do buy a german plate, will I need to drill more holes or will it fit in the holes I have right now (i.e. US/Canada plate size)?

metallicpea · 05-31-2018, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rox335i

Is it just a sticker or screwed on?

www.customeuropeanplates.com

Looks like it a an embossed and painted plate just like an authentic European plate. Comes with a free universal plate frame so it would be pretty safe to say it could use the 2 holes you already have for mounting.

I have never bought from these guys, so do your own research, but the cost ins't too crazy to not give it a shot.

EDWYER · 05-31-2018, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metallicpea

The BumperPlugs are a bit big and bulky in my opinion.

Agreed.

05-30-2018, 11:26 AM	#1
Rox335i First Lieutenant 142 Rep 379 Posts Drives: 14' 335i, 17' X6 35i Join Date: May 2017 Location: Ottawa iTrader: (0)	No more front plate I no longer need a front plate and now I will have 2 holes on the bumper. What is the solution to fix it? Should I get bumper plugs, buy a German plate/sticker, or buy a new bumper? What other solutions are there?
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05-30-2018, 11:53 AM	#3
metallicpea Major 714 Rep 1,329 Posts Drives: 320i ZSP & E46 M3 6MT Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Chicagoland iTrader: (1)	I think you have it covered. If your car happens to be black, there are little plugs you can buy in the hardware drawers at the hardware store. You might have to drill up to the next standard size, but they can be pretty decent looking. Bumper plugs are also an option. It depends on the color and your level of insanity. I have been insane enough that on a white car with a very visible front end I have taken the entire front apart and had a body shop professionally fill and paint it. I then reinstalled it myself as well, trying to keep the cost down and the insanity out of unreasonable levels... Even I wouldn't buy a new bumper for the license plate holes, unless of course it was an excuse to upgrade to an M sport bumper It's up to you, but I think you have all the ideas covered. Just don't do one of these. I think they look terrible. Attached Images __________________ 2002 325i sport - sold 2009 135i M sport - sold 2009 550i M sport - sold 2005 M3 6MT Jet Black w/Cinnamon 2016 F30 320i ZSP 2003 E46 325it ZSP 5MT
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05-30-2018, 12:45 PM	#4
Coercion Shaman Private First Class 49 Rep 140 Posts Drives: 2019 Audi A5 Prestige S/B Join Date: May 2018 Location: Georgia iTrader: (0)	Several companies make paint matched plugs with factory color if you want the cheapest/easiest fix. I've used some in the past that were excellent and low profile, but expensive for what they are at $35. I can't recall the vendor at the moment. They did Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, etc. May be able to Google them. Edit: It was these... https://www.bumperplugs.com/index.ph...&product_id=73 __________________ Also own: 2012 Z4 35is M Sport Adaptive (Atacama Yellow)
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05-30-2018, 01:28 PM	#6
Logicoeur Lieutenant Colonel 993 Rep 1,934 Posts Drives: F30 335i xDrive Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	Best way to cover the holes imo Attached Images __________________ F30 335iX \| Remus Axleback \| Fabspeed Catted DP \| VRSF Comp IC \| 18X9 ET35 19lb MT1 \| 255/40/18 ECS \| Ohlins RT Millway Street \| Millway Control Arm Bushings \| Turner Endlinks \| TMH 75mm 14x1.5 Studs \| BMW MPerf LSD \| XDelete \| Pipercross Filter \| MHD Stg2 93
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05-30-2018, 01:34 PM	#8
BrettKA7 Captain 567 Rep 776 Posts Drives: F22 M240i Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Huntington Beach iTrader: (0)	This was my solution for my 6 holes drilled into my bumper Attached Images __________________ M240i \| Mineral White \| Coral Red
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05-30-2018, 02:16 PM	#13
metallicpea Major 714 Rep 1,329 Posts Drives: 320i ZSP & E46 M3 6MT Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Chicagoland iTrader: (1)	You can have custom European/German license plates made as well. You could have these made Attached Images __________________ 2002 325i sport - sold 2009 135i M sport - sold 2009 550i M sport - sold 2005 M3 6MT Jet Black w/Cinnamon 2016 F30 320i ZSP 2003 E46 325it ZSP 5MT
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05-30-2018, 02:34 PM	#15
metallicpea Major 714 Rep 1,329 Posts Drives: 320i ZSP & E46 M3 6MT Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Chicagoland iTrader: (1)	The BumperPlugs are a bit big and bulky in my opinion. If the holes are small and there isn't damage around them that needs to be covered, you can probably find smaller more flush fit ones at the hardware store and paint them yourself with a can of color matched spray paint. __________________ 2002 325i sport - sold 2009 135i M sport - sold 2009 550i M sport - sold 2005 M3 6MT Jet Black w/Cinnamon 2016 F30 320i ZSP 2003 E46 325it ZSP 5MT
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05-30-2018, 02:45 PM	#16
upsidedownfunnel Colonel 1999 Rep 2,499 Posts Drives: 2014 335i Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: SoCal iTrader: (4) Garage List 2014 BMW 335i [0.00]	I say bumper plugs. I'm personally not a fan of having Euro plates on a car. If you don't have an M-sport, my recommendation is to just get one of those before going to get the holes plugged and painted by a body shop. It seems like the quality on them is near OEM (meaning OEM isn't exactly perfect either).
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05-30-2018, 02:54 PM	#17
Ralph335 Second Lieutenant 128 Rep 250 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW 335xi M-Sport Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Baltimore, MD iTrader: (0)	I switched from the OEM front plate holder to a tow-hook mount plate holder and am just rocking the two holes up front with no plugs. Don't even mind the holes that much. Barely notice them to be honest. One of these days I'll DIY up some plugs though. It's on my list of things to do to the car this summer. __________________ 2014 335xi M-Sport : Alpine White \| Coral Red
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05-30-2018, 08:58 PM	#20
Rox335i First Lieutenant 142 Rep 379 Posts Drives: 14' 335i, 17' X6 35i Join Date: May 2017 Location: Ottawa iTrader: (0)	If I do buy a german plate, will I need to drill more holes or will it fit in the holes I have right now (i.e. US/Canada plate size)?
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