[jdubm2c]

Originally Posted by bri1042

Feeling pretty "zero good options" on this topic. Not running a plate absolutely does not work in my area (police reasons). I don't want to drill, I don't want to cover the intercooler, and I don't like the off-center tow hook mounts (but that's probably the least terrible of the options).

What are you folk doing and what did you buy?

I live across the river from you, and I am just going to chance it for now. I don't like any of the mounts either, so it just sits in the glove box, and we'll see what happens. My truck's front plate is completely covered by a brush guard, and I've yet to be stopped over the five years it's been like that.

[bri1042]

Originally Posted by jdubm2c

I live across the river from you, and I am just going to chance it for now. I don't like any of the mounts either, so it just sits in the glove box, and we'll see what happens. My truck's front plate is completely covered by a brush guard, and I've yet to be stopped over the five years it's been like that.

From what I've heard, the Vancouver, WA area LEO's aren't rabid about it. Your biggest issue might be going into downtown Portland. Pop it onto the dash if you park on the street.

[neurostrokemd]

Question on the Carbonio mount: is there any coated material on the metal arms that are in direct contact with the grill? My concern is that if it gets slightly loosened up than it will start scratching the grill while on bumpy roads.

[HFW003]

I used the Lakin bracket on mine

https://www.lakinplates.com.au/

[aerokubectl]

Originally Posted by neurostrokemd

Question on the Carbonio mount: is there any coated material on the metal arms that are in direct contact with the grill? My concern is that if it gets slightly loosened up than it will start scratching the grill while on bumpy roads.

It's metal on paint if it makes contact with your bumper you will be saying bye bye with the paint.

[bri1042]

Originally Posted by neurostrokemd

Question on the Carbonio mount: is there any coated material on the metal arms that are in direct contact with the grill? My concern is that if it gets slightly loosened up than it will start scratching the grill while on bumpy roads.

Yes, it is possible but the thumb screw is long and it's not likely to scratch the plastic grill. If either rubber bump-stop fell off, it could damage your bumper. I haven't had a problem with either in 10 months, but I check it regularly.

[Poochie]

The way I look at it is I'm going to be living in a state with mandatory front license plates for the foreseeable future and it only cost $300 to repaint my bumper.

I rather two concealed screws on the front plate, than keep risking unnecessary tickets.

It's not like you're going to store the vehicle in a hermetically-sealed container and preserve it for generations; it's a bumper, it's going to encounter battle-scars such as stone etches and paint chips anyways..

[bri1042]

Originally Posted by Poochie

The way I look at it is I'm going to be living in a state with mandatory front license plates for the foreseeable future and it only cost $300 to repaint my bumper.

I rather two concealed screws on the front plate, than keep risking unnecessary tickets.

It's not like you're going to store the vehicle in a hermetically-sealed container and preserve it for generations; it's a bumper, it's going to encounter battle-scars such as stone etches and paint chips anyways..

I don't disagree. I bought the mount to see if it would work out (the off-center tow-hook mounts make my brain itch from the asymmetry). In the last week, three folk at work have gotten front-plate tickets on the way to or leaving work. I would have drilled the bumper if I'd had to, but I'm pretty happy with the way this mount has worked out.

[Tag]

Originally Posted by Poochie

The way I look at it is I'm going to be living in a state with mandatory front license plates for the foreseeable future and it only cost $300 to repaint my bumper.

I rather two concealed screws on the front plate, than keep risking unnecessary tickets.

It's not like you're going to store the vehicle in a hermetically-sealed container and preserve it for generations; it's a bumper, it's going to encounter battle-scars such as stone etches and paint chips anyways..

May not bother you, but most everyone here is OCD and does not like the idea of holes in their bumper. Good thing is there are a number of options that let you run a front plate without drilling holes. IMO the best one is STO N SHO, because it's centered and how easy it is to snap on/off your front plate, literally in a few seconds without any tools or drama.

[neurostrokemd]

Originally Posted by Tag

May not bother you, but most everyone here is OCD and does not like the idea of holes in their bumper. Good thing is there are a number of options that let you run a front plate without drilling holes. IMO the best one is STO N SHO, because it's centered and how easy it is to snap on/off your front plate, literally in a few seconds without any tools or drama.

I pulled the trigger for the Carbionio mount. The lower grill is plastic and looks easier to replace even if someone backs into the license bracket and crushes the grill.

I had paint protection film on the bumper and didn't want to stick another 3M adhesive on it with STO N SHO.

Others here have tried different tow mounts but kept triggering the park sensors.

I have had previous bumper damaged by hit n run, and though it does not cost much to repaint it, the color matching is never 100%.

[bobert]

Originally Posted by DARKMTTR

I appreciate the feedback guys. Seems a bit more cumbersome than I was hoping. Might just opt for the STO N SHO instead.

My M2 is a 2018 and I realize BMW changed the front bumper a bit for 2019, but it sounds like Carbonio must've completely redesigned the no-drill front plate bracket, as my Carbonio front plate mount is super quick release - once assembled, you just loosen a single finger-spun screw and the entire thing pops right off (in about 15 seconds), zero disassembly required. Just as easy to put back on too.

