Front License Plate Options...

[GammaZeta]

So, it looks like I will soon be installing an Mstache for my Z4M, which leads me to another problem.

My car didn't come with a front license plate holder. Here in Massachusetts a front license plate is required, so to keep the local 5-0 off of me without drilling holes in my car, I installed this: http://www.hidetheplate.com/

So far it has worked beautifully. I call it my "Gee, I'm sorry officer, I was waxing the car and forgot to put it back up, mind if I do it now?" license plate holder.

Unfortunately, with the install of the Mstache, I will no longer be able to have that mounting option on my car.

I found this: http://www.usmillworks.com/bmw_front..._tow_hook.html

Now I know some people hate the tow hook plate holder, but this one looks really high quality, easy to install and is adjustable. It also uses a low profile screw so it's not sticking out too far.

Again, I would keep it in my trunk must of the time as my "Gee, I'm sorry officer, I was waxing the car and forgot to reattach it, mind if I grab it out of my trunk and throw it on now?" holder.

Has anyone used the US Mill Works one before on a Z4?

[inTgr8r]

I use a magnetic holder, using rare earth magnets bonded onto the back side of the bumper.
I'm working on a new version now, but it won't be ready for pics for a while yet.

[Mirko]

I use Skene design one held on with rare earth magnets. Have gone 2 winters and no issues.

http://www.skenedesign.com/FPBracket/index.shtml

[Shipkiller]

^ +1, no magnets though.

[XMetal]

Originally Posted by GammaZeta

"Gee, I'm sorry officer, I was waxing the car and forgot to put it back up, mind if I do it now?"

This only work, obviously, if you got pulled over. Most often, the ticket comes while the car is parked.

[pyo]

I have the us mill works on my car, got the lightweight version. Solid product and does not budge when even kicked. Only pita is removing as u have to take off plate first to access the mounting bolt. U can opt for a longer bolt so u can twist on and off whenever. Otherwise it is too short and will hit the bumper when u try to twist off.

I actually got pulled over week or two ago bcuz cop didnt see the plate in the center of the car. Asshole made a u turn in rush hour traffic on a 2 lane road to pull me over all bcuz he only looked at the center

[mike519]

Originally Posted by Mirko

I use Skene design one held on with rare earth magnets. Have gone 2 winters and no issues.

http://www.skenedesign.com/FPBracket/index.shtml

Mine just came in the mail a couple weeks ago. Looks like it will be the perfect solution for me too.

[jmillet]

I use the Gominigo front license plate bracket:http://gominigo.com/BMW.html
High quality materials and easy to install/remove.

[GammaZeta]

Not a big fan of the Skene, not portable enough.

[BruceJ]

Originally Posted by Mirko

I use Skene design one held on with rare earth magnets. Have gone 2 winters and no issues.

http://www.skenedesign.com/FPBracket/index.shtml

+1 skenedesign

[papitosabe]

use this badboy

[Shipkiller]

Originally Posted by Mirko

I use Skene design one held on with rare earth magnets. Have gone 2 winters and no issues.

http://www.skenedesign.com/FPBracket/index.shtml

Mirko, how do you affix the magnets?

This is an interesting idea.

[mike519]

Originally Posted by Shipkiller

Mirko, how do you affix the magnets?

This is an interesting idea.

I think he uses double sided tape. That's what I am going to do.

I also wonder if I can find strong enough magnets to actually put them inside the bumper (and tape pr glue them in) then just have the Skene bracket with some thin felt or similar between the metal and the bumper on the outside.

[Shipkiller]

My Skene brackets are make from Aluminum. Nonferrous.

I must think on this...

[mike519]

Originally Posted by Shipkiller

My Skene brackets are make from Aluminum. Nonferrous.

I must think on this...

Mine as well, however, not hard to attach a thin steel piece to the arm of the bracket though.

Now, this has me thinking. I just weighed the brackets, license plate and generic plate "cover", and hardware and the weight came to 13oz. If I add a couple of small steel plates, maybe the weight gets up to a pound at most. Lets say 1 pound total weight.

I found some very strong N52 neodymium magnets and they can be had in various sizes which result in differing shear strength (holding power, whatever you want to call it). The website I found even has a calculator to tell you how much shear strength you would get from various sizes and even allows you to enter a gap between magnet and metal (in our case, the thickness of the bumper).

So, here is the question...how much "weight" do you think my 1 pound would actually be equivalent to if I, say, hit a big pothole? How much would the "downforce" be equal to in pounds at the most in any situation (I would think a pothole jarring would be the most). Bottom line, how much real world holding power do I need to be sure the license plate won't fall off in any situation?

Hmmm....engineers???

[bignosejim]

I've got the Rho-plate on my car. The only thing I didn't like was the supplied bolt to connect the license plate frame to the tow hook insert. I ended up getting a phillips screw from the hardware store.

http://www.rhoplate.com/index.html

I can submit some pics later if you want.

[gtMc]

Originally Posted by bignosejim

I've got the Rho-plate on my car.

http://www.rhoplate.com/index.html

+1. but havent even needed to use it yet. Still in box unopened actually. I sure like the sounds of this Magnetic talk though...

[GammaZeta]

Originally Posted by bignosejim

I've got the Rho-plate on my car. The only thing I didn't like was the supplied bolt to connect the license plate frame to the tow hook insert. I ended up getting a phillips screw from the hardware store.

http://www.rhoplate.com/index.html

I can submit some pics later if you want.

Is the Rho plate adjustable to match the curve of the bumper?

How much does it stick out?

[mfanatic325]

I also have a Rho Plate that I never really used. If you're interested, I don't mind selling mine for like $40 shipped or so
Like-new condition, all hardware included.
I also have a chrome ///M license plate frame that I can sell for $40 shipped as well if anyone's interested. I haven't bothered putting in the classifieds yet.
Bundle would be $70 total (save $10 overall), shipped within continental U.S.

[Walkurie]

(To Papitosabe) These are fun. Especially at car shows or public places, using the remote when unsuspecting viewers of the car suddenly see the plate moving on its own. Trouble is, they do not last long, maybe a few months at best. Had two of them, thought the first was a lemon. No, they are not well engineered and simply don't last.

[bignosejim]

Originally Posted by GammaZeta

Is the Rho plate adjustable to match the curve of the bumper?

How much does it stick out?

Here is the top of mine, looking down on it. It sticks out about an inch from the bumper. There is just enough room to get a box wrench around the nut holding the license plate.

[GammaZeta]

Is it sturdy? Any issues of scratches or other problems?