Front License Plate

bsd107 · 10-17-2008, 11:49 PM

I don't want the front license plate holder installed. Who actually installs this? The VPC or the Dealer?

Crisp · 10-18-2008, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsd107

I don't want the front license plate holder installed. Who actually installs this? The VPC or the Dealer?

Just email your CA.

Thats what I did, and he said he would take care of it.
I also told him to not put any tags on the car that show where the car was bought.

JBiddy · 10-18-2008, 12:17 AM

i think the prep center drills the holes....i are supposed to tell your CA b4 ur car gets there so that he can tell them not to drill holes....my CA took care of that a couple of days before the car arrived.....

bsd107 · 10-18-2008, 12:41 AM

Thanks, but where is this done?

My car is aleady at the VPC...

bsd107 · 10-18-2008, 05:46 AM

OK, so the holes are already drilled, probably. I guess I don't mind that too much, as it's easier for me to add later. But, I don't want all those black marks you get from rubbing the bumper, so at least I should be able to get that removed before the major damage is done....

LionRampant · 10-18-2008, 07:10 AM

According to my CA, the front license plate holder is shipped with the car parts bundle and installed at the local BMW center as part of their PDI. He related that several times he'd heard of requests at the last minute where CAs were running out to stop the PDI tech with the drill in his hand. After reading here and elsewhere of less destructive options for displaying the front plate, I requested that my car not have the front plate holder installed when I placed the order and took delivery without it on there.

I'd doubt that the VPC would go into things like the front plate holder given the local nature of that requirement. They are probably more concerned with inspecting, repairing, and getting cars on their way, when rogue government agencies aren't interceding.

--LR

bsd107 · 10-18-2008, 07:40 AM

LR, thanks for the excellent feedback!

IrvRobinson · 10-22-2008, 06:00 PM

If it's an ED car,the plate is attached with double stick tape,otherwise,most dealers aren't putting them on unless the customer requests it ( even when it's a front plate state law).If it's for dealer inventory,then it might get a front plate bracket installed.

bsd107 · 10-27-2008, 02:18 AM

Answer to my own question: The dealer does do it.

And here is what it looks like when the dealer installs the front plate even after requesting via email (5 days before the car even arrives at the dealership) that it NOT be installed....

I am now the proud owner of two holes in the front of my bumper.

Any suggestions on how I can make the holes not visible? E.g. something titanium silver that I can screw in there to cap the holes?

snipersix · 10-27-2008, 02:28 AM

u can use these called bumper plugs

http://www.bumperplugs.com/

or you can simply go down to your local bodyshop, and have it sealed.

bsd107 · 10-27-2008, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snipersix

u can use these called bumper plugs

http://www.bumperplugs.com/

or you can simply go down to your local bodyshop, and have it sealed.

Thanks - you saved my sanity. I just ordered a pair of "BumperPlugs".

This whole thing has been bugging the heck out of me for three days now. The first thing I saw when I walked onto the car lot was the front plate holder on my car - it pretty much ruined my whole experience. I ordered this car months ago, picked every option, etc., got the car exactly the way I wanted it (including 6NF even though it supposedly wasn't in production yet), and then at the finish line they drill right through the bumper despite my request not to... And it's not like they don't understand why I wouldn't want it - as a policy they don't put the holders on any coupes or M cars for the same reason I didn't want it on mine!

Anyway, I can't wait to get these BumperPlugs on the car and get this thing behind me. If I had known such a product was available a few days ago it probably wouldn't have bothered me too much.

As it is, these plugs look smaller than the PDC sensors, and although they stick out a little I can live with the plugs.

Thanks again!

snipersix · 10-27-2008, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsd107

Thanks - you saved my sanity. I just ordered a pair of "BumperPlugs".

