License Plate Bolts

[n2it]

It never ceases to amaze me how the most insignificant item becomes the most difficult. I have a 2000 E320 and need to replace the front and rear license plate bolts. Believe it or not, I have tried every Mercedes part supplier that I have book-marked and nobody carries them. I called several local parts stores and received the same answer. Does anyone happen to know what the screws happen to be? I have heard both M5 and M6 but I want to make sure that I get the correct ones so that I don't strip the holes.

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[lkchris]

They are M5

[n2it]

Originally Posted by lkchris

They are M5

M5's are way too small. This morning I went ahead and started messing with it. Somewhere along the line, the previous owner put standard threaded screws in the front but left metrics in the back. After examing the upper and lower screw holes, I was able to determine that the bottom holes in both the front and the back have either never been used or have not been used in quite some time. The bottom holes take a M7 perfectly. However, what is currently in the top are M8's (in the back); leading me to believe that the top holes have been stripped by someone using standard screws instead of the proper metric screws. I am restoring this car back to showroom condition and it is the little things like this that absolutely drive me crazy. Why would anyone force a screw in place instead of just getting the proper fit? Makes no sense.

[ESTJ]

Look further into the mounts and you will see M5 threads, you need at least a 1 inch (24mm) long screw to reach those threads.

[n2it]

The screws that are present are at least an inch (although I didn't measure them). M5's would never even begin to thread in the mounts; they would be way too small. I had M6's and they were too small...

Originally Posted by ESTJ

Look further into the mounts and you will see M5 threads, you need at least a 1 inch (24mm) long screw to reach those threads.

[CKonstantin]

In the front, you probably have an add-on plate atop the bumper cover, just replace it with a new one, and you won't have to guess the thread size, as to the trunk, it's a little trickier but can still be managed, there are Rivet-Nuts inserted into the trunk, you can drill out the old ones, and replace them with new ones from MB, you will however require a special rivet gun, to seat seat them(most bodyshops which work on MBs should have it).

That should permanently solve your troubles, also don't forget to use stainless screws they should be M5 or M6(I'm leaning towards M6) not bigger than that.

[n2it]

I just had the bumper cover replaced and pick the car up from the body shop tomorrow. I wll be curious to see if the M5 screws are the correct fit for the new bumper cover. I'll be posting some pics of my progress. Unlike most, I'm all about taking this car back to its show room look.

Originally Posted by CKonstantin

In the front, you probably have an add-on plate atop the bumper cover, just replace it with a new one, and you won't have to guess the thread size, as to the trunk, it's a little trickier but can still be managed, there are Rivet-Nuts inserted into the trunk, you can drill out the old ones, and replace them with new ones from MB, you will however require a special rivet gun, to seat seat them(most bodyshops which work on MBs should have it).

That should permanently solve your troubles, also don't forget to use stainless screws they should be M5 or M6(I'm leaning towards M6) not bigger than that.