I am also thinking the same after looking at those clips in the plate. Not bcos of messing it up, but I dont think it will be durable without those clips that hook on to the bumper, not sure if the clue can hold it if some one steps on the plate to get some luggage out. But indeed it looks great.

PS: May be under the bumper there are still hooks where these clips can lock into, but you have to remove the entire bumper to see if they are there.
if they exist, you could cut holes in the plasitic bumper so the clips can go in and lock to those hooks. Well, it may be too late if you already cut the clips off. But if any others planning to install the same, you can give it a shot if you wanted to do it the perfect way. If any of you figure out there are hooks exist under the bumper, pl post pictures, I would like to get the plate too :-)

 

There is no way this thing is coming off with the 3M tape. if you knew how easy these clips came off you would understand why I feel the 3M tape is better.

I can pull on the plate and it pulls the entire bumper with it. This is how it should come from the factory!

 

Nicely done! If you get bored perhaps you can give us the DIY step by step instructions for this Mod. Congrats on what looks like a very pro job - as do the other two jobs you did.

 

Here ya go:

You will need the following:
1 Beer
Pliers or Dremel (I used pliers)
Sandpaper
Alcohol Pads
3M Double sided tape (2 rolls) not cheap $17 (but its the best!)
Masking tape
1 more Beer

Step 1: Remove the clips and pegs 15 total (I think) I used pliers. Grab the clip close to the base and twist it rips right off and is flush with the base. Same with the round tabs. Very easy.

Step 2: Use a little sandpaper to take down any high spots from the clips and pegs. Use the sandpaper to rough up the smooth plastic (prep for tape) Not much just enough for a little texture.

Step 3: Wipe down the black plastic on the plate with alcohol pads. Make sure it is very clean and free of any dust.

Step 4: Apply 3M tape to outer areas and a strip n the middle. Leave the red cover on the tape!!! More than enough for the application. This stuff is tough!

Step 5: Prep the bumper for installation. I used a little dish soap and water. Then wiped the entire area with an Alcohol pad to make sure there is no wax.

Step 6: Test fit the plate on the car. Open the trunk door. Line up the middle ridge (#9) (There are 17 ridges on the top of the plate) on the plate marked with a single piece of blue tape with the trunk latch (see pic above). Once it is centered place masking tape on both ends of the bumper to guide the installation (see pic above).

Beer break!

Step 7: Remove the red cover from the 3M tape. This was the hardest part of the whole deal. I used needle nose pliers to help grab the red cover since my fingers are too big. This made it easier.

Step 8: Apply the plate to the bumper. Do not touch the tape to the bumper until you are absolutely sure it is right. Line up the center ridge to the trunk latch and use the pre-applied masking tape (step6) to guide you. Once you have it ready to go, start with the overhanging lip first and then push down the top onto the top of the bumper. Apply pressure with your hand on every inch of the plate to make sure the tape makes good contact.
(Some might want to spray a little water on the bumper to apply the plate. This will allow you some adjustment (tape wont stick immediately) before you press it into place)

Step 9: Admire your new plate while drinking your last beer. Make sure to show us some pics.

Just an FYI! This took me less than an hour from start to finish.

Hope this helps! :Cheers:

 

I noticed in this picture that you don't have the little buttons on the wheel in the center of the four button clusters for voice commands. I have them but don't have the options... so they're dead. I wonder why?

 

Put one on yesterday. Took all of 25 mins. Clips very easy to remove. Really makes the vehicle look refined in the rear.

 

Could you please give us how you hardwired the V1? i want to do the same for my Bel RX65.

 

I want the bumper plate. Very nice!

 

Told ya it was easy. Let's see some pics.



It was easy too. When I get back I'll try to post some instructions.

 

I too ordered my plate today, Can't wait to put it :-). BTW Is the 3M Molding Tape water proof, can it withstand car washes? I know the Tape cover specifically mentioned about using it for sticking Car Emblems etc. But there is a separate 3M Weather proof Tape as well, just curious which one is the right one.

 

The tape I posted above will do the job. No worries about water or weather. It's very tough. Just make sure to follow my instructions with the prep (step #5). You will be good to go.

 

Its a worth addon. Now I can peacefully drag all luggages without worrying about scratching the bumper. And it looks cool as well.

PS: I actually put the tapes on the bumper first instead of the plates (your step 4) to make sure more of the tape surface stick to the bumper, also it was little easier to apply the tape on flat surface vs the plate's non-flat area. Thanks for the post and the part#.

 

Looks great. Need to find solution for my ML500 for my dog, too. Wish I had the GL. What a beautiful vehicle. Maybe someday, but I'm very happy with mine for now.

 

Sure looks very good but $200.00 sounds a littel high for a piece of steel

 

It is, but its worth every penny. It alters the entire rear look of the vehicle for the better. It is all relative. If you can drop $70k+ for a vehicle that doesn't get the world's best gas mileage, $200 really shouldn't matter if you want the piece.

 

Sure 200 does not really matter. Man I stretched from 50K to 70 K already. Now this 200 hurts ! and I know I have to get it

 

Im looking forward to adding this upgrade, thanx for the demo..

 

Where did you buy the tape? Two rolls to do the job?

 

Could you please post the steps and instuctions for hardwiring the Rador detector in another post.

 

L8Apex, check ya PM.

 

Agreed - love to know how/where to tap in for hardwired radar. In my case a passport. I would assume there is something you can tap into up by the lights above the mirror and then stick the detector above the mirror.

Thanks!

 

L8Apex,

Thanks for the information. I ordered the part and got it the other day. I am going to get it ready before my GL arrives in a few weeks. Just wanted to double check something with you guys that have done this. You remove all (not just some) of the pegs and clips right???

Thanks...........

 

L8Apex seems to have vanished after his post about the plate. I hope it didn't fall off!

L8...where'd you get the tape and did it take 2 rolls (per your pics) to get the job done?

 

I'm still here. Just been really busy.

Beancounter,

Remove ALL of the clips and pegs and make sure they are flush with the box ridges.

Boxboss,

You will need 2 rolls. However, you will not need all of it. The job will take 1.5-1.75 rolls.

Hope this comes out right, I'm on my Blackberry.

 

I used the long tele cord that comes with the V1. I ran the cord around the windshield towards the passenger side down to the passenger foot space. Then I went behind the center console and tapped into the lighter for power. Pretty easy. Hope this helps!