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      05-05-2017, 03:03 PM   #1
rye_a
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Front license plate options for F85

I live in Colorado, where unfortunately we are required to have a front license plate mounted. While I am the type of person that would normally ignore arbitrary rules like this, our overzealous meter maids like to write BIG tickets for missing plates.

Have any of you found good options for mounting centered front plates on your F85s without drilling into the bumper?
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      05-05-2017, 03:16 PM   #2
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Try the link below seems like a solution. Those darn meter maids


http://www.usmillworks.com/bmw_front..._tow_hook.html
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      05-05-2017, 04:14 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ThatGuy130 View Post
Try the link below seems like a solution. Those darn meter maids


http://www.usmillworks.com/bmw_front..._tow_hook.html
I don't get the appeal of an off-centered license plate, it looks like a hack job and it draws even more attention to itself than a centered license plate. .

Last edited by Chadmatic; 05-05-2017 at 04:22 PM..
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      05-05-2017, 05:42 PM   #4
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There were two threads I found about undermounting it. I like onfirex5's solution:

http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...hlight=license

Mine currently doesn't have the frame but I will probably re-do it this weekend cause it'll hide the zip ties better.
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      05-05-2017, 05:49 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rye_a View Post
I live in Colorado, where unfortunately we are required to have a front license plate mounted. While I am the type of person that would normally ignore arbitrary rules like this, our overzealous meter maids like to write BIG tickets for missing plates.

Have any of you found good options for mounting centered front plates on your F85s without drilling into the bumper?
It is also required in NJ, however I still won't put it on. I'd rather pay the fine than have it on there ... when i get pulled over, they usually do it from behind, so there's no point in running a front plate ... when they can justify its purpose maybe i'll put it on (probably not! )
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      05-09-2017, 12:41 AM   #6
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I also don't like offset plates. It's a symmetry/OCD thing I guess.
I use the Skene Design bracket on my C-Class. Although two tiny holes are drilled, they are on the underside so when I feel like running no front plate, I can remove everything and have an untouched front bumper (to the naked eye).
Also, with this bracket, you can slide the plate very low so that it's down in the "mouth" of the bumper. Spendy for two little metal brackets, but hey, they serve their purpose.
www.skenedesign.com
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      05-09-2017, 10:45 AM   #7
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I put 4 vertical strips of these on the front bumper and it holds my plate perfectly fine. I've done this to my last 3 BMW's and it has never come off. I can easily pop the plate off for photos and put it back on within seconds.

My buddy did the same but he added a horizontal strip in the middle making it even more secure. The only way this is coming off is if someone pulls it off intentionally.




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      05-10-2017, 05:47 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chadmatic View Post
I don't get the appeal of an off-centered license plate, it looks like a hack job and it draws even more attention to itself than a centered license plate. .
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      05-12-2017, 04:49 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alan l. View Post
I put 4 vertical strips of these on the front bumper and it holds my plate perfectly fine. I've done this to my last 3 BMW's and it has never come off. I can easily pop the plate off for photos and put it back on within seconds.

My buddy did the same but he added a horizontal strip in the middle making it even more secure. The only way this is coming off is if someone pulls it off intentionally.




Alan
I thinking about doing this as well, on my x and 340, I assume to get the tape off you just use a heat gun? And do you put it on the Tag or the Bracket?

Last edited by jeostang; 05-12-2017 at 05:18 PM..
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      05-12-2017, 10:55 PM   #10
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Heat gun works great to remove it.

I put stripes on the bumper and then matching strips on the back of the license plate. I don't run the oem plate bracket. Just the plate with a thin plastic frame around it. Just make sure you wipe the bumper and the back of the plate with alcohol to remove any grease/dirt so the 3m tape will get a good bond.

Alan
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      05-13-2017, 07:42 AM   #11
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I wound up ordering a Sto-N-Go system from Big Mike's Performance (http://www.bigmikesperformanceparts.com/). It is quick detach, so I can leave it off most of the time and install it when I park on public streets. They are in the process of making a F85 version that will be on the website next week, but you can order now by ordering a custom and specifying that it is for an F85.
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      06-04-2017, 09:26 PM   #12
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My Sto-N-Sho showed up, and it is outstanding. It took two minutes to install using existing screws, and I can install or remove my plate in seconds. I will just attach my front plate when I'm planning to park on the street.
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      06-04-2017, 09:41 PM   #13
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Here are photos from the installation.
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      06-05-2017, 08:17 AM   #14
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Can you take those through a car wash ?
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      06-05-2017, 09:30 AM   #15
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I don't understand why they still make those plate brackets on the bottom of the bumper.
First it looks ugly, second it will block the ACC sensor for anyone who has it.
I told them and show them pictures on what I did on one of their product to make it looks better.
Maybe I should make it myself.
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      06-05-2017, 01:09 PM   #16
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The F85'/F86' need all the air flow possible. They block a large percentage of air from reaching critical cooling components.
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      06-05-2017, 03:08 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rye_a View Post
Here are photos from the installation.
Makes your X5M ugly...
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      06-05-2017, 05:51 PM   #18
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Originally Posted by Kzang View Post
Makes your X5M ugly...
Well if he HAS TO have a plate on his car this is WAY better than the Off Center tow hook option which in my opinion looks like "stir fried crap"
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      06-06-2017, 01:37 PM   #19
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This is a bad pic but all I had on my phone but I have a motorized plate that goes in and out with the press of one of the programmable buttons under the rear view mirror.
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      06-14-2017, 10:53 PM   #20
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I only put the plate on the car when I'm parking on the street and at the mercy of the meter maids. The cops couldn't care less. When plate isn't on the bracket is invisible.
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      06-15-2017, 10:13 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rye_a View Post
Here are photos from the installation.
I'm sorry, but that's awful. Why not just mount your plate where it's supposed to go? People just make this such a difficult exercise, it's mind boggling...
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      06-15-2017, 04:58 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by onfireX5 View Post
Can you take those through a car wash ?
If you're taking your car to that type of carwash then you are going to have a lot more to worry about than just the front license plate.

Last edited by Chadmatic; 06-15-2017 at 05:37 PM..
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