I would imagine that they put holes in the front bumper for ED cars

DrGP · 03-15-2007, 12:06 PM

To mount the European license plate. That in itself would deter me from ED. I know that you can get bumper plugs or have a body shop fix it. but since my state doesn't require a front plate, it would certainly piss me off. I guess there is no really way to get around it.

KL2DC · 03-15-2007, 12:07 PM

Unfortunately not...securely fastened front plates are a must in Europe

Lost Cosmonaut · 03-15-2007, 12:31 PM

Easy fix, just buy an M-Tech bumper and install it when it gets to the states!

That's what I plan to do. My state requires a front plate but if your dealer "forgot" to put in the holes or there's no easy place to mount it on the front you can usually get away with not having one. Replacing the bumper with a new one and not having it drilled is a good loophole.

- LC

OC Guy · 03-15-2007, 01:23 PM

IIRC the front plate is mounted by double sided tape and without holes. The front holes are put in here by your dealer stateside unless you request them not to.

Ghunger · 03-15-2007, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OC 335i

IIRC the front plate is mounted by double sided tape and without holes. The front holes are put in here by your dealer stateside unless you request them not to.

They put the holes in for the US plate mounts at the delivery center in Munich.

IMO, anyone who discounts ED just because of bumper holes really doesn't get it.

iatacs19 · 03-15-2007, 01:50 PM

People have different needs and priorities.

bartman32 · 03-15-2007, 03:23 PM

Don't let that stop you from doing an ED. There's nothing like being able to drive your new baby all through Europe. Even if you can't get over 4000 RPM's till you break it in your still going pretty darn fast! Faster than you will be going here in the states! What a blast!

horatiub · 03-15-2007, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bartman32

Don't let that stop you from doing an ED. There's nothing like being able to drive your new baby all through Europe. Even if you can't get over 4000 RPM's till you break it in your still going pretty darn fast! Faster than you will be going here in the states! What a blast!

I fully agree, awesome experience which shouldn't be ruined by little things

pseto · 03-15-2007, 03:30 PM

Take delivery in SC, they don't drill bumper holes.

DrGP · 03-15-2007, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bartman32

Don't let that stop you from doing an ED. There's nothing like being able to drive your new baby all through Europe. Even if you can't get over 4000 RPM's till you break it in your still going pretty darn fast! Faster than you will be going here in the states! What a blast!

Too late, mine is about to be loaded on the ship!

EDrimmereality · 06-11-2007, 08:06 PM

So I already have the holes - and I tried to get them to skip the drilling, but the Germans are sticklers for the rules . . . (but the ED experience was WAY worth it) - Now I'd like to just leave my Euro plate mounted on the front - at least until I get a fix-it ticket and they make me mount the CA plate in front too. Anyway, the problem is, Munich drilled and mounted a CA plate adapter to the front bumper, and then just screwed the Euro plate to the CA adapter (looked pretty funky, but it was temporary). Problem is, the holes in the Euro plate don't match the holes in the bumper and the BMW parts department says there's no Euro front plate adapter. I suppose I could make my own little adapter, but does anyone have a good idea for mounting the Euro plate to the front without a bulky adapter . . . and without drilling two more holes?!

Hound Passer · 06-11-2007, 08:34 PM

Why do so many people have such a cow about the front bumper plate? I would not give up my ED experience just because they drill a couple of holes in my front bumper. Yes, plug them up. Big deal. Honestly, if my state didn't have front plates I'd probably just keep the ED Zoll plate on my car.

mrbelk · 06-12-2007, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EDrimmereality

So I already have the holes - and I tried to get them to skip the drilling, but the Germans are sticklers for the rules . . . (but the ED experience was WAY worth it) - Now I'd like to just leave my Euro plate mounted on the front - at least until I get a fix-it ticket and they make me mount the CA plate in front too. Anyway, the problem is, Munich drilled and mounted a CA plate adapter to the front bumper, and then just screwed the Euro plate to the CA adapter (looked pretty funky, but it was temporary). Problem is, the holes in the Euro plate don't match the holes in the bumper and the BMW parts department says there's no Euro front plate adapter. I suppose I could make my own little adapter, but does anyone have a good idea for mounting the Euro plate to the front without a bulky adapter . . . and without drilling two more holes?!

check out bavauto.com, bimmian.com, and get the EU plate frame. They have tons of mounting holes that will almost certainly match the couple of holes that they already made in your bumper.

