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      02-27-2017, 04:33 AM   #1
SwissArmy
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Z4 No-Drill License Plate Mount?

Hello!

I've recently purchased the 1M style bumper for my E85 3.0i.

On my stock bumper, I had the tow hook license plate mount.

On this bumper, here is no tow hook hole for a tow hook mount. Other than drilling a tow hook hole, or drilling holes in general, can someone suggest a no-drill license plate mount that holds steady and sturdy?

Thanks in advance.



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      02-27-2017, 04:24 PM   #2
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look on ebay for hideaway front plate. it mounts under your bumper and comes out right on the bottom wherever you mount it and it slides under to hide during car shows and stuff its pretty slick. Its like $50
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      02-27-2017, 04:37 PM   #3
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Take a look at Skene Design license plate mount. I used it on my 06 3.0si.

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      03-02-2017, 10:02 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crawlin View Post
look on ebay for hideaway front plate. it mounts under your bumper and comes out right on the bottom wherever you mount it and it slides under to hide during car shows and stuff its pretty slick. Its like $50
Looks great! However, my car is sitting low on coilovers. It might be an issue if it's mounted under the bumper. Thank you

Quote:
Originally Posted by Don L View Post
Take a look at Skene Design license plate mount. I used it on my 06 3.0si.

Don
Thanks Don, but the Skene design would still require me to drill the bumper. I don't mind too much of drilling UNDER the bumper, but I am trying to avoid drilling altogether.

I wonder if the license plate can sit within that giant lower grill...hmmm I should do some measurements and use some zip ties
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      03-02-2017, 10:14 PM   #5
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I used a low profile frame with rare earth magnets, worked great
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      03-04-2017, 06:39 AM   #6
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Originally Posted by 3002 tii View Post
I used a low profile frame with rare earth magnets, worked great
That sounds great. Do they leave "dents" in the bumper (being so strong, and all)
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      03-04-2017, 09:57 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SwissArmy View Post
I wonder if the license plate can sit within that giant lower grill...hmmm I should do some measurements and use some zip ties
I would be cautious about blocking airflow though the lower grill, it's not just there for looks, it has a purpose, cooling the radiator and condenser.

I also recommend the rare earth magnets for a no drill method.
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      03-04-2017, 12:25 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SwissArmy View Post
That sounds great. Do they leave "dents" in the bumper (being so strong, and all)
No but I'll take a video so you can see what I did. Stole the idea from dekaliber but basically...

1. Get a metal plate frame like this or make one with L brackets. If you buy the amazon one, spend a few extra bucks to replace the screws with stainless steel ones and rough the frame up with sandpaper and do 2 coats of spray paint to prevent rust.

2. Buy some rare earth magnets for both bumper and plate frame. Trick is to find the biggest diameter that will fit behind the bumper. I got mine from eBay. The ones that go on the plate frame will be smaller.

3. Apply double sided tape on magnets that will go behind bumper. Pop off kidney grills and stick magnets to bumper support bar.

4. Apply smaller magnet to plate frame and then cover the magnet with duct tape to prevent scratches.

You should read the write up though, it has good tips on how to drop the magnets for exact placement. I think I chose a strength of 25lbs... magnets stay put at triple digits but not impossible to remove neither.



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Last edited by 3002 tii; 03-04-2017 at 07:46 PM.. Reason: Video recorded
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      03-04-2017, 07:07 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 3002 tii View Post
No but I'll take a video so you can see what I did. Stole the idea from dekaliber but basically...

1. Get a metal plate frame like this or make one with L brackets. If you buy the amazon one, spend a few extra bucks to replace the screws with stainless steel ones and rough the frame up with sandpaper and do 2 coats of spray paint to prevent rust.

2. Buy some rare earth magnets for both bumper and plate frame. Trick is to find the biggest diameter that will fit behind the bumper. I got mine from eBay. The ones that go on the plate frame will be smaller.

3. Apply double sided tape on magnets that will go behind bumper. Pop off kidney grills and stick magnets to bumper support bar.

4. Apply smaller magnet to plate frame and then cover the magnet with duct tape to prevent scratches.

You should the write up though, it has good tips on how to drop the magnets for exact placement. I think I chose a strength of 25lbs... magnets stay in at triple digits but not impossible to remove neither.



OMG this is EXACTLY what I'm looking for! Thank you so so so much for making and uploading that video!

Thank you everyone! Thank you 3002 tii and dekaliber!
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      03-04-2017, 08:22 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SwissArmy View Post
OMG this is EXACTLY what I'm looking for! Thank you so so so much for making and uploading that video!

Thank you everyone! Thank you 3002 tii and dekaliber!
No problem! Also for what it's worth I used a zip tie at one point to tether to lower grills.
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Last edited by 3002 tii; 03-05-2017 at 06:52 PM..
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      03-07-2017, 07:38 PM   #11
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I have one that threads into the front tow hook hole and has a bracket that attaches to that....never use it though
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      03-08-2017, 05:19 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by angelr View Post
I have one that threads into the front tow hook hole and has a bracket that attaches to that....never use it though
Thanks angelr. That is what I currently have on my stock bumper. However, as the original post stated, the 1M style bumper for the E85 does not come with a hole for the to hook.
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      03-10-2017, 02:55 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SwissArmy View Post
Looks great! However, my car is sitting low on coilovers. It might be an issue if it's mounted under the bumper. Thank you

Yea I hear ya, I got sick of the coil over ride and honestly it doesn't sit that low but it seems you got your fix!
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      04-04-2017, 02:56 PM   #14
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Where did you pick up that bumper and about how much? I'm thinking of going that route
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      04-04-2017, 10:05 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Harrison256 View Post
Where did you pick up that bumper and about how much? I'm thinking of going that route
Traded a set of BMW 108's (refinished) for the bumper here, locally. But I see these bumpers listed on eBay and several other sites.
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