License Plate Holes - Concerned About New Purchase
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2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
License Plate Holes - Concerned About New Purchase
A few of you are aware that I've recently purchased a new E350 Wagon (not delivered yet). It is coming from out of state where they must require a front plate. In my state, that is not required nor do I want a front plate on my new whip. However, if I remove it, there will be a few holes (4 I believe). It's really making me cringe just thinking about those holes. What are my options?
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
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From: Southern California, Orange County
2012 E350
https://www.bumperplugs.com/
There are these, many people gotten these. They cost quite a bit for what they are but they get the job done.
There are these, many people gotten these. They cost quite a bit for what they are but they get the job done.
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2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
Thanks but I think the plugs may annoy me more than having a plate. Does anyone know where I can get an European styles plate holder that will use the same holes as the American tag holder?
I guess the only other option is to see if they will fix the bumper???
I guess the only other option is to see if they will fix the bumper???
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From: Central Coast, CA
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Did the selling dealer already install the plate bracket? In CA, front plates are required but most dealers won't install it until after delivery and that's on if the buyer wants it installed. If buyer doesn't want it, they make you sign a waiver.
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2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
Unfortunately, yes, it's already installed.
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From: New Mexico
2014 E350, 2012 SL550
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Thanks guys! If I were to buy something as shown in the below link, would it look ok considering it doesn't have the same contour as the W212 front bumpers?
http://www.germanplates.com/accessor...ing-frame.html
http://www.germanplates.com/accessor...ing-frame.html
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From: New Mexico
2014 E350, 2012 SL550
Thanks guys! If I were to buy something as shown in the below link, would it look ok considering it doesn't have the same contour as the W212 front bumpers?
http://www.germanplates.com/accessor...ing-frame.html
http://www.germanplates.com/accessor...ing-frame.html
Regards,
Don
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2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
Sweet! I think I may have found a solution to my problem. Much appreciated!
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2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
I guarantee the small plugs will not bother you nearly as much as the plate bracket. I had the bracket and installed four 3/16" plugs after painting them with the car color.
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2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
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2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
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2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
The plugs are not flush. They are like ball surface but only slightly up from the surface.
I actually had only two holes for the bracket but they had used too long screws for the plate so the bottom plate screws had scratched in the paint so badly I decided to drill these out too so I have four plugs. With luck you only need two.
I actually had only two holes for the bracket but they had used too long screws for the plate so the bottom plate screws had scratched in the paint so badly I decided to drill these out too so I have four plugs. With luck you only need two.
Last edited by Arrie; Feb 12, 2014 at 03:30 PM.
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From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
I would make the selling dealer pay for it, whatever you do.
It would be good if MBUSA prohibited dealers from doing this before cars are sold. Many do it so they can mount their own advertising plates if no front required by state.
It would be good if MBUSA prohibited dealers from doing this before cars are sold. Many do it so they can mount their own advertising plates if no front required by state.
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2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
Make them pay for the plugs, fill and paint, or new bumper?
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I've also heard of some tag brackets that mount underneath and no holes have to be drilled. This may cover up the holes too but I cannot remember where I saw it. If all else fails with that bracket, use double sided tape. it has help hold many a spoilers on.
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2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
I purchased this European plate holder on my recent trip to Europe. It is made specifically for a W212 Wagon (S212). Will send more pics once it is installed:
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From: Ohio
2020 S560 Coupe & 2018 GLS63 AMG
I bought my 2011 E350 used and it had the front plate on it. It's got 3 decent sized holes from the mounting bracket screws. I bought 3 small plugs at Lowe's in their hardware section..they have those drawers you pull out for hard to find screws, etc. They have a few "Automotive" drawers and I found some plastic plugs that are like the ones you see holding plastic panels to the carpet in cars....only smaller. I bought some touch-up paint from my dealer and am going to paint them and plug them in the holes. Others on the forum have done the same and it looks pretty good. Similar to bumperplugs.com only a hell of a lot cheaper!
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From: West Central Florida
2011 E550 P2 4M Sedan
I bought my 2011 E350 used and it had the front plate on it. It's got 3 decent sized holes from the mounting bracket screws. I bought 3 small plugs at Lowe's in their hardware section..they have those drawers you pull out for hard to find screws, etc. They have a few "Automotive" drawers and I found some plastic plugs that are like the ones you see holding plastic panels to the carpet in cars....only smaller. I bought some touch-up paint from my dealer and am going to paint them and plug them in the holes. Others on the forum have done the same and it looks pretty good. Similar to bumperplugs.com only a hell of a lot cheaper!
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2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
It seems that some dealers are using screws that are too long and subsequently creating 2 additional holes in the bumper...for a total of 5 holes. 3 from the plate holder and 2 from the top 2 screws of license plate. The bottom 2 screws from the license plate miss the bumper completely as they align up with the bottom mesh grill. Has anyone experienced this? Also, for those of you utilizing a front plate, what length screws are you using?
Thanks!
Thanks!
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From: Sugar Land, TX
2011 E550
I live in Texas and purchased a 2011 E550. It had the temp tag on the back and I never noticed the front but it did not have a front plate bracket. Front plates are required in Texas. Evidently I really gave the car a thorough look over before I bought it because I didn't see it until my plates came and I walked to the front of the car to install it! After looking around it seems the vast majority of Mercedes, BMW and Porsche don't install the front plate. I ended up leaving it off and am very happy the prior owner and the dealership didn't put one on.
