Just purchased a 2011 G55. Does anyone know if there is a way to remove the metal brackets that are screwed in from the underside of the front bumper without removing the bumper. I realize that this is not the AMG forum, but thought that this should the same for the non-AMG also. Thanks in advance for any help.

Easily removed the license plate holder.

These two brackets remain and need to be removed.

You can see the screws coming up from below through the bumper that fix the metal brackets to the bumper.

If you take the fog lights out, you may be able to reach in there but it will be tight.

Thank you Shiann.

If there's enough of the screws coming through the top of the brackets, you might try grabbing them with vise-grips. Once they're loose, you should be able to spin the brackets off. Hopefully the screws will roll free onto the ground. Or you can use a magnet to fish them out.

I refused to take the bumper off. Impossible to get to the bolts from below. Tried channel locks from above without success. Got out the handy dremel tool and success.



Used the dremel to cut the bracket and bolt off from above.

Managed not to scratch up the front bumper paint.

Need to get some plugs.

Will look much cleaner without the front license plate and holder!

Looks like you chose the best way. The intercooler is right behind the bumper grill slats in that location so it's pretty tight in there.

Glad you were able to get it off without any damage. Now just find some plastic/rubber plugs on Amazon and call it a day. I wish I could run without a front plate.

Thanks Shiann. I'm in Texas and we are "supposed to" have front and back license plates but it is not enforced. I think it looks better without. Hopefully, no one stops me and makes me go back again.

Try and get some plastic or rubber plugs for the holes. Any hardware store or Homedepot. Might even find some at NAPA. Looks so much better without the front plate.

Sorry for reviving an old thread, but I’m trying to do something similar. I’m gonna use a dremmel as well to cut off the bracket and screw. Did the other part of the screw just fall out easily, or did it get stuck somewhere? That’s my biggest concern. I have a 2002 G500 for reference.

It's been a little while since I did this, but I don't remember any problems getting the screw out. I believe it just fell out onto the garage floor after cutting it off.
Good luck.

Thanks. Managed to get it off by drilling into the screws from the top. Didn’t hear them drop anywhere which is strange. I’m sure they’ll turn up somewhere lol

Bumping this thread as I just removed mine.

I took a vice grip to hold the screw from the top and twisted the bracket. When the top of the screw got smaller, I took needle nose pliers underneath the bracket to hold the screw (placing a microfiber underneath the pliers to avoid scratching the bumper) and continued twisting the bracket. With some WD40, time, and effort, I managed to remove them.

As for the screws, since the needle nose pliers are already holding the screws in place after the brackets are removed, I placed a piece of cardboard into the grill beneath the screws to slip them out.

Anyone know what size plugs are needed to fill the hole?? Thanks

Ok, going to try the dremel route. I'll keep everyone posted!