How to change front license plate holder...questions.
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 59
Likes: 1
12 E-Class
How to change front license plate holder...questions.
This is thread will be made since I cannot find any topics on changing the front license plate holders. My front license plate holder fell off just driving on the highway! I don't know if I hit a raccoon or a small animal but I need to know what is the best way/s to replace it. I see there is an easier fix on getting an (tow hook license holder) but I already have holes drilled into my bumper so I need to know whether to take the bottom radiator grille off or the upper Mercedes grille off to get the new license cover on.
Last edited by ND_eclass; Sep 17, 2015 at 08:07 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 6,397
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From: Northwest Illinois
2014 E350 also restored: 1969 Camaro convertible SS 1957 Chevy Belair 2dr hardtop
I would go to hardware store and buy 3 plugs that a screw can go into. Like the plastic ones you use on drywall in house. Put plugs in then re-screw. Should hold up and no one will know the difference. The other option would be to use larger screws to go into the holes as long as they work on the holder
Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 110
Likes: 3
From: USA
11' E350 PP SP
This is what dbldpr is referring to, (hollow tile-wall anchor) you can cut it in half and it will still work if it is oversized for your 8MM screw, every local hardware sells by the box or package for a buck or two.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...L._SL1500_.jpg
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...L._SL1500_.jpg
Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 86
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2011 E350 4Matic Wagon
Unless I'm missing something, you didn't mention anything about the bumper holes being stripped. If the holes are fine, the license plate bracket simply screws on. There's no need to get behind the bumper. If your bracket bumper holes are stripped, the above suggestions would work or simply go up one in screw size. The larger screw should provide enough tension to keep the bracket on firmly.
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Joined: Aug 2013
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2006 E320 CDI 2014 C63 507 Coupe 2012 E550 4M 2016 E63s Wagon
You just need a new front license plate bracket and some screws. These are somewhat model dependent so make sure you get the right one. No need to take the bumper apart. The tow hook cover obviously snaps back in place.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Benz-E-Class-Genuine-Front-License-Plate-Base-NEW-E350-E550-/261992752539?hash=item3cfffc259b&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Benz-E-Class-Genuine-Front-License-Plate-Base-NEW-E350-E550-/261992752539?hash=item3cfffc259b&vxp=mtr
Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 137
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2020 GLC 300, 2019 GLC 300, 2014 e400 Hybrid
Don't put one back on...
Take it to a reputable body shop. Bondo the holes and spot repaint.
Good reputable shop will be able to blend/feather in the paint and clear coat where you won't see the difference.
put license plate in your trunk. If you get pulled over (if your state requires one in the front), tell him you had recent body work done in the front and the body shop didn't have the right screws.
Good reputable shop will be able to blend/feather in the paint and clear coat where you won't see the difference.
put license plate in your trunk. If you get pulled over (if your state requires one in the front), tell him you had recent body work done in the front and the body shop didn't have the right screws.
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Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 110
Likes: 3
From: USA
11' E350 PP SP
I just did this using my base Rediesel mentions above (do you have the base?-you do not need it-really if you get this frame) I got a new stainless steel frame-Genuine MB frame $31 bucks because (Chrome rusts faster);
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
A new set of screws-this comes with 6 screws and 6 through the body mounting nuts and bolts;
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I put some Permatex adhesive I had into the holes (mine were stripped) and immediately installed the base using the screws (I did not use the mounting nuts and bolts-requires removal of panel) I also did not want the adhesive to dry or it would be useless to shim the stripped-slightly over sized holes. I used the Screw Caps that came with the new frame, not the ones that came with the new screws-they both will work. Once I got the parts together it took 5 minutes to install.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
A new set of screws-this comes with 6 screws and 6 through the body mounting nuts and bolts;
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I put some Permatex adhesive I had into the holes (mine were stripped) and immediately installed the base using the screws (I did not use the mounting nuts and bolts-requires removal of panel) I also did not want the adhesive to dry or it would be useless to shim the stripped-slightly over sized holes. I used the Screw Caps that came with the new frame, not the ones that came with the new screws-they both will work. Once I got the parts together it took 5 minutes to install.
Last edited by aaacsdai; Sep 18, 2015 at 10:38 AM.
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