Front plate
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,076
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From: LA/OC
E320
Front plate
I was stoped by a police officer in LAX this afternoon.
Because I don't have front plate.
Luckly, he didn't give me a ticket.
I told him I will put it on tonight.
However, I don't know how.... :v
Anyone knows what do I need for install it? the base and screws?
What do I have to pay attention to?
I really appreciate!
Ben
Because I don't have front plate.
Luckly, he didn't give me a ticket.
I told him I will put it on tonight.
However, I don't know how.... :v
Anyone knows what do I need for install it? the base and screws?
What do I have to pay attention to?
I really appreciate!
Ben
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,942
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
To do it the MB way, you need the plastic back plate which is color matched to your front bumper. It has matching edges to the curvature of your bumper. You screw your plate to this $100 plastic soap dish and in turn, that backing plate is secured to the bumper via longish screws. It is designed to fracture plastic (bumper or plate) at the slightest nudge. (tongue firmly planted, though not too far from the truth)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,546
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From: SFV, SoCal
2022 CLS450 AMG 4Matic
If you want to permanently attach it, raymond is right. But, if you want to temp. attach it and remove it when you hit up a meet, a show or whatnot, you can attach it with Heavy Duty double stick, thick weather stripping. It's like double stick tape only thicker (like and inch) and stronger. JamE55 in here uses it when he needs to and then removes it for shows. It holds really well and was actually quite shocked when he applied and removed it one day. Hit him up and ask him exactly what he uses if you're interested...
Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 176
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From: Los Angeles, CA
'84 911 Carrera & '01 E320
Just FYI - front plate tickets in LA area
It seems that the number of stoppages and tickets issued for no front plate has gone up recently in the Los Angeles area largely due to the increased number of red light cameras currently in use.
My wife was stopped in Santa Monica in the SUV almost a month ago. She got a ticket, not just a warning. I've had that NFL team plate on the truck since it was 100% brand new in August of 99, and have not once even been questioned about it until now.
Apparently the loss of revenue caused by no front plate to identify a vehicle with the red light cameras had prompted the local constables into enforcing the law.
I think it is nothing more than a money making scheme myself, but what can you do?
+++
My wife was stopped in Santa Monica in the SUV almost a month ago. She got a ticket, not just a warning. I've had that NFL team plate on the truck since it was 100% brand new in August of 99, and have not once even been questioned about it until now.
Apparently the loss of revenue caused by no front plate to identify a vehicle with the red light cameras had prompted the local constables into enforcing the law.
I think it is nothing more than a money making scheme myself, but what can you do?
+++
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 432
Likes: 7
From: Albuquerque, NM
09' E350, 01' Maxima SE, 93 Nissan Maxima SE, 1987 Nissan Maxima SE
Whaaaaaaaaat? 100 buck for a plate bracket? Luckily in my state of New Mexico, we do not have front plate, one of the few states that do not have front plate. I wanted to put a vanity plate but since I have no bracket, I am shocked that you mention it's that much for a bracket.
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,169
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From: HK (but constantly travelling)
98 W210 Advantgarde
Get the backplate and double-sided tape the actual plate on. That way you can still take it off when needed. The back plate adds to the appearance of the bumper anyways.
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Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
'84 911 Carrera & '01 E320
Um, forgive me, but I believe the issue here is quite simple and many are missing it.
If you have to buy the OEM bracket/backing plate to fit the LP to the front bumper anyway, then why not attach it with screws?
The last time I checked, screws can be removed and you won't have to ever worry about loosing your LP on the freeway because the double-sided tape failed.
If you lose the LP at speed, you will not get it back in most cases, and in the odd chance that you do, it will be beat to hell by the traffic that ran it over behind you.
Anyway, then you're back in the same boat... either no front plate or one that looks too rough to install.
A far better option would be to attach the backing bracket to the car as intended, then attach the LP to the backing bracket correctly.
When/if you decide to remove it for some aesthetic reason (be it a show or whatever) you won't have a bunch of tape goo to scrub off your painted bumper.
If the holes are unsightly, then check out this link:
http://www.bumperplugs.com/
BTW, I recommend taking some reasonable care when deciding exactly where/how to drill the attaching holes in your bumper so that the plugs will not look as if they are out of alignment, etc.
You could always opt for a MBZ logo vanity plate during shows, etc. Some look good, others do not.
+++
If you have to buy the OEM bracket/backing plate to fit the LP to the front bumper anyway, then why not attach it with screws?
The last time I checked, screws can be removed and you won't have to ever worry about loosing your LP on the freeway because the double-sided tape failed.
If you lose the LP at speed, you will not get it back in most cases, and in the odd chance that you do, it will be beat to hell by the traffic that ran it over behind you.
Anyway, then you're back in the same boat... either no front plate or one that looks too rough to install.
A far better option would be to attach the backing bracket to the car as intended, then attach the LP to the backing bracket correctly.
When/if you decide to remove it for some aesthetic reason (be it a show or whatever) you won't have a bunch of tape goo to scrub off your painted bumper.
If the holes are unsightly, then check out this link:
http://www.bumperplugs.com/
BTW, I recommend taking some reasonable care when deciding exactly where/how to drill the attaching holes in your bumper so that the plugs will not look as if they are out of alignment, etc.
You could always opt for a MBZ logo vanity plate during shows, etc. Some look good, others do not.
+++
Last edited by dan_cobb; Jan 8, 2005 at 01:37 PM. Reason: poor spelling & punctuation.... & I forgot something
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,169
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From: HK (but constantly travelling)
98 W210 Advantgarde
Many cars around have been using double-sided tape for the longest time without any problems - as long as they are the correct type (i.e. heavy duty). No unsightly screws when on and no need for bumper plugs when off. I've had mine stuck on for the last 3 years, and stuck on my last BMW for the last 10 years without the LP dropping off. IMO, it looks so much better without the screws, whether or not one wishes to take the LP off in future. Actually you won't even need a backplate anyways, screwed or not screwed but it just looks better and has a more secure surface for taping with a backplate, that's my point:
Last edited by Whitey; Jan 8, 2005 at 02:06 PM.
Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
'84 911 Carrera & '01 E320
Long (European sized) plates excluded because LPs here statside already have at least 2 holes in them for mounting. CA plates come with the traditional 4 holes that line up with those in the OEM backing plate and frame.
I'll go out on a limb and assume that you do not remove and reinstall your plate frequently so the tape residue probably isn't a concern. I will agree that the "no connector look" is far cleaner than even a couple of ill-fitting screws.
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I'll go out on a limb and assume that you do not remove and reinstall your plate frequently so the tape residue probably isn't a concern. I will agree that the "no connector look" is far cleaner than even a couple of ill-fitting screws.
+++
