[akin67]

When I went to the dealer to get the plates installed they could not locate the front plate bracket. So the rep went looking for it and came back and installed this. Is this the correct bracket for the X5? How does this compare to what you have? Are there supposed to be these gaps between the bracket and the bumper? I checked online but could not find any good pictures.

[BRB-Prsch928S]

That does not look correct to me - looks like a bracket from another model. The one I posted in your other thread that is on my car is correct. The profile of the bracket should follow the contour of the bumper. The bottom edge of the bracket should not extend over the radar sensor. This is how it should look:

[BMWBear]

The correct bracket is no bracket at all. Just say no.

[akin67]

Originally Posted by BRB-Prsch928S

That does not look correct to me - looks like a bracket from another model. The one I posted in your other thread that is on my car is correct. The profile of the bracket should follow the contour of the bumper. The bottom edge of the bracket should not extend over the radar sensor. This is how it should look:

You are 100% correct. Went back to the dealer. Apparently they installed the bracket for a regular X5. The one that goes on vehicles with the MSport package is exactly like yours. I was also getting that warning that the sensor was blocked. The bracket for the MSport models also raises the height of the plate / bracket so it does not block that sensor. Thank you again for going to the trouble of posting a photo of your bracket. Much appreciated.

[iconoclast]

Originally Posted by BYEIL

The correct bracket is no bracket at all. Just say no.

Agreed and the selling point is that the more people who do this the less they will enforce it.

[Stoshu]

Originally Posted by iconoclast

Agreed and the selling point is that the more people who do this the less they will enforce it.

I’ve been doing an unscientific survey (counting cars as I drive) and I’m seeing around 10-15% of cars without front plates. I live in Illinois and drive quite a bit in Missouri, both states require front plates.

I will continue to drive sans front plate until the local constabulary makes an issue of it and then I’ll consider my options!

I’ve thought of raising it with my state legislature as a money saving change for the state. Charge the same but provide only 50% of the merchandise!

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by Stoshu

I’ve thought of raising it with my state legislature as a money saving change for the state. Charge the same but provide only 50% of the merchandise!

Knowing politicians they would hear your idea and end up doubling the fees instead.

[akin67]

Some of the towns around here even ticket if you have a license plate frame that partially covers the state name or any of the text on the plate. It is ridiculous but I did not want to give them an excuse to pull us over.

[JaTe]

So if they mounted the wrong bracket the first time, did they drill additional holes to mount the correct one? That would annoy me even though it's hidden behind the bracket.

[puckybadger]

In Wisconsin front plates are mandatory.
That said, the dealer gave me the option of not having the front bracket installed (thank you) and said 50% of their new car buyers opt out. None of the vehicles on the showroom floor have the front bracket.
So far no issues with the police.
Goes against my youthful era thinking: Why give the police a reason to pull you over. Oh well.

[BRB-Prsch928S]

Years ago when I lived in NYC, I had a car that lived on the street. Anyone familiar with parking in Manhattan knows that bumpers are used (and abused) for parallel parking. One day I found my front plate and bracket laying on the street, a victim of such parking. I tossed it in the front seat, planning to reinstall it soon. It only took one day for a ticket to appear on the windshield of my parked car for "no front plate". I appealed it (and lost), stating the situation.

I do like the cleaner look without a front plate, but most cars are designed to incorporate a plate if needed. So, fitting one when required, is no issue for me. Even with the holes created for mounting the bracket don't bother me, since they will never be seen again as long as I own the car. I mean, there are holes in the tailgate for the rear plate bracket, but I never hear of anyone worried about those. I don't understand why some go to great length to mount a front plate in a location other than where it is intended just to avoid the mounting bracket holes which will never be seen. I think the car looks much better with the plate where intended, rather than off to the side hanging from a tow hook bracket, or covering a part of an air intake that in meant to be clear of obstruction for a reason. I can't see how anyone would think a plate sitting on the dash to be seen through the windshield is better looking than having the plate properly installed where intended.

Sorry about the rant, just my opinion, and everyone is entitled to their own.

[akin67]

Originally Posted by JaTe

So if they mounted the wrong bracket the first time, did they drill additional holes to mount the correct one? That would annoy me even though it's hidden behind the bracket.

They didn't drill per say but they installed with self tapping screws, so yes there are now even more holes hidden behind the plate.

[nZtiZia]

Originally Posted by akin67

They didn't drill per say but they installed with self tapping screws, so yes there are now even more holes hidden behind the plate.

i have a new glossy black front bumper trim if interested.

[akin67]

Originally Posted by nZtiZia

i have a new glossy black front bumper trim if interested.

For the moment I don't need it since I have the front plates on covering the screw holes. However, if at some point I decide to take my chances without a front plate I may be interested. What does something like that go for if you don't mind me asking?

Thank you.

[nZtiZia]

Originally Posted by akin67

For the moment I don't need it since I have the front plates on covering the screw holes. However, if at some point I decide to take my chances without a front plate I may be interested. What does something like that go for if you don't mind me asking?

Thank you.

it goes for around $250-275 depending on which shop, but i'd let it go super cheap (not trying to make a profit or break even).
BMW part number 51-11-8-099-662