pgw85706 wrote

Today, I installed the front plate bracket (flipped upside down) using the wire cable zip ties then mounted the plate to the bracket. Works great and looks good..

OK! Pls. post a photo if you can.

The bracket is flipped. 3 cable ties are used. A large one that goes around the grill's vertical center post (I drilled 2 small holes at the top of the bracket to thread the tie) and 2 smaller ties that use the bracket's lower two mounting holes and thread around the grill's horizontal frame.

pgw85706 wrote

Today, I installed the front plate bracket (flipped upside down) using the wire cable zip ties then mounted the plate to the bracket. Works great and looks good..

Stupid question, but where did you get wire cable ties? I have only seen plastic. Thanks. I live in MD and also have to have a front plate. I know some refuse to mount theirs but I had a run in with the law and was threatened with a ticket if I didn't install one on a MINI I owned years ago.

rmorin1249 wrote

Stupid question, but where did you get wire cable ties? I have only seen plastic. Thanks. I live in MD and also have to have a front plate. I know some refuse to mount theirs but I had a run in with the law and was threatened with a ticket if I didn't install one on a MINI I owned years ago.

My ties were plastic. Kimona reported the steel wire ties. I agree though that the plastic will get brittle over time and break. It is why I installed a couple extra.

SYS-Bimmer suggested wire ties. I actually used nylon zip ties. I tightened the ties just enough to snug the bracket without stressing the plastic grillework. The bracket is firmly in place.

May be overthinking but how much does this location reduce airflow to the radiator? Don't have my X3 yet. Are the vents shutters that open and close?

Nice diy design, the tow hook varients are pretty sweet too although they cost a bit more than the DIY

rmorin1249 wrote

May be overthinking but how much does this location reduce airflow to the radiator? Don't have my X3 yet. Are the vents shutters that open and close?

Negligible. No.

Artdnj wrote

Nice diy design, the tow hook varients are pretty sweet too although they cost a bit more than the DIY

The tow hook variants often interfere with the proximity sensors and give false alerts.

pgw85706 wrote

Negligible. No.

I've advised my CA to NOT install the front plate. Going to try this mod. Thanks.

rmorin1249 wrote

I've advised my CA to NOT install the front plate. Going to try this mod. Thanks.

Smart move. Plus I like that the plate is lower on the front of the vehicle and not as noticeable as the ugly distraction that it is. I think you will be pleased with the look and that you're not drilling holes in your new car. And make sure they do not install any dealer decals on the rear!!

pgw85706 wrote

Smart move. Plus I like that the plate is lower on the front of the vehicle and not as noticeable as the ugly distraction that it is. I think you will be pleased with the look and that you're not drilling holes in your new car. And make sure they do not install any dealer decals on the rear!!

Some dealers install the front licence plate bracket unless the customer specifically requests not to have it installed.

I remember refusing delivery of a car years ago when the dealership decal had been installed on the paint even though I had requested not to have one installed in the contract.

kimona wrote

Some dealers install the front licence plate bracket unless the customer specifically requests not to have it installed.

I remember refusing delivery of a car years ago when the dealership decal had been installed on the paint even though I had requested not to have one installed in the contract.

I hear that's common, what was the outcome, apology I assume?

I always write into the purchase agreement that the front plate bracket and dealer decals are not to be installed.

My dealership installs their branded license plate bracket in the rear. It's a fine quality bracket, so instead of replacing it with another, I painted over their branding. It's hardly legible unless you take a close up look.

SYS-Bimmer wrote

My dealership installs their branded license plate bracket in the rear. It's a fine quality bracket, so instead of replacing it with another, I painted over their branding. It's hardly legible unless you take a close up look.

I usually find that those brackets cover portions of the plate hiding things like state name, stickers for validity, etc, making them not legal. Just something to check.

pgw85706 wrote

I usually find that those brackets cover portions of the plate hiding things like state name, stickers for validity, etc, making them not legal. Just something to check.

I had done the same when I purchased an X3 from the same dealership back in 2015. No issues. My Volvo plate bracket, on the other hand, did cover up about half the stickers.

pgw85706 wrote

kimona wrote

This is what I did this morning: I simply turned the front bracket upside down and zip-tied it. Fits snugly.

Today, I installed the front plate bracket (flipped upside down) using the wire cable zip ties then mounted the plate to the bracket. Works great and looks good..

I did the same thing using heavy duty zip ties.

can any of these options be used in a auto car wash? I know, I know, I live in the NE and during the winter I have to as there are no hand wash services near my home.

Artdnj wrote

can any of these options be used in a auto car wash? I know, I know, I live in the NE and during the winter I have to as there are no hand wash services near my home.

I have not taken my car through the car wash but it should do just fine. It is pretty securely attached.

I used black metal zip ties (like those used on fences) as they blend in well and should hold up great in the weather. Been through the car wash a few times and no issues.

dzar wrote

I used black metal zip ties (like those used on fences) as they blend in well and should hold up great in the weather. Been through the car wash a few times and no issues.

does the ties wear away the paint at the contact points with paint? I would think there is a lot of stress due to wind while driving.