Front license plate

[Gripster]

My car came without a front license plate, but with a front license plate mount. I bought one of these roundel things to go on the front but having mounted it, I think it looks a bit chintzy.

Any other thoughts? I looked into removing the mount, but it's on there good and proper - it won't be easily removed. The bumper will have 4 drill holes too and bumper plugs aren't going to cut it.

I could get a front plate replacement from DMV, but thought I'd try this first.

[Finnegan]

Originally Posted by Gripster

My car came without a front license plate, but with a front license plate mount. I bought one of these roundel things to go on the front but having mounted it, I think it looks a bit chintzy.

Any other thoughts? I looked into removing the mount, but it's on there good and proper - it won't be easily removed. The bumper will have 4 drill holes too and bumper plugs aren't going to cut it.

I could get a front plate replacement from DMV, but thought I'd try this first.

I don't care for the roundel blank plate either. It's one thing to not run a plate when there's a clean bumper and no mount. But if there's a mount anyway, having a blank just seems to say "bling" or something along those lines. So it's chintzy while trying to say bling--not a good combo.

I'd say get a replacement plate for now. It will look better. Krissi has her front plate for the same reason as you, and while I prefer the no plate look it really doesn't look that bad, especially since the mount on her car is painted to match the car. (That runs about 50 bucks, often less.).

Then if you have reason to respray the bumper at some point down the line, have the holes fixed. (I'd fill the washer holes and reflectors too if you're going to the trouble.) Then run without a plate--assuming you can do that in your location w/o ending up pulled over every 20 miles.

EDIT: In before the poll! But you know how I'm voting--I don't like it--but if you keep it I'll just say "meh", it's his car.

[beta]

c. Save up for aero bumper

[GP20]

I think the roundel plate looks great. Now finally people will see the BMW roundel at the front of the car and realize you're driving a bimmer. And if someone was to steal a roundel off your car, it might be easier for them and for you to steal that one, instead of the other one that's a foot above it.

[msh441]

I like the roundel plate in general (though no front looks best, of course)... but I usually like to live by the following rule of thumb:

One roundels or ///M emblem per visible plane or side (not counting wheel center caps).

The curvature of the Z4 hood has the front roundel facincing almost forward. So the addition of another on the plate, looks... a bit much. I have the same opinion of the mod where the colored, domed, roundel is added to the radiator cover under the hood. I think it looks a little tacky with the hood open and having the nose roundel only a foot away. Just my opinion, though.

[RADRACR]

lol @ 12 to 0

[mfanatic325]

hahah 14 to 0 now

[jophish17]

don't worry, I'm ok with you owning the car - just take the damn plate off

[phoenixbmwlife]

I have the same on mine but no plate. My front bumper is actually in good shape no need to paint so I wish there was another solution. I think even a plug in the holes will look better than the way mine looks now

[bucko521]

Had the same issue...We only get issued a rear plate, but the car already had the plate mount. However, I removed the holder, as much as the four holes are in my front bumper...I'd prefer the clean look up front without the plate.

Wondering if you could find the proper plugs to fill the holes.

[XMetal]

Originally Posted by bucko521

Had the same issue...We only get issued a rear plate, but the car already had the plate mount. However, I removed the holder, as much as the four holes are in my front bumper...I'd prefer the clean look up front without the plate.

Wondering if you could find the proper plugs to fill the holes.

Filling it would require a re-spray of the bumper, or you can try these => http://www.bumperplugs.com/BPindex.html

[bucko521]

Originally Posted by XMetal

Filling it would require a re-spray of the bumper, or you can try these => http://www.bumperplugs.com/BPindex.html

Yes, those are the exact ones I was thinking. However, I personally think they are way overpriced.

I am going to try this myself and see what the look is....from what I have seen it is really nice.

http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/alt...per-plugs.html

[3002 tii]

If you think plugs are overpriced just go to the hardware store and find ones that fit, and paint them yourself... I painted my tow hook cover and it came out fine.

