ND_eclass

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.

dbldpr

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

aaacsdai

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

pacrimguru

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.

rediesel

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

lay3r3

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.

KEY08

In Chicago, the first time you park on the street you will get a $60 ticket for no front plate, $60 ticket the next time and so on. Just get a new bracket and screw the damn thing into the bumper. No big deal.

aaacsdai

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.

hdm337

Move to PA, only registration plate on the back required in PA :-)