This whole thing has been bugging the heck out of me for three days now. The first thing I saw when I walked onto the car lot was the front plate holder on my car - it pretty much ruined my whole experience. I ordered this car months ago, picked every option, etc., got the car exactly the way I wanted it (including 6NF even though it supposedly wasn't in production yet), and then at the finish line they drill right through the bumper despite my request not to... And it's not like they don't understand why I wouldn't want it - as a policy they don't put the holders on any coupes or M cars for the same reason I didn't want it on mine!

Anyway, I can't wait to get these BumperPlugs on the car and get this thing behind me. If I had known such a product was available a few days ago it probably wouldn't have bothered me too much.

As it is, these plugs look smaller than the PDC sensors, and although they stick out a little I can live with the plugs.

Thanks again!

just wanted to note that when installing the bumper plugs, you will need to drill the existing holes abit bigger, so that the plugs can fit.

bsd107 · 10-27-2008, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snipersix

just wanted to note that when installing the bumper plugs, you will need to drill the existing holes abit bigger, so that the plugs can fit.

Thanks for the tip - will drill out a little. I guess that makes it harder later if I am later forced to revert to the front plate, but worth it anyway....

bsd107 · 10-28-2008, 12:42 AM

Any tips for "do's and don'ts" when drilling out the holes a little bigger? I'm paranoid 'cause I don't want the paint to start flaking off by screwing it up (any more than it has already due to the original holes)...

bsd107 · 10-29-2008, 01:32 AM

OK, I got the "BumperPlugs" product and installed them.

I have no complaints about the BumperPlug product - they work as advertised and are a perfect match for the paint.

However, now that I have drilled out the holes to the required 1/4" diameter and installed the plugs, I think it looks even worse than with the original, smaller holes.

The problem is that the BumperPlugs are like 3D buttons, when everything else on the whole front of the car is designed to be flush in appearance. Plus, they are just under the kidney grills. As a result, your eyes are attracted to them and they totally stand out, despite the fact that they are a perfect color match.

I should have gone the route of having a body shop simply fill and paint the original holes. This would have made the bumper look perfect (i.e. before the dealer drilled into it). Now that I have made the holes even bigger to install the BumperPlugs, this would be more difficult to patch now.

I still appreciate the advice, and have nothing against the BumperPlug product, but on my Titanium Silver car I wish I had gone the other route and had a body shop fill the holes and paint. That's my advice to anyone else who ends up in the same unfortunate situation as me....

snipersix · 10-29-2008, 01:41 AM

i still think u can go to the bodyshop and have it fixed if your not happy with the result.

bsd107 · 10-29-2008, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snipersix

i still think u can go to the bodyshop and have it fixed if your not happy with the result.

Yeah, you are right - if it still bugs me in a week I can try that. I just hate the idea of having a brand new car painted even in a small area. Although it wasn't me that started this fiasco....

snipersix · 10-29-2008, 01:47 AM

i actually asked my bodyshop about getting the holes filled b4. And they said, it is possible, however it may still be noticeable but not that much.

JBiddy · 10-29-2008, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snipersix

i actually asked my bodyshop about getting the holes filled b4. And they said, it is possible, however it may still be noticeable but not that much.

oh wow man they drilled the holes...BOOOOO!!! i picked mine up Saturday and the first thing i saw was the clean from bumper i was so happy.... good luck with the new car looks sweet! i think you should patch the wholes n make the dealer pay for it hahaha....GL

3er858 · 10-29-2008, 04:50 PM

I know this might not be the best option for you, but have you considered putting an authenic European plate on the front? I ordered one for my car, but haven't decided if I want to put it on yet... I emailed my dealer twice, and called the day of delivery to make sure they didn't drill mine... That was the first thing I looked for when we pulled up to the dealer... Thank God it wasn't on there... I don't think my dealer drills them anyway, regardless.

Good luck!

bsd107 · 10-29-2008, 07:02 PM

Thanks for the tip, but the drilled holes for the US license plate holder are so high that they would not be covered by a Euro plate, unfortunately....

Contrats to all of you who managed to obtain an undrilled bumper - I'm truly jealous of you!

