OEM Front License Plate bracket install on 14+ Sport - Am I really supposed to drill?
#1
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
OEM Front License Plate bracket install on 14+ Sport - Am I really supposed to drill?
Recently purchased a CPO MB 2015 E400 sport from a state that didn't have a front plate requirement. I'm stuck in Virginia and unfortunately have to use one, and am interested in installing the OEM bracket that was included in the spare tire area ( A 2128851681). My understanding is that every MB sold in the US comes with this in the trunk and then the dealer installs if required by law. However, it came with no documentation or hardware, and the basic stuff I can find on EPC implies that I'm supposed to actually drill this bracket through the front bumper (!)? I'd rather not use a tow-hook bracket and can't seem to find another great aftermarket solution, so I was wondering if anyone could share the safest steps or alternative methods they used to get their front plate attached. I've searched this and the W212 AMG forum and read through most of those already.
For reference, this is what the bracket looks like: https://www.ebay.com/p/14-16-Mercede...212/1423025229
Thanks!
For reference, this is what the bracket looks like: https://www.ebay.com/p/14-16-Mercede...212/1423025229
Thanks!
#2
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Location: Northwest Illinois
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2014 E350 also restored: 1969 Camaro convertible SS 1957 Chevy Belair 2dr hardtop
Recently purchased a CPO MB 2015 E400 sport from a state that didn't have a front plate requirement. I'm stuck in Virginia and unfortunately have to use one, and am interested in installing the OEM bracket that was included in the spare tire area ( A 2128851681). My understanding is that every MB sold in the US comes with this in the trunk and then the dealer installs if required by law. However, it came with no documentation or hardware, and the basic stuff I can find on EPC implies that I'm supposed to actually drill this bracket through the front bumper (!)? I'd rather not use a tow-hook bracket and can't seem to find another great aftermarket solution, so I was wondering if anyone could share the safest steps or alternative methods they used to get their front plate attached. I've searched this and the W212 AMG forum and read through most of those already.
For reference, this is what the bracket looks like: https://www.ebay.com/p/14-16-Mercede...212/1423025229
Thanks!
For reference, this is what the bracket looks like: https://www.ebay.com/p/14-16-Mercede...212/1423025229
Thanks!
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
I've seen that suggestion but would really prefer a symmetrical/OEM look.
#4
Junior Member
I also live in Virginia and was in the same situation as you. When I purchased my used 2016 E350 Sport, I decided NOT to use the OEM license plate bracket to avoid drilling my front bumper. I securely mounted mine in the lower grille by using this $5 accessory from Amazon () and two zip ties. The only mod to my license plate was folding over part of the lower half of the plate to fit it into the grille which did not obscure the plate numbers. Mounting my license plate this way has not affected engine cooling.
Hope this helps.
- Longroof
Hope this helps.
- Longroof
Last edited by Longroof; 04-25-2019 at 02:04 PM.
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
$60 fine here and they will get you if parked on the street or at the airport. Not worth it. The bracket comes with self tapping screws, so you can just drill a pilot hole. Buy the largest diameter that fits in the hole of the bracket. 1” long I think. It just needs to bite through the plastic of the bumper. There are 4 holes and I would use all 4. I started out with the top 2 only and ran over a Xmas tree that fell off someone’s roof and that tree pulled my whole plate and bracket right off. I kid you not.
#6
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
$60 fine here and they will get you if parked on the street or at the airport. Not worth it. The bracket comes with self tapping screws, so you can just drill a pilot hole. Buy the largest diameter that fits in the hole of the bracket. 1” long I think. It just needs to bite through the plastic of the bumper. There are 4 holes and I would use all 4. I started out with the top 2 only and ran over a Xmas tree that fell off someone’s roof and that tree pulled my whole plate and bracket right off. I kid you not.
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
I also live in Virginia and was in the same situation as you. When I purchased my used 2016 E350 Sport, I decided NOT to use the OEM license plate bracket to avoid drilling my front bumper. I securely mounted mine in the lower grille by using this $5 accessory from Amazon (Cruiser Accessories 79050 License Plate Bracket, Black) and two zip ties. The only mod to my license plate was folding over part of the lower half of the plate to fit it into the grille which did not obscure the plate numbers. Mounting my license plate this way has not affected engine cooling.
Hope this helps.
- Longroof
Hope this helps.
- Longroof
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#8
MBWorld Fanatic!
Ah, I see those fasteners on that Ebay listing photo. Mine just had the holes in those locations. I guess it’s 5 total with the one in the center. I’m not sure if you are supposed to drill a specific size hole for those and snap the whole thing in place. I think it’s easier to get large head self-tapping screws in place of those. Mine is on good now. My bracket also has a bend to follow the bumper and hence my plate is slightly bent. Not sure if you can see that in my photo.
#9
MBWorld Fanatic!
Yeah, pretty stupid that Mercedes can't give you a little bracket that mounts up under the bumper somewhere like a Honda or any other car. I bought my car from TX, I think they have front plates because it had a bracket with the dealer logo plate in it, I was astonished that it was drilled straight through the bumper. I decided to add a european vanity plate with another appropriate holder purchased from somewhere in Europe on Ebay. Now I have 4 holes in my bumper! But the authentic Germany plate on front gets mainly positive comments.
#10
Junior Member
If you really want to show your full front license plate without having to drill your front bumper this is a more expensive option: Sto N Sho Quick-Release Front License Plate Bracket For 2014-2016 Mercedes E350 Sedan Sport
- Longroof
Last edited by Longroof; 04-26-2019 at 08:30 AM.