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      10-20-2017, 10:09 AM   #1
itrocks4u
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No drill license plate option? Carbonio.com

Hi all

I know we all continue to look for options where we don't need to drill holes in the front bumper. I'm currently using the usmillworks towhook which works great but it is on the side. Another option is the Sto n Sho but I think you still have to drill holes under.

I noticed another one here Carbonio.com:

https://www.carbonio.com/BMW_M2_M3_M...m-bmw-m2-6.htm

It looks like this does not need any holes to be drilled and can be aligned in the centre. Has anyone tried is yet?

I can't tell from the videos if (1) it blocks airflow (2) is it strong enough to go through car wash and (3) can it be mounted with license plate frame.

I'm thinking of trying it out if I get a chance to pick it up this week. But wanted to see if anyone else has tried it yet?

UPDATE: Based on my discussions with the seller:

(1) Does it block airflow: This bracket has been tested at high speed and in extreme heat. The placement of the mount in no way affects cooling.

(2) Is it strong enough to go through car wash: The mount has been tested through various car washes without problems. That said there are always variations so our instructions urge users to exercise care and remove the mount if you are not sure.

(3) Can it be mounted with license plate frame: The mount works with any license plate frame or cover. Getting back to the previous point, fitting a license plate frame or cover that borders the whole plate will greatly increase the plate strength through a car wash. The mount itself is plenty strong.

Last edited by itrocks4u; 10-20-2017 at 02:32 PM..
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      10-20-2017, 07:54 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by itrocks4u View Post
Hi all

I know we all continue to look for options where we don't need to drill holes in the front bumper. I'm currently using the usmillworks towhook which works great but it is on the side. Another option is the Sto n Sho but I think you still have to drill holes under.

I noticed another one here Carbonio.com:

https://www.carbonio.com/BMW_M2_M3_M...m-bmw-m2-6.htm

It looks like this does not need any holes to be drilled and can be aligned in the centre. Has anyone tried is yet?

I can't tell from the videos if (1) it blocks airflow (2) is it strong enough to go through car wash and (3) can it be mounted with license plate frame.

I'm thinking of trying it out if I get a chance to pick it up this week. But wanted to see if anyone else has tried it yet?

UPDATE: Based on my discussions with the seller:

(1) Does it block airflow: This bracket has been tested at high speed and in extreme heat. The placement of the mount in no way affects cooling.

(2) Is it strong enough to go through car wash: The mount has been tested through various car washes without problems. That said there are always variations so our instructions urge users to exercise care and remove the mount if you are not sure.

(3) Can it be mounted with license plate frame: The mount works with any license plate frame or cover. Getting back to the previous point, fitting a license plate frame or cover that borders the whole plate will greatly increase the plate strength through a car wash. The mount itself is plenty strong.

This is a great alternative. My only worry is that the black plastic grille is relatively flimsy, and I've had mine broken just with routine driving (must have been a rock) on my e90.

Very intuitive design. Great find!
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      10-25-2017, 12:41 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by itrocks4u View Post
Hi all

I know we all continue to look for options where we don't need to drill holes in the front bumper. I'm currently using the usmillworks towhook which works great but it is on the side. Another option is the Sto n Sho but I think you still have to drill holes under.

I noticed another one here Carbonio.com:

https://www.carbonio.com/BMW_M2_M3_M...m-bmw-m2-6.htm

It looks like this does not need any holes to be drilled and can be aligned in the centre. Has anyone tried is yet?

I can't tell from the videos if (1) it blocks airflow (2) is it strong enough to go through car wash and (3) can it be mounted with license plate frame.

I'm thinking of trying it out if I get a chance to pick it up this week. But wanted to see if anyone else has tried it yet?

UPDATE: Based on my discussions with the seller:

(1) Does it block airflow: This bracket has been tested at high speed and in extreme heat. The placement of the mount in no way affects cooling.

(2) Is it strong enough to go through car wash: The mount has been tested through various car washes without problems. That said there are always variations so our instructions urge users to exercise care and remove the mount if you are not sure.

