European Number Plate Bracket - Frameless?

[Bleser]

Hi all,

I know this isn't popular but I'm considering a Euro-sized plate for my M3 since the previous owner put holes in my bumper/ppf film and my state requires a front plate. Every solution I'm seeing that you can order has a thick/framed plate frame to mount it (like this).

However, actual Euro cars seems to be completely frame-less, like this:


Does anyone have insight on how the actual Euro plates are mounted? Is there a BMW part that I can't seem to find or some universal solution that doesn't require the plate to be framed?

[Tommy L Garage]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/KLETT-SET-f.../dp/B0756QFJR6

[Yessir]

Double sided tape. Picked up my car from Euro delivery and that's what they used. It's been almost 5 years and still holding strong.

[Bleser]

Thanks guys. Tommy - the one you linked is unavailable but maybe I'll keep searching on UK Amazon, good thought. EDIT: Other Velcro options are all over the site. But I think I'd rather do double-sided tape.

I'm hoping somone from the UK or other European country chimes in here.

Double-sided tape does seem to be the easiest option that is reversible. Yessir , do you have any photos of your setup?

[CachacoF80]

Originally Posted by Bleser

Thanks guys. Tommy - the one you linked is unavailable but maybe I'll keep searching on UK Amazon, good thought. EDIT: Other Velcro options are all over the site. But I think I'd rather do double-sided tape.

I'm hoping somone from the UK or other European country chimes in here.

Double-sided tape does seem to be the easiest option that is reversible. Yessir , do you have any photos of your setup?

I used dual lock by 3M for several years in my Elise. Very strong.

[Bleser]

Originally Posted by CachacoF80

I used dual lock by 3M for several years in my Elise. Very strong.

Out of curiosity, why the dual-lock (which can be pulled off as it is a Velcro material, right)? As opposed to just normal foam double-sided tape?

[swagon]

Originally Posted by Bleser

Hi all,

I know this isn't popular but I'm considering a Euro-sized plate for my M3 since the previous owner put holes in my bumper/ppf film and my state requires a front plate. Every solution I'm seeing that you can order has a thick/framed plate frame to mount it (like this).

However, actual Euro cars seems to be completely frame-less, like this:


Does anyone have insight on how the actual Euro plates are mounted? Is there a BMW part that I can't seem to find or some universal solution that doesn't require the plate to be framed?

I'm from Europe where we have to run those front plates.

BMW sells OEM plate holders for every model, the one below is for the F80, I believe. Most put another plate frame (like the one in your link) on top of that which is outrageous.



I just got mine taped for a clean look. Due to the shape of the bumper, I've bent the plate to make it flush. 3M or Tesa outdoor tapes are best.

Mine

[cionide]

Most actual cars in europe have frames. That being said, this is probably just double-sided tape.

[Yessir]

Originally Posted by Bleser

Thanks guys. Tommy - the one you linked is unavailable but maybe I'll keep searching on UK Amazon, good thought. EDIT: Other Velcro options are all over the site. But I think I'd rather do double-sided tape.

I'm hoping somone from the UK or other European country chimes in here.

Double-sided tape does seem to be the easiest option that is reversible. Yessir , do you have any photos of your setup?

Mine looks exactly like swagon's with way less bugs, heheh the plate has a nice curvature that hugs the bumper in the same exact manner.

[CachacoF80]

Originally Posted by Bleser

Out of curiosity, why the dual-lock (which can be pulled off as it is a Velcro material, right)? As opposed to just normal foam double-sided tape?

Because you can remove the plate and then put it right back. Works best if car is of dark color so the strip that is attached to the bumper camouflages a bit. For instance, I don't have a front plate but at Amtrak parking they have started giving me tickets. So I just slap it on while parked and remove when I drive off.

[Bleser]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone, very helpful!

I think I'm just going to struggle with what tape to use - I want to be able to remove it without ruining the PPF on my bumper (in case I dislike the result in the future). I want something weatherproof and strong but not "permanent," per se.

[Yessir]

Originally Posted by Bleser

Thanks for the feedback, everyone, very helpful!