10-17-2008, 11:49 PM	#1
bsd107 Captain 50 Rep 627 Posts Drives: 2009 335i E90 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Front License Plate - who puts it on? I don't want the front license plate holder installed. Who actually installs this? The VPC or the Dealer?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

10-18-2008, 12:17 AM	#3
JBiddy Brigadier General 200 Rep 3,840 Posts Drives: F82 ///M Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Northern/N.J iTrader: (9)	i think the prep center drills the holes....i are supposed to tell your CA b4 ur car gets there so that he can tell them not to drill holes....my CA took care of that a couple of days before the car arrived..... __________________ ///M
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-18-2008, 12:41 AM	#4
bsd107 Captain 50 Rep 627 Posts Drives: 2009 335i E90 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Thanks, but where is this done? My car is aleady at the VPC...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-18-2008, 05:46 AM	#5
bsd107 Captain 50 Rep 627 Posts Drives: 2009 335i E90 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: US iTrader: (0)	OK, so the holes are already drilled, probably. I guess I don't mind that too much, as it's easier for me to add later. But, I don't want all those black marks you get from rubbing the bumper, so at least I should be able to get that removed before the major damage is done....
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-18-2008, 07:10 AM	#6
LionRampant Private First Class 9 Rep 147 Posts Drives: '09 328i E90 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Bellevue, WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 328i Sedan [0.00]	According to my CA, the front license plate holder is shipped with the car parts bundle and installed at the local BMW center as part of their PDI. He related that several times he'd heard of requests at the last minute where CAs were running out to stop the PDI tech with the drill in his hand. After reading here and elsewhere of less destructive options for displaying the front plate, I requested that my car not have the front plate holder installed when I placed the order and took delivery without it on there. I'd doubt that the VPC would go into things like the front plate holder given the local nature of that requirement. They are probably more concerned with inspecting, repairing, and getting cars on their way, when rogue government agencies aren't interceding. --LR __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-18-2008, 07:40 AM	#7
bsd107 Captain 50 Rep 627 Posts Drives: 2009 335i E90 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: US iTrader: (0)	LR, thanks for the excellent feedback!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-22-2008, 06:00 PM	#8
IrvRobinson Banned 39 Rep 731 Posts Drives: X3 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	If it's an ED car,the plate is attached with double stick tape,otherwise,most dealers aren't putting them on unless the customer requests it ( even when it's a front plate state law).If it's for dealer inventory,then it might get a front plate bracket installed.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-27-2008, 02:18 AM	#9
bsd107 Captain 50 Rep 627 Posts Drives: 2009 335i E90 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Answer to my own question: The dealer does do it. And here is what it looks like when the dealer installs the front plate even after requesting via email (5 days before the car even arrives at the dealership) that it NOT be installed.... I am now the proud owner of two holes in the front of my bumper. Any suggestions on how I can make the holes not visible? E.g. something titanium silver that I can screw in there to cap the holes? Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-27-2008, 02:28 AM	#10
snipersix Brigadier General 232 Rep 3,807 Posts Drives: Retired 2017 F87 M2 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Burnaby iTrader: (3) Garage List 2017 BMW M2 [0.00]	u can use these called bumper plugs http://www.bumperplugs.com/ or you can simply go down to your local bodyshop, and have it sealed. __________________ 2017 M2 Coupe:\|Black Sapphire Metallic\|DCT\|Nav/Idrive\|M Performance CF Spoiler\|M Performance CF DCT Interior\| M Performance Gloss Black Kidney Grills\| M Performance Steel Pedals \| Eventuri CF CAI \| 19" Brixton Rims \| KW V3 Clubsport \| Retired: \|2008 328i Sedan\|Montego Blue\|
