*Knowledge*

In California it's a requirement for cars to have a front license plate so cars most often arrive with pre-drilled holes on the bumper before it even arrives to the dealership. Are any of you, in front plate required states, seeing this on the W205's in your area?

rongpanda

I'm from Texas, where the front plates are required. My sales guy said they do not drill holes without their customer's permission, and I've stated several times that I did not want holes in my bumper. When one of the C63s arrived at the dealership, he showed me the mounts that come with the car for mounting the plates and reinforced that they do not drill without permission.

I think this is a dealership to dealership basis, although maybe the car being an AMG had something to do with it too. If you don't want holes, I suggest getting a front tow hook plate mount like the RHO plate. It might look a bit strange, but it's better than drilling holes.

bartola

Bay Area - no holes drilled ��

abstractls

Mine were not predrilled in Maryland. I have the mount but have yet to put it on. Over a year now no ticket

MASSC450

I'm in Mass where a front plate is required.

The salesperson drilled the holes right in front of me after I gave him permission.

l3it3r

They asked if I wanted them to mount it (Maryland requires both still for some stupid reason) and I reluctantly allowed them to. I had considered a tow hook mount, but decided against it.

*Knowledge*

Thanks for all the input everyone. Must find out from the dealer if and when they may want to drill the holes. My build doesn't start until the second decade of December so it might be a bit early.

topsider

pre drilled

49erPV

Mine was delivered with the mounting bracket in the trunk and no holes drilled. I did have to sign a DMV form stating that front plates are required in CA and subject to a violation if pulled over by the authorities. When my plates arrived by mail, I took them back to the dealer had both front and back installed.

darwin329

Am from the bay area ( Sanfo) most dealership in south bay like San jose Fremont front bumpers doesn't come with plate holders. but if go to the city san francisco dealership all their vehicle have pre drilled holes

I love the one w/out the front plate looks very NEAT! I had no choice during the time since Sanfo dealership had the only one with c400 and the package that i liked.. i just removed the front holder leaving the black screws

See attached file before and after

LAC300

It's dealer by dealer, unfortunately mine drilled holes and installed the bracket. I removed it but there are now three screw holes in the front, still looks better than having a plate though.

darwin329

Why three?? Had pre drilled too but 2 holes... Still got holes thou hehe

BlackjackM

The dealer does it. I was adamant that they not drill my bumper and they didn't.

abmims

They asked me if I wanted it done before they did it.

49erPV

It seems if you own a Corvette here in CA, the CHP will leave you alone if you don't have a plate up front. A few of my friends with other makes (including a late SL) have received "fixit" tickets, paid the fine, and, reluctantly, put the plate on. Non issue for me and I believe in Europe and the UK, they are mandatory. Always pained to see those beautiful XKE's with a big GB plate glued on the nose

nbkvig2

Two dealers I know of in Southern California don't have pre-drilled brackets on their cars. One asks me if I want it on, the other says they don't even do it and just sign an acknowledgement that I understand it is required by law.

MASSC450

You must have one of those older Mass single "Green" plates...enjoy it while it lasts. I keep hearing rumors they won't be around for long.

mtyson227

I'm in Maryland also. My dealer (EuroMotorcars in Germantown) asked if I wanted it installed, and then did it when I answered yes. Figure the holes do not matter if the license plate is covering them anyway!

If I ever move to a state that does not require a front plate (like my home state of PA), I'll just have a new bumper cover installed!

hans007

don't have a w205, but i bought my bimmer at a dealer with no holes in southern california.

some dealers do it and some don't.

its been 3 years and i've been ticketed once. used a tow hook mount paid the $20 to clear it, and removed the plate right after. is it worth it? yes just for those times where i walk up to the front of my car and it looks that much better. haha

jorgetav

I asked the dealer to not drill holes and then had a flip-down plate bracket installed. You can see the discussion in this thread:

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ate-mount.html

MASSC450

Personally I'm not a fan of those flip-down license plat brackets. I find them flimsy, they sit too low (more prone to receive damage), and on the W205...the plate then blocks a good portion of the oil cooler.

Yeti575

Correct, only excemptions I can think of right now would be tractors and motorcycles

l3m

I know this is an old thread but you can buy bumper plugs here. They make excellent painted covers for those drilled bumper holes.

evoi19

This.
My previous cars I did the above but the c450 I wanted was already available and didn't need a build so it came pre-drilled. First thing I took off when I got home along with those amg badges on the side.

skhan007

Bought my car in Maryland and the front and rear plate areas are pre-drilled to receive plates. I still have temp tags (rear only) until I receive my stuff in the mail. The front has a black plastic facia that is pre-drilled to mount the front tags.