HELP...License Plate Stolen!!!Locking License Plate Screws / License Plate Body Panel
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Joined: Nov 2006
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W211 E55 AMG
HELP...License Plate Stolen!!!Locking License Plate Screws / License Plate Body Panel
My brother's rear license plate was stolen. I'd rather not have it happen to me.
I'm looking for locking license plate screws for the rear. Does anyone know where to get them and what size they are? TIA!!!
Also, does anyone know how to remove the body panel (lower half of the trunk lid) to get to the nut that holds the license plate. My screws aren't holding all that well. It may be partially stripped...I don't want to torque it down. I know I have to remove the inner felt panel inside of the trunklid. That's easy enough. I noticed that there are three bolts that may be holding that panel down. Any other hidden fasteners. Perhaps those who have done the Euro license plate mod can shed some light? Thanks again.
I'm looking for locking license plate screws for the rear. Does anyone know where to get them and what size they are? TIA!!!
Also, does anyone know how to remove the body panel (lower half of the trunk lid) to get to the nut that holds the license plate. My screws aren't holding all that well. It may be partially stripped...I don't want to torque it down. I know I have to remove the inner felt panel inside of the trunklid. That's easy enough. I noticed that there are three bolts that may be holding that panel down. Any other hidden fasteners. Perhaps those who have done the Euro license plate mod can shed some light? Thanks again.
Last edited by aganzon; May 6, 2009 at 03:36 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 695
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From: Delran, NJ
05 C55
My brother's rear license plate was stolen. I'd rather not have it happen to me.
I'm looking for locking license plate screws for the rear. Does anyone know where to get them and what size they are? TIA!!!
Also, does anyone know how to remove the body panel (lower half of the trunk lid) to get to the nut that holds the license plate. My screws aren't holding all that well. It may be partially stripped...I don't want to torque it down. I know I have to remove the inner felt panel inside of the trunklid. That's easy enough. I noticed that there are three bolts that may be holding that panel down. Any other hidden fasteners. Perhaps those who have done the Euro license plate mod can shed some light? Thanks again.
I'm looking for locking license plate screws for the rear. Does anyone know where to get them and what size they are? TIA!!!
Also, does anyone know how to remove the body panel (lower half of the trunk lid) to get to the nut that holds the license plate. My screws aren't holding all that well. It may be partially stripped...I don't want to torque it down. I know I have to remove the inner felt panel inside of the trunklid. That's easy enough. I noticed that there are three bolts that may be holding that panel down. Any other hidden fasteners. Perhaps those who have done the Euro license plate mod can shed some light? Thanks again.
ive been using pop rivets for years. i was always afraid someone would take the car and switch plates while they made a get away. unless theyre packing a dewalt, mine isnt coming off.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 559
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From: SoCal
07 E63 AMG / 07 C230 / 14 E350
Im sure you can find a star type screws at any hardware store. Just to make sure they are the same size as the OEM type. I have a set if you like, I can mail them to you..
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From: Denver, CO
Formula Mazda, Beast Junior...400HP 135i
Use Torx head screws. If you are really worried, your local fastener supply house will sell security bit screws in torx or allen that have a pin in the center. You will need a special bit that they should also have.
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 55
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From: DC Metro
2006 E55AMG
I agree, these are the best option I've seen for preventing general plate theft, but anyone who really is into getting plates is probably packing these "special" bits/allens with holes in the center where the pin fits. One ways will def work, but plan on keeping the car for a long time, unless you want to drill or, like, vice-grip the screws out.
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 256
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W211 E55 AMG
Thanks Everyone
Thank you everyone! Why didn't I think of the local fastener shop!! 
I'll call a shop for the special torx screw and bit. If that doesn't pan out, I'll use a one-way screw. Thanks again.
Anyone tried removing the lower trunk panel? I noticed that it had three screws that held it in. However, after removing the 3 screws and as I started to pull the lower trunk panel off, I notived that the lower edge is maybe held on with adhesives? Maybe some of you who's done the euro plate mod can help? TIA!
I'll call a shop for the special torx screw and bit. If that doesn't pan out, I'll use a one-way screw. Thanks again.
Anyone tried removing the lower trunk panel? I noticed that it had three screws that held it in. However, after removing the 3 screws and as I started to pull the lower trunk panel off, I notived that the lower edge is maybe held on with adhesives? Maybe some of you who's done the euro plate mod can help? TIA!
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Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: East part of Texas
2017 CLS550
I have a 2017 CLS550 and I never wanted to put a front plate on although I know it is a requirement here in Texas. I just chanced it and a few months after I bought the car a trooper pulled me over. All he did is give me a warning ticket so I was lucky - but learned my lesson. Next time I might not be so lucky so I took it to the dealer and told them to put it on according to protocol. It looks okay and I will trade it here in Texas most likely so it will always look the same for the life of the car.
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From: DownEast Maine
CLS 55 AMG E500 ML320
I have a 2017 CLS550 and I never wanted to put a front plate on although I know it is a requirement here in Texas. I just chanced it and a few months after I bought the car a trooper pulled me over. All he did is give me a warning ticket so I was lucky - but learned my lesson. Next time I might not be so lucky so I took it to the dealer and told them to put it on according to protocol. It looks okay and I will trade it here in Texas most likely so it will always look the same for the life of the car.