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-28-2008, 12:42 AM	#14
bsd107 Captain 50 Rep 627 Posts Drives: 2009 335i E90 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Any tips for "do's and don'ts" when drilling out the holes a little bigger? I'm paranoid 'cause I don't want the paint to start flaking off by screwing it up (any more than it has already due to the original holes)...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-29-2008, 01:32 AM	#15
bsd107 Captain 50 Rep 627 Posts Drives: 2009 335i E90 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: US iTrader: (0)	OK, I got the "BumperPlugs" product and installed them. I have no complaints about the BumperPlug product - they work as advertised and are a perfect match for the paint. However, now that I have drilled out the holes to the required 1/4" diameter and installed the plugs, I think it looks even worse than with the original, smaller holes. The problem is that the BumperPlugs are like 3D buttons, when everything else on the whole front of the car is designed to be flush in appearance. Plus, they are just under the kidney grills. As a result, your eyes are attracted to them and they totally stand out, despite the fact that they are a perfect color match. I should have gone the route of having a body shop simply fill and paint the original holes. This would have made the bumper look perfect (i.e. before the dealer drilled into it). Now that I have made the holes even bigger to install the BumperPlugs, this would be more difficult to patch now. I still appreciate the advice, and have nothing against the BumperPlug product, but on my Titanium Silver car I wish I had gone the other route and had a body shop fill the holes and paint. That's my advice to anyone else who ends up in the same unfortunate situation as me....
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-29-2008, 01:41 AM	#16
snipersix Brigadier General 232 Rep 3,807 Posts Drives: Retired 2017 F87 M2 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Burnaby iTrader: (3) Garage List 2017 BMW M2 [0.00]	i still think u can go to the bodyshop and have it fixed if your not happy with the result. __________________ 2017 M2 Coupe:\|Black Sapphire Metallic\|DCT\|Nav/Idrive\|M Performance CF Spoiler\|M Performance CF DCT Interior\| M Performance Gloss Black Kidney Grills\| M Performance Steel Pedals \| Eventuri CF CAI \| 19" Brixton Rims \| KW V3 Clubsport \| Retired: \|2008 328i Sedan\|Montego Blue\|
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-29-2008, 01:47 AM	#18
snipersix Brigadier General 232 Rep 3,807 Posts Drives: Retired 2017 F87 M2 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Burnaby iTrader: (3) Garage List 2017 BMW M2 [0.00]	i actually asked my bodyshop about getting the holes filled b4. And they said, it is possible, however it may still be noticeable but not that much. __________________ 2017 M2 Coupe:\|Black Sapphire Metallic\|DCT\|Nav/Idrive\|M Performance CF Spoiler\|M Performance CF DCT Interior\| M Performance Gloss Black Kidney Grills\| M Performance Steel Pedals \| Eventuri CF CAI \| 19" Brixton Rims \| KW V3 Clubsport \| Retired: \|2008 328i Sedan\|Montego Blue\|
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-29-2008, 04:50 PM	#20
3er858 First Class Privates 44 Rep 616 Posts Drives: AW F10, CW Mk6, 1299S Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: SCV SoCal iTrader: (0)	I know this might not be the best option for you, but have you considered putting an authenic European plate on the front? I ordered one for my car, but haven't decided if I want to put it on yet... I emailed my dealer twice, and called the day of delivery to make sure they didn't drill mine... That was the first thing I looked for when we pulled up to the dealer... Thank God it wasn't on there... I don't think my dealer drills them anyway, regardless. Good luck! __________________ F10 M-Sport \| xdrive LTMW \| Velgen VBM6\| V12's \| CKS coilovers \| wrapped roof \| wrapped mirror caps \| wrapped door handles \| Gloss Black Grills \| M5 rear Lip
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-29-2008, 07:02 PM	#21
bsd107 Captain 50 Rep 627 Posts Drives: 2009 335i E90 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the tip, but the drilled holes for the US license plate holder are so high that they would not be covered by a Euro plate, unfortunately.... Contrats to all of you who managed to obtain an undrilled bumper - I'm truly jealous of you!
	Appreciate 0 Quote