[agarbati]

I need some advice - stay with front license plate or remove it and use the bumperplugs. The only thing about a plug is I'm not sure how obvious they are, I mean I'm never going to have that clean look ever, it's still going to be obvious that there are plate holes plugged up. I could get chrome holders for the plates. Car's usually garaged or in the company lot so shouldn't have to worry too much about tickets.

Any input from people on this forum who have used plugs and removed plates after they were installed?

[Jason]

I've used bumperplugs on my previous car (an S2000) and it looked a ton better than any license plate frame. My S2000 was also black and you will barely be able to tell that there are plugs there, so you're lucky in that respect. I say go for it! :rocks:

[agarbati]

Originally Posted by jwocky

I've used bumperplugs on my previous car (an S2000) and it looked a ton better than any license plate frame. My S2000 was also black and you will barely be able to tell that there are plugs there, so you're lucky in that respect. I say go for it! :rocks:

Thanks - you da man.

[tima]

Ordered a set this morning from http://www.bumperplugs.com/. Got the email they'll be here Thurs.! The pictures on the bp site look exactly like what I found after removing the front plate when taking delivery - the plate holder was screwed on with what look like rust proof sheet metal screws.

Best thing to do, imo, is catch the dealer *before* they install the front plate holder - no holes to plug. (But get 'em to give you the holder in case you wanna put on the plate later.)

[agarbati]

Originally Posted by tima

Ordered a set this morning from http://www.bumperplugs.com/. Got the email they'll be here Thurs.! The pictures on the bp site look exactly like what I found after removing the front plate when taking delivery - the plate holder was screwed on with what look like rust proof sheet metal screws.

Best thing to do, imo, is catch the dealer *before* they install the front plate holder - no holes to plug. (But get 'em to give you the holder in case you wanna put on the plate later.)

I was so double minded at the time of delivery. Let me know how your install goes.

[Jason]

On a black car it blends in very well and the bumperplugs I had are much larger than the ones you'll be getting so yours will be even less visible. To all owners that don't have black, don't worry the plugs are small, will not stand out, and will definitely look better than a license plate frame in all cases.

[RedStripe]

Last I heard, for people doing ED, it was mandatory to get the front plate drilled in. Anyone have a different experience?

[///M3KID]

Dude, I love your car! Looking to get one myself in a couple of weeks. By the way, what's the size of those LM's?

[silverado]

My E90 didn't have anything drilled in for the front plate, so I have a perfect bumper. My second plate is in the trunk, if a policeman wants to see it.

[mfstout]

Bottom line: you have a garage and you're not regularly parked on the street, you're probably ok. Leave it off. Otherwise you'll get busted.

I think the plate ruins the front of even the coolest car.

sparky

[LEDZEP]

Thank God I live in a state that doesn't require a front plate! Mine is clean!

[scottz5]

I told my dealer on the order not plate on the front, but if the mess up I will order bp the day i pick it up

[bookman2]

Originally Posted by mfstout

Bottom line: you have a garage and you're not regularly parked on the street, you're probably ok. Leave it off. Otherwise you'll get busted.

I think the plate ruins the front of even the coolest car.

sparky

Sparky, don't forget that here in Illinois just parking in the garage or using the company lot will not necessarily prevent a driver from getting tickets. Since a front plate is mandatory here, it is probable cause for an officer to stop and cite a driver for that violation alone. Presumably one must drive to and from work which will present an area of vulnerabilty for those who chose to risk it, at least in Illinois and other places where a front plate is required. I must admit the car looks awesome without it though.

[scottz5]

We need front plates in NJ also!

Do you clean your car? Yes
Does it cost money to clean? Yes

Does not having a front plate keep your car looking clean? Yes
May it cost money? But know cares! Yes

[HiTEC]

We need front plates in Illinois, and I've been driving without them for 18 years. I got my wifes car without front plates too.

When I order my cars (which I always do), I tell the dealer not to drill holes or I won't take delivery. I've never had a problem yet, and only had one ticket. I also have windows tinted which is also illegal.

I think if you look like a punk you will get pulled over. That's my take on it.

We also have a third car (Hyundai) that my wife drives for work (she drives like 300 miles a day). We have front plates on this car, and if any of us is doing any drinking we take this car because not having front plate (tint also) is an excuse for a cop to pull you over and give you a sobriety test. So if you don't have another car... be careful.

[UncleWede]

I kept looking for a plate on the front of mine, since mine came in the other day. I couldn't find any holes in the front bumber. Later I found a holder in the trunk under the bottom lid thingy, but still couldn't figure out how it attaches short of me drilling the thing. Then I found two little notches under the bumper that match the holder, and from there it included what look like self-tapping screws. I think I will keep the plate in the trunk and beg ignorance on how to install it if I get pulled over.

[scottz5]

good idea

[Jason]

Originally Posted by ///M3KID

Dude, I love your car! Looking to get one myself in a couple of weeks. By the way, what's the size of those LM's?

18x8F (ET50)
18x9.5R (ET55)
225/40F and 255/35R Yokohama ES100

Are you getting rid of the M3 or adding the S2k to your garage? It'd make an excellent compliment to the M3 :rocks:

[agarbati]

Just put in the plugs and dang they blend in perfectly. Thanks for all the input guys.

Unless I start getting a ticket a day, I would never go back to a front license plate. Should never have gotten it in the first place!

[tima]

Did you drill out a hole for the plugs? If so, what size bit? TIA

[Hunter399]

Does anyone know if you must have 2 plates in Texas?

[agarbati]

Yes had a friend who is good at this drill it out - don't trust myself. 1/4 inch. Plugs fit in snugly. Anything smaller and plugs won't go in unless you push hard. 1/4" is just right.