-MrB

EDrimmereality · 06-12-2007, 03:55 PM

Thanks MrB - that's exactly what I was looking for . . . ordered and on the way.

mrbelk · 06-12-2007, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EDrimmereality

Thanks MrB - that's exactly what I was looking for . . . ordered and on the way.

You're welcome. I think it's a recent change to the Zoll plate form factor to be the standard 520mm size. On my previous ED trips, the Zoll plate was about 20mm too short, so I just mounted it directly to the bumper (necessitating creating 2 new holes in the bumper, but the plate covers them up anyway).

This time, I managed to pick up a plate frame from the Niederlassung dealership on the Frankfurter ring when I was on the way to drop my car off at Harms in Munich. It's sitting patiently with my ED plate waiting to be mounted when I get my car back.

-MrB

bartman32 · 06-12-2007, 05:49 PM

Of course you could just double tape it on there like they did with the rear in Europe. I had mine on but took it off a couple of days ago. I wouldn't mind the fix-it for the front plate but I just know I'm going to get dinged for the tinted windows at the same time and that's just too much of a hassel to take it off have it okay'd just to put it back on. So goin with the CA plate with a painted holder from Long. Actually looks clean for a front plate.
Here are some pics
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...1&postcount=43
Look at the last pic as that's what I decided to go with.

EDrimmereality · 06-12-2007, 07:57 PM

I ordered just the euro bracket from bavauto.com - $15 including shipping. I'll let you know how it looks when it gets here. What a great idea to pick one up while in Germany! Clearly the voice of experience. I'll do that next time . . . don't tell my wife I said that . . . yet.

I thought of the tape option, but with California's potholes, I'm sure I'd lose it. The painted frame looks great for the CA plate. I may have to go that route if I get tagged on the EU plate

NRW-DE · 06-13-2007, 11:42 AM

Ijust did ED on May 14th and asked them a couple days prior delivery to NOT mount any license plate to the front bumper, as NC does not require front plates. I mentioned in the e-mail that I am willing to sign an affidavit stating that I will take responsibility, but they never made me sign it!

I am a German citizen, living in the US since 99, and I can tell you there will be no issue if you just place the front plate behind the windshield on the dashboard.

If the police should stop you, you just say that it is not required in your state to have a front license plate and that you are leaving the country anyways in a few days...... I do not see them making a big deal out of it as you show good deeds by placing it visible on the dashboard, and the BMW ED Center did not care, as it is your car and your responsibility!

I was traveling for about 2000 miles in Germany, have seen allot of police cars passing me, and no stop whatsoever!

Definitely worth not having a front plate, especially on the 9x's as they have no designated space form them, and much better looking than with a plate!

My 2 cents...

rpiopio · 06-13-2007, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NRW-DE

I am a German citizen, living in the US since 99, and I can tell you there will be no issue if you just place the front plate behind the windshield on the dashboard.

That's something I didn't think about. Great idea for next time.

This kind of goes back to why people buy the cars in the first place. Drive it in Germany and you'll understand exactly why they build these cars like they do. AND APPRECIATE IT.

Making two holes in your bumper the determining factor in deciding whether to do ED is silly.

NRW-DE · 06-13-2007, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpiopio

That's something I didn't think about. Great idea for next time.

This kind of goes back to why people buy the cars in the first place. Drive it in Germany and you'll understand exactly why they build these cars like they do. AND APPRECIATE IT.