I think I'm just going to struggle with what tape to use - I want to be able to remove it without ruining the PPF on my bumper (in case I dislike the result in the future). I want something weatherproof and strong but not "permanent," per se.

I've used: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 with great success but I don't know how it will react with your PPF. Just remember to clean your mounting surface off with some isopropyl alcohol to make sure there is a nice clean surface for the tape to bond to.

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by Bleser

Hi all,

I know this isn't popular but I'm considering a Euro-sized plate for my M3 since the previous owner put holes in my bumper/ppf film and my state requires a front plate. Every solution I'm seeing that you can order has a thick/framed plate frame to mount it (like this).

However, actual Euro cars seems to be completely frame-less, like this:


Does anyone have insight on how the actual Euro plates are mounted? Is there a BMW part that I can't seem to find or some universal solution that doesn't require the plate to be framed?

If your state (MO) requires a front plate, that means a real State Plate, not a fake EU plate.

[Yessir]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

If your state (MO) requires a front plate, that means a real State Plate, not a fake EU plate.

IK6SPEED is on the money!!! I got a fix it ticket here in California even though my CA plates are the same as my euro plates. I paid the 10 bucks, bought a tow hook mount plate,mounted the CA plate, got it written off, and took CA plate right back off. Here in CA they require DMV distributed plates to be mounted front and rear. I knew the risk and am still have the euro plate on after almost 5 years and 1 fix it ticket. Make sure and check your state laws and determine what is legal/illegal and be prepared for any fix it tickets if you deviate from state laws.

[derpimpkar]

i went down the same path but ended up leaving the tape in place.

this is bmw's euro frame part number - 51118056773

it's hell to find stateside but you may be able to get it shipped from oversea.

[Bleser]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

If your state (MO) requires a front plate, that means a real State Plate, not a fake EU plate.

Yep, I know. I hadn't run a front plate in Missouri for 10+ years until this car. The only reason I'm running one is because the previous owner drilled in the four holes for the OEM plate holder and there are also now lines in the PPF where the holder has pressed against the bumper. So, I will either keep that setup or go this Euro plate route, knowing it isn't technically legal.

I'm going after something S4toM3 has done:

Originally Posted by Yessir

IK6SPEED is on the money!!! I got a fix it ticket here in California even though my CA plates are the same as my euro plates. I paid the 10 bucks, bought a tow hook mount plate,mounted the CA plate, got it written off, and took CA plate right back off. Here in CA they require DMV distributed plates to be mounted front and rear. I knew the risk and am still have the euro plate on after almost 5 years and 1 fix it ticket. Make sure and check your state laws and determine what is legal/illegal and be prepared for any fix it tickets if you deviate from state laws.

Yep, this is the kind of thing I would expect - but after no tickets in over a decade with no front plate, I guess this can't be worse?

Originally Posted by derpimpkar

i went down the same path but ended up leaving the tape in place.

this is bmw's euro frame part number - 51118056773

it's hell to find stateside but you may be able to get it shipped from oversea.

Awesome, thanks. I think I will be going the tape route as well.

[swagon]

Originally Posted by Bleser

Thanks for the feedback, everyone, very helpful!

I think I'm just going to struggle with what tape to use - I want to be able to remove it without ruining the PPF on my bumper (in case I dislike the result in the future). I want something weatherproof and strong but not "permanent," per se.

Double tape is not permanent, if you can get oem spoilers off, you'll have no issues with tape haha. I removed mine before installing PPF no problem. I have ran double sided tapes for years on cars, winter and summer.

[Bleser]

I wanted to share my latest front plate solution, similar to what S4toM3 has done (and where I got the idea!).

I ordered custom plates from customeuropeanplates.com and tried to make them look like they would if they were legal (of course I know they are not). I went with the Missouri style + navy blue text on white (matching the state-issued plate theme) and my letters. It turned out well and currently I'm just using double-faced tape to mount the plate. The holes that are in my bumper dictated the placement and I wanted to be able to remove it if I didn't like it, but I've received lots of compliments (and questions) on it from folks.

Here is how it turned out for me:

[Strmtrpr_F80]

I am shipping my car from Germany to the US. I am going to rock my IG plate due to my bumper having holes drilled into it. Thoughts