[Finnegan]

Wow, I'm not sure I've ever seen such agreement on any topic! 30 nay zero yay.

[sabbanick]

I was recently involved in an accident with minor front end damage and one of the things that crossed my mind at the scene was....

finally, I can remove that damn license plate bracket for the bumper..haha

[Gripster]

Originally Posted by Finnegan

Wow, I'm not sure I've ever seen such agreement on any topic! 30 nay zero yay.

I know. Brutal, eh? I thought about going into hiding over the shame of it all. I pulled myself together and simply removed it. To be honest, you guys confirmed what I already knew - this was a bad call. I'll try and pack it up and return it. Otherwise you'll see it in classifieds soon. Offers welcome...

Here's a pic from a drive I took today with my buddy in his Cayman. You will see that the nasty-chrome plate is gone!!

Thanks for all the suggestions re: removing it. Anyone know what a body shop would charge to plug and paint? It's either that or I'll just get a replacement front plate from DMV. I would hate to pick up a pointless ticket for this.

[Finnegan]

Originally Posted by Gripster

I know. Brutal, eh? I thought about going into hiding over the shame of it all. I pulled my self together and simply removed it. To be honest, you guys confirmed what I already knew - this was a bad call. I'll try and pack it up and return it. Otherwise you'll see it in classifieds soon. Offers welcome...

Here's a pic from a drive I took today with my buddy in his Cayman. You will see that the nasty-chrome plate is gone!!

Thanks for all the suggestions re: removing it. Anyone know what a body shop would charge to plug and paint? It's either that or I'll just get a replacement front plate from DMV. I would hate to pick up a pointless ticket for this.

Great day for a drive!

As for the pointless ticket, it really depends on where you live and drive. Some parts of the state practically guarantee a no front plate ticket; others not so much. Looks like your buddy is running a nice test case for you.

[Gripster]

Originally Posted by msh441

I like the roundel plate in general (though no front looks best, of course)... but I usually like to live by the following rule of thumb:

One roundels or ///M emblem per visible plane or side (not counting wheel center caps).

This is good advice. I think thats what was wrong. I knew instantly that I mounted it. I've seen these on E90's and E60's and they don't look as bad.

[RevsPlease]

Originally Posted by sabbanick

I was recently involved in an accident with minor front end damage and one of the things that crossed my mind at the scene was....

finally, I can remove that damn license plate bracket for the bumper..haha

Ditto haha. Plus I'm having the dealer upgrade me to an aero bumper. It was the only thing that could quell my unbridled rage about my poor Z being damaged.

[gcochard]

If you ever go to Santa Monica, make sure there is a front plate on your car. I have never been harassed about it in San Diego county, Orange county, or Imperial county.

I even got pulled over for speeding in OC and the officer saw my front plate in the glove box and asked, "Is that your front plate?" He then shrugged and reduced the amount I was speeding, ignoring the plate violation.

[ruscoupe]

Just my dealer experience, but when I had my Z3M Coupe I asked about plugs when I went to pick it up after leaving it for the day to get an oil change and they just gave me a set of them. I don't know what a dealer actually charges for them, but their cost shouldn't be more than .25 each so some will do it just as a goodwill/PR gesture.

For those that don't already have holes drilled, you might want to consider one of these types of setups. I'm happy with mine. http://www.gominigo.com/

[RevsPlease]

Originally Posted by ruscoupe

Just my dealer experience, but when I had my Z3M Coupe I asked about plugs when I went to pick it up after leaving it for the day to get an oil change and they just gave me a set of them. I don't know what a dealer actually charges for them, but their cost shouldn't be more than .25 each so some will do it just as a goodwill/PR gesture.

For those that don't already have holes drilled, you might want to consider one of these types of setups. I'm happy with mine. http://www.gominigo.com/

Rennline also sells a license plate holder that mounts out of your tow hook receiver. No holes, no nonsense.

http://www.rennline.com/Screw-in-License-Plate-Frame-Mini_BMW/productinfo/E107.110/