(3) Can it be mounted with license plate frame: The mount works with any license plate frame or cover. Getting back to the previous point, fitting a license plate frame or cover that borders the whole plate will greatly increase the plate strength through a car wash. The mount itself is plenty strong.
Would you be interested in selling your usmillworks tow hook mount?
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      10-25-2017, 01:06 PM   #4
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Interesting...I wasn't aware the lower grill was structural, but it seems it may actually have some substantial mounting clips along the top edge which could keep it secure.
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      10-27-2017, 10:51 AM   #5
itrocks4u
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OchoChino View Post
Would you be interested in selling your usmillworks tow hook mount?
Yea lol - but you're in NY. It might be cheaper just getting it from the guys directly? But in any case, I'll msg you when I take it off.
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      10-27-2017, 11:26 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by itrocks4u View Post
Yea lol - but you're in NY. It might be cheaper just getting it from the guys directly? But in any case, I'll msg you when I take it off.
Seems that it's $125 USD.. way too expensive for me at the moment.
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      10-28-2017, 08:01 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OchoChino View Post
Would you be interested in selling your usmillworks tow hook mount?
PM me if you want USMillworks one. mine's sitting on the floor unused
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      10-28-2017, 12:29 PM   #8
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Just grab the rentech toe hook mount. I’ve had it for 2 years with zero issues. Works great.
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      01-08-2018, 12:25 AM   #9
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The Sto and Sho use the existing holes/screws located under the air dam.
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      01-08-2018, 03:05 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by itrocks4u View Post
Hi all

I know we all continue to look for options where we don't need to drill holes in the front bumper. I'm currently using the usmillworks towhook which works great but it is on the side. Another option is the Sto n Sho but I think you still have to drill holes under.

I noticed another one here Carbonio.com:

https://www.carbonio.com/BMW_M2_M3_M...m-bmw-m2-6.htm

It looks like this does not need any holes to be drilled and can be aligned in the centre. Has anyone tried is yet?

I can't tell from the videos if (1) it blocks airflow (2) is it strong enough to go through car wash and (3) can it be mounted with license plate frame.

I'm thinking of trying it out if I get a chance to pick it up this week. But wanted to see if anyone else has tried it yet?

UPDATE: Based on my discussions with the seller:

(1) Does it block airflow: This bracket has been tested at high speed and in extreme heat. The placement of the mount in no way affects cooling.

(2) Is it strong enough to go through car wash: The mount has been tested through various car washes without problems. That said there are always variations so our instructions urge users to exercise care and remove the mount if you are not sure.

(3) Can it be mounted with license plate frame: The mount works with any license plate frame or cover. Getting back to the previous point, fitting a license plate frame or cover that borders the whole plate will greatly increase the plate strength through a car wash. The mount itself is plenty strong.
Hm, I might actually order this. However, I drive on the autobahn so...I hope it holds up being that it's attached to the plastic grille.
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      01-10-2018, 01:09 PM   #11
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Respectfully, I just don't get this. All the cars of all types I've seen with a front license plate which is not drilled look like crap, IMHO. They are off center in the tow hook position, sometimes crooked on the car, sometimes look like they are velcro'd on, and do not look good at all. They definitely detract from the beauty of the car. My drilled front finder, by contrast, is centered and looks at least symmetrical. Seems to me the choice is to either take your chances and violate the law and not display one, or do it right. Just my opinion, again, respectfully submitted.
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      01-10-2018, 01:50 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hlothery View Post
Respectfully, I just don't get this. All the cars of all types I've seen with a front license plate which is not drilled look like crap, IMHO. They are off center in the tow hook position, sometimes crooked on the car, sometimes look like they are velcro'd on, and do not look good at all. They definitely detract from the beauty of the car. My drilled front finder, by contrast, is centered and looks at least symmetrical. Seems to me the choice is to either take your chances and violate the law and not display one, or do it right. Just my opinion, again, respectfully submitted.
Its true. I spent the last few weeks trying to determine which type of relocation plate adapator I should buy. Finally got a tow hook cover and it looks all crooked, out of place, and sets the PDC sensors off. Time to go back to square one and drill two holes in the bumper and be done with it.
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      01-10-2018, 04:34 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hlothery View Post
Respectfully, I just don't get this. All the cars of all types I've seen with a front license plate which is not drilled look like crap, IMHO. They are off center in the tow hook position, sometimes crooked on the car, sometimes look like they are velcro'd on, and do not look good at all. They definitely detract from the beauty of the car. My drilled front finder, by contrast, is centered and looks at least symmetrical. Seems to me the choice is to either take your chances and violate the law and not display one, or do it right. Just my opinion, again, respectfully submitted.
I use Carbonio's license plate holder and it's worked great so far. It's centered, requires no drilling and it's sturdy. The other day I hit a tumbleweed, which bent the license plate but did not affect the Carbonio license plate holder or my grill. When I drop my car off for detailing, I can easily take it off and store it in the car. Carbonio's solution is the best no drill solution I've seen so far.
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      01-11-2018, 08:12 PM   #14
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Try the 3M Dual Lock. Not the hook and loop type

One side sticks onto your bumper (easy to remove if ever selling the car) and the other on the back of your licence plate.

