SLK/R171: Front License Plates

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Jan 19, 2005 | 09:13 PM

Motzkoman

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Super Member

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 861

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From: SF Bay Area, California, USA

2005 SLK350 - 2006 ML350

Front License Plates

For those of us who do want to display our front license plates, I thought I might post my experience. I sought out a plain, thinner chrome frame to border the plate. Then I took both the plate and the frame (separately) and slowly bent them over a plastic 5 gallon pail (like in the picture). I slowly worked it to get the angle bend of the plastic frame on the front bumper, then attached it. The bend matching the backing relieves stress on the mounting screws...

Just a post for those that wish it...

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Jan 19, 2005 | 11:49 PM

04E55 AMG

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Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 947

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From: Maryland

04E55AMG, 05Dodge RAM 1500 Quad Cab, 02Montero Limited

Looks Good

I told my dealer NOT to install the front plate on my E55 before taken delivery. Car looks so much better with nothing upfront. Live in MD which is a 2 plate state but have had the car over a year with no problems.

Jan 19, 2005 | 11:57 PM

vraa

Out Of Control!!

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 28,933

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That's such a beautiful picture. I love the nose.

Jan 20, 2005 | 07:20 AM

05SLKMazMax

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Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 21

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From: Boston, MA

2005 SLK 350, Obs Blk/Ash

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motzkoman

Thks for the tip. I was able to get my dealer to forego attaching the front plate. MA is also a 2-plate state. Getting an inspection sticker in MA requires front view plate. So I must devise some way of temporarily attaching at inspection time. Your tips will help. I was surprised that Mercedes didnt engineer a less invasive way of attaching the plate. My former vehicle (Miata) had an ingenious front bracket that attached from under the front bumper and purposely left an inch of space between the bumper and bracket plate. With all the forward thinking that went into this vehicle, I would have expected the same attention to detail in the front licence plate. Bottom line...I was not going to allow anyone to drill holes into the front of my vehicle. Thks again for the tips. Drive fast!

bobbyM

Jan 20, 2005 | 06:31 PM

CP1

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Joined: Nov 2004

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From: Spring, in the Republic of Texas

SLK 55 AMG

Here's my answer:

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Last edited by CP1; Jan 20, 2005 at 06:38 PM.

Jan 21, 2005 | 12:08 PM

05SLKMazMax

Newbie

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 21

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From: Boston, MA

2005 SLK 350, Obs Blk/Ash

Quote:

Originally Posted by CP1

Here's my answer:

Awesome idea!! I wish I would have thought of that.

Thanks CP1-Man!

In a pinch I could attach it with bread bag ties if I had to (kidding but would probably work!)

Jan 29, 2005 | 12:22 PM

wil_sutton

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Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 173

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From: Chapel Hill, North Carolina

2005 SLK350

I'd be afraid that last solution would rob you of some airflow, causing you to run on the hot side during highway driving. I know the intake is in the top grill, but the flow still aids in cooling. It's a great short term solution (to pass inspection), but I wouldn't want to do that for the long term.

I'm fortunate to live in a one-plate state, so I won't have to worry about it unless I move. My dealer didn't drill holes in my bumper. They said it was against their religion. Gave me the bracket in case I wanted it, but it was in the trunk.

While we're on topic, the simple chrome plate frame available from the dealer is a big improvement over the main plate on the back. I'll send pictures when I get off my duff and take them. It's about $35 or so, and I haven't been able to find one as simple and clean looking anywhere else. It doesn't say MB or anything else on it, so it's sharp.