The pleasure of going on the Autobahn at 150 mph, taking a corner where you only see about 300 feet ahead of you, and knowing the road is designed to handle you at that speed, priceless!!!
....no potholes that throw you off, no idiots thinking to park your care in the left shoulder for emergeny is normal!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpiopio

Making two holes in your bumper the determining factor in deciding whether to do ED is silly.

true, but why have them drilled in if you don't have to!

03-15-2007, 12:06 PM	#1
DrGP Lieutenant Colonel 146 Rep 1,914 Posts Drives: Sapphire 335i coupe Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: SE, PA iTrader: (0)	I would imagine that they put holes in the front bumper for ED cars To mount the European license plate. That in itself would deter me from ED. I know that you can get bumper plugs or have a body shop fix it. but since my state doesn't require a front plate, it would certainly piss me off. I guess there is no really way to get around it.
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03-15-2007, 12:07 PM	#2
KL2DC Moderator 333 Rep 17,767 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	Unfortunately not...securely fastened front plates are a must in Europe __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!
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03-15-2007, 12:31 PM	#3
Lost Cosmonaut Private First Class 6 Rep 107 Posts Drives: 1995 BMW 740iL E38 Alpinweiß Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Washington State iTrader: (0)	Easy fix, just buy an M-Tech bumper and install it when it gets to the states! That's what I plan to do. My state requires a front plate but if your dealer "forgot" to put in the holes or there's no easy place to mount it on the front you can usually get away with not having one. Replacing the bumper with a new one and not having it drilled is a good loophole. - LC __________________ Past: 2003 Subaru WRX (290hp), 2004 Subaru STi (350hp) Present: 2006 VW GLI DSG, 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4x4, 1995 BMW 740iL E38 Alpinweiß Near Future: 2007 BMW 335i Sport E90 Alpinweiß European Delivery
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03-15-2007, 01:23 PM	#4
OC Guy General 564 Rep 18,123 Posts Drives: AW 335D E90 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Irvine/Aliso Viejo, CA iTrader: (9) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	IIRC the front plate is mounted by double sided tape and without holes. The front holes are put in here by your dealer stateside unless you request them not to.
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03-15-2007, 01:50 PM	#6
iatacs19 Major General 491 Rep 5,319 Posts Drives: 2016 SO M4 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Washington, DC iTrader: (8)	People have different needs and priorities.
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03-15-2007, 03:23 PM	#7
bartman32 Colonel 110 Rep 2,317 Posts Drives: F87 M2 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: The OC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 M2 [0.00]	Don't let that stop you from doing an ED. There's nothing like being able to drive your new baby all through Europe. Even if you can't get over 4000 RPM's till you break it in your still going pretty darn fast! Faster than you will be going here in the states! What a blast!
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03-15-2007, 03:30 PM	#9
pseto Major General 890 Rep 7,752 Posts Drives: E92 M3 ZCP, F80 M3 ZCP- beater Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Rockville, MD iTrader: (4)	Take delivery in SC, they don't drill bumper holes. __________________ Paul Seto - BMW Car Club of America President, National Capital Chapter (MD/DC/NoVA) Director, National Events ///M Chapter Become a BMW CCA member; Click HERE to join and use my member #339225 for a referral Join our NCC Facebook Page
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06-11-2007, 08:06 PM	#11
EDrimmereality New Member 0 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2007 328i, 6sp Manual, Sport Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: San Jose, CA USA iTrader: (0)	So I already have the holes - and I tried to get them to skip the drilling, but the Germans are sticklers for the rules . . . (but the ED experience was WAY worth it) - Now I'd like to just leave my Euro plate mounted on the front - at least until I get a fix-it ticket and they make me mount the CA plate in front too. Anyway, the problem is, Munich drilled and mounted a CA plate adapter to the front bumper, and then just screwed the Euro plate to the CA adapter (looked pretty funky, but it was temporary). Problem is, the holes in the Euro plate don't match the holes in the bumper and the BMW parts department says there's no Euro front plate adapter. I suppose I could make my own little adapter, but does anyone have a good idea for mounting the Euro plate to the front without a bulky adapter . . . and without drilling two more holes?! __________________ 2007 328i, Alpine White, Stick, Sport Pkg. ED 3/7, Drop 3/21, 5/7 Redelivery!
