OK, I give up... I've tried two different sets of plate screws but both are too big. Does Mercedes use a special size license plate screw? Where can I get them?
Yes, I'm new to MB.

 

Just go to Ace Hardware, go inside and take a bunch of screws outside to your car and see which one fits. Then go back inside and purchase them

 

It's metric, of course.

M5

Probably M5X16

 

I have been told that the proper screws have a pretty fine/tight thread pattern. If all else fails, buy a set from a dealer - they can't cost very much.

 

You Rock!

$1.60 for (4) at Home Depot.

 

Get the originals from the dealer. They're stainless!

Cheers.

 

I like the button-head stainless socket-head capscrews at Ace Hardware.

 

The ones I bought at HD are also stainless.

 

I found this on another forum. I will find out today if it works. This is an old thread, but I spent 30 minutes trying to find out the info, so I hope this helps.

These are the parts indicated on EPC. However, I went to the dealer with these part #s and they are just for the front license plate.

Part # 0019904236 (5x12) is somewhat of a sheet metal screw which you need since the front license bracket is a hard plastic material and the holes on there need to be threaded by a sheet metal screw so the license plate itself can be screwed securely onto the bracket. This screw is perfect length if you are mounting your front license plate without a license plate frame.

As for part# 0019846429 (5x16) this is a longer screw for mounting the front license bracket to the bumper. Don't need to worry about this one.

The license plate screws for the rear are completely different as there is a metal mounting plate adapter that already has pre-threaded holes. You need metric screws M6 1.0 (1.0 is the thread type). Default length is 16mm but you need 10mm if you wish to mount your rear license plate without a license frame otherwise the longer length will drill marks into the rear lid and with a gap between the plate and the screws. I can't find the M6 with 10mm length at my local hardwarestore. I will need to stick with the ones that came with our car M6 16mm (part# 007985006197) but will need a license frame on it for it to work.

I know there's not too much on this matter and no one really cares too much if the screws on your car already work. However, dealers just slap on whatever screws they have on their service bin upon delivery and no one knows what screws you really need for the car. This explains why some folks here complain about loose license plates. Anyhow I have attached both the front (left) and rear screws (right).