[Poochie]

Originally Posted by Tag

May not bother you, but most everyone here is OCD and does not like the idea of holes in their bumper. Good thing is there are a number of options that let you run a front plate without drilling holes. IMO the best one is STO N SHO, because it's centered and how easy it is to snap on/off your front plate, literally in a few seconds without any tools or drama.

I get the whole OCD thing, however, here in NY, if the plates in not in the dead-center or more than 12 inches from the ground, you can still be issued a summons for a violation.

I much rather bolt them up and just forgot about it.



.

[skier219]

Originally Posted by Tag

May not bother you, but most everyone here is OCD and does not like the idea of holes in their bumper. Good thing is there are a number of options that let you run a front plate without drilling holes. IMO the best one is STO N SHO, because it's centered and how easy it is to snap on/off your front plate, literally in a few seconds without any tools or drama.

My preferred solution is to use 3M mounting tape (same stuff we use to hold body moldings, spoilers, etc). Strategically placed, it can be used to mount a plate to the bumper or mount a plate holder to the bumper (might want to use spacers).

No screws. Reversible. Can be done over paint or PPF. It's not feasible on all cars but works on most.

[chmura]

No front plate for me!

[Poochie]

Originally Posted by skier219

My preferred solution is to use 3M mounting tape (same stuff we use to hold body moldings, spoilers, etc). Strategically placed, it can be used to mount a plate to the bumper or mount a plate holder to the bumper (might want to use spacers).

No screws. Reversible. Can be done over paint or PPF. It's not feasible on all cars but works on most.

This is the smartest solution yet. Why didn't I think of this

BMW Betalink adhesive would probably hold stronger than double-sided tape though.

[skier219]

Originally Posted by Poochie

BMW Betalink adhesive would probably hold stronger than double-sided tape though.

Yeah but you'll never get the plate off without major damage! I hate that stuff. Used it for a spoiler install once and decided never again. I have never tried to remove it but people tell me it's considered permanent.

[bri1042]

Originally Posted by bobert

My M2 is a 2018 and I realize BMW changed the front bumper a bit for 2019, but it sounds like Carbonio must've completely redesigned the no-drill front plate bracket, as my Carbonio front plate mount is super quick release - once assembled, you just loosen a single finger-spun screw and the entire thing pops right off (in about 15 seconds), zero disassembly required. Just as easy to put back on too.

Nope, that's still how it works.

[Poochie]

Originally Posted by skier219

Yeah but you'll never get the plate off without major damage! I hate that stuff. Used it for a spoiler install once and decided never again. I have never tried to remove it but people tell me it's considered permanent.

That's true..

It does leave a tar-like substance behind but 91% Isopropyl alcohol usually gets that off.

I believe Betalink is designed to be clear-coat safe.

I don't want to use double-sided tape and lose my plate in a rain storm or car wash. Even touch-less used high-pressure washers.

[Tag]

Originally Posted by neurostrokemd

I pulled the trigger for the Carbionio mount. The lower grill is plastic and looks easier to replace even if someone backs into the license bracket and crushes the grill.

I had paint protection film on the bumper and didn't want to stick another 3M adhesive on it with STO N SHO.

Others here have tried different tow mounts but kept triggering the park sensors.

I have had previous bumper damaged by hit n run, and though it does not cost much to repaint it, the color matching is never 100%.

The STO N SHO is not that big and can be placed far back. Have PPF and the rolled edge didn't go that far back, STO N SHO was attached on nothing but the bumper. Feel the underside of the top part of your bumper near the kidney grilles, I doubt the PPF rolls far back.

Originally Posted by Poochie

I get the whole OCD thing, however, here in NY, if the plates in not in the dead-center or more than 12 inches from the ground, you can still be issued a summons for a violation.

I much rather bolt them up and just forgot about it.
.

STO N SHO sits well above 12", it mounts to the underside of the bumper near the kidney grilles.

Originally Posted by skier219

My preferred solution is to use 3M mounting tape (same stuff we use to hold body moldings, spoilers, etc). Strategically placed, it can be used to mount a plate to the bumper or mount a plate holder to the bumper (might want to use spacers).

No screws. Reversible. Can be done over paint or PPF. It's not feasible on all cars but works on most.

STO N SHO doesn't use any screws and attaches exactly as you prefer, with 3M tape. To remove it use a hairdryer to loosen it up and then some goo gone to get it off in a few minutes, leaving your paint and bumper in pristine condition.

[akkando]

Originally Posted by Poochie

I get the whole OCD thing, however, here in NY, if the plates in not in the dead-center or more than 12 inches from the ground, you can still be issued a summons for a violation.

I much rather bolt them up and just forgot about it.



.

What does one do with an Alfa Romeo Gulia? I don't think a plate can be mounted in the center.

[Poochie]

Originally Posted by akkando

What does one do with an Alfa Romeo Gulia? I don't think a plate can be mounted in the center.

That's a good question; my friend just bought one last week, I'll ask her when I see her again..

[DARKMTTR]

Originally Posted by bobert

My M2 is a 2018 and I realize BMW changed the front bumper a bit for 2019, but it sounds like Carbonio must've completely redesigned the no-drill front plate bracket, as my Carbonio front plate mount is super quick release - once assembled, you just loosen a single finger-spun screw and the entire thing pops right off (in about 15 seconds), zero disassembly required. Just as easy to put back on too.

Thanks for the insight! I've already pulled the trigger on a Sto n Sho so we'll see how that goes.