Have had this for 18 months and never an issue. It actually holds really well, because of the dual lock design, it doesn't matter if it gets wet and dirt doesn't really stick in there. Makes it really easy to remove the plates for cleaning the car, front and back, plus no bolts in the plate gives a clean look (if you pay that much attention )

Only downside is if some ass hat decides he wants to steal your plates, then it isn't bolted on so its easy, but how often does that happen?

Anyway - this was my hack and cheapo way but works well for me thus far
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      01-18-2018, 12:48 PM   #15
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I just bought one of these Carbonio mounts on a whim after finding out about it in this thread. I've tried two others previously that were tow-hook mounts and they both set off my PDC no matter where I put the plate. The Carbonio mount is easy to attach, adjust, and is very high quality overall. It appears to be completely sturdy with no risk to the plastic grille because it grips it securely in multiple places, plus you get the option of how high/low to put it and how far in/out you want the plate as well as the angle to the road. Lastly it's compatible with my stainless black ///M plate frame.

I honestly have no issue with the price because (1) it solves a problem I've been trying to deal with for a while and (2) they spared no expense on the design or manufacturing.

Get one!
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      01-18-2018, 12:51 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ellipsis212 View Post
I just bought one of these Carbonio mounts on a whim after finding out about it in this thread. I've tried two others previously that were tow-hook mounts and they both set off my PDC no matter where I put the plate. The Carbonio mount is easy to attach, adjust, and is very high quality overall. It appears to be completely sturdy with no risk to the plastic grille because it grips it securely in multiple places, plus you get the option of how high/low to put it and how far in/out you want the plate as well as the angle to the road. Lastly it's compatible with my stainless black ///M plate frame.

I honestly have no issue with the price because (1) it solves a problem I've been trying to deal with for a while and (2) they spared no expense on the design or manufacturing.

Get one!
All you had to do was add a circle sticker or any sticker or tape over the PDC the plate is blocking and it wont go off anymore on THAT sensor. I used a round vinyl sticker.
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      01-18-2018, 01:39 PM   #17
itrocks4u
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BIGW0RM View Post
All you had to do was add a circle sticker or any sticker or tape over the PDC the plate is blocking and it wont go off anymore on THAT sensor. I used a round vinyl sticker.
But then that PDC sensor wouldn't work anymore?
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      01-18-2018, 01:41 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by itrocks4u View Post
But then that PDC sensor wouldn't work anymore?
Just the one you block wont register a big RED zone. The rest will work fine.
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      01-18-2018, 03:54 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BIGW0RM View Post
Just the one you block wont register a big RED zone. The rest will work fine.
So blocking the sensor that's blocked unblocks it?

If only I had known that a couple weeks ago - good option for those of you still dealing with PDC sensor BS.

Now that I'm $125 into this new one I'm going to stick to it although I must say I had become accustomed to the look of the offset tow hook mount.
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      01-19-2018, 09:31 AM   #20
itrocks4u
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BIGW0RM View Post
Just the one you block wont register a big RED zone. The rest will work fine.
I don't know man, I like the sensors working.
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      01-19-2018, 09:32 AM   #21
itrocks4u
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ellipsis212 View Post
So blocking the sensor that's blocked unblocks it?

If only I had known that a couple weeks ago - good option for those of you still dealing with PDC sensor BS.

Now that I'm $125 into this new one I'm going to stick to it although I must say I had become accustomed to the look of the offset tow hook mount.
This just it. I've started to like the tow hook one.

But I bought this too and I don't mind checking out how it looks in the centre for a while. From testing it out, it looks like pretty easy to put it on and take it off.
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      01-19-2018, 10:08 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by itrocks4u View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by ellipsis212 View Post
So blocking the sensor that's blocked unblocks it?

If only I had known that a couple weeks ago - good option for those of you still dealing with PDC sensor BS.

Now that I'm $125 into this new one I'm going to stick to it although I must say I had become accustomed to the look of the offset tow hook mount.
This just it. I've started to like the tow hook one.

But I bought this too and I don't mind checking out how it looks in the centre for a while. From testing it out, it looks like pretty easy to put it on and take it off.
Yep, just the thumb screw in the center and it's on or off in seconds.
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