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06-11-2007, 08:34 PM	#12
Hound Passer First Lieutenant 71 Rep 355 Posts Drives: 435i Convertible Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: VA iTrader: (0)	Why do so many people have such a cow about the front bumper plate? I would not give up my ED experience just because they drill a couple of holes in my front bumper. Yes, plug them up. Big deal. Honestly, if my state didn't have front plates I'd probably just keep the ED Zoll plate on my car.
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06-12-2007, 03:55 PM	#14
EDrimmereality New Member 0 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2007 328i, 6sp Manual, Sport Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: San Jose, CA USA iTrader: (0)	Thanks! Thanks MrB - that's exactly what I was looking for . . . ordered and on the way. __________________ 2007 328i, Alpine White, Stick, Sport Pkg. ED 3/7, Drop 3/21, 5/7 Redelivery!
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06-12-2007, 05:49 PM	#16
bartman32 Colonel 110 Rep 2,317 Posts Drives: F87 M2 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: The OC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 M2 [0.00]	Of course you could just double tape it on there like they did with the rear in Europe. I had mine on but took it off a couple of days ago. I wouldn't mind the fix-it for the front plate but I just know I'm going to get dinged for the tinted windows at the same time and that's just too much of a hassel to take it off have it okay'd just to put it back on. So goin with the CA plate with a painted holder from Long. Actually looks clean for a front plate. Here are some pics http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...1&postcount=43 Look at the last pic as that's what I decided to go with.
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06-12-2007, 07:57 PM	#17
EDrimmereality New Member 0 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2007 328i, 6sp Manual, Sport Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: San Jose, CA USA iTrader: (0)	I ordered just the euro bracket from bavauto.com - $15 including shipping. I'll let you know how it looks when it gets here. What a great idea to pick one up while in Germany! Clearly the voice of experience. I'll do that next time . . . don't tell my wife I said that . . . yet. I thought of the tape option, but with California's potholes, I'm sure I'd lose it. The painted frame looks great for the CA plate. I may have to go that route if I get tagged on the EU plate __________________ 2007 328i, Alpine White, Stick, Sport Pkg. ED 3/7, Drop 3/21, 5/7 Redelivery!
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06-13-2007, 11:42 AM	#18
NRW-DE New Member 1 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 2007 335i E93 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: North Carolina iTrader: (1)	Ijust did ED on May 14th and asked them a couple days prior delivery to NOT mount any license plate to the front bumper, as NC does not require front plates. I mentioned in the e-mail that I am willing to sign an affidavit stating that I will take responsibility, but they never made me sign it! I am a German citizen, living in the US since 99, and I can tell you there will be no issue if you just place the front plate behind the windshield on the dashboard. If the police should stop you, you just say that it is not required in your state to have a front license plate and that you are leaving the country anyways in a few days...... I do not see them making a big deal out of it as you show good deeds by placing it visible on the dashboard, and the BMW ED Center did not care, as it is your car and your responsibility! I was traveling for about 2000 miles in Germany, have seen allot of police cars passing me, and no stop whatsoever! Definitely worth not having a front plate, especially on the 9x's as they have no designated space form them, and much better looking than with a plate! My 2 cents... __________________ _____________________________________________ Current Ride(s): 2002 E46 330Cic, 2007 E91 328i In Transit: ED 5/14 - 2007 E93 335i, Monaco Blue, Saddle, Navi, iPod, Sat, ZSP......Can't wait!
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