Pictures of M-sports with US Front Plates? - BMW 3-Series Forum (F30 / F32)

Cyberdemon · 08-26-2012, 11:02 AM

Been searching through all the color threads, but so far it seems everyone lucky enough to buy an Msport lives in a state that doesn't require front plates, or decided not to drill holes anyways.

Was wondering if anyone had any pictures of their Msport with the US Style (not Euro) front plate on for reference?

Considering the tow hook mount as an excuse to be able to easily remove it and only throw it on periodically (or when pulled over) since I'm in NY.

Jamesons Viggen · 08-26-2012, 11:55 AM

I called to make sure they do not drill for a front plate.

My M has been driven with no front plate for 4 years now. I have yet to have an issue with it. Worth the risk for me I guess.

nano10 · 08-26-2012, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamesons Viggen

I called to make sure they do not drill for a front plate.

My M has been driven with no front plate for 4 years now. I have yet to have an issue with it. Worth the risk for me I guess.

yea agree with that, in my area there is a lot of car profiling, if you have a newer luxury car. they usually leave the little things like this and tint alone most of the time. even new one at local dealer didnt have front plate drilled

Eric Tsang · 08-26-2012, 11:50 PM

It's not pretty I'll tell ya that haha. Can't post from my phone. 40% hangs in front over the front air dam if that helps

bobert · 08-27-2012, 09:03 AM

Here you go. I hate the front plate but if I must have one, I want it centered. I had no plate on the front of my Miata for many years but ever since moving four yrs ago I've been harassed a lot (more warnings than tickets) - it's not the $70 fine I care about, it's the constant harassment. I hate getting pulled over. Doesn't help that MD has the highest ratio of police - they are everywhere. It's a police state, literally.

rjc32000 · 08-27-2012, 11:06 AM

Another:

JUSKIDN · 08-27-2012, 11:34 AM

I believe that license plate really messes up the aggressive look of the M sport, but if its the law there is nothing you can do about that.

Crumbs · 08-27-2012, 12:13 PM

have had my msport for 2.5 weeks now and have yet to put on the front license plate as i have not wanted to mess up the front look that i love, a front plate really takes away from the look

Mako · 08-27-2012, 01:35 PM

In IL its required by law, I haven't had a front plate in the last 6 years and haven't gotten a ticket for it (old M Coupe and then my C63). we just got our X3 M Sport last year and I told them no front plate (ruins the M Sport look), I got pulled over about a month ago (going 38 in a 25) cop let me go for some reason but asked where my front plate was, I didn't hesitate and just said our front bumper was just replaced and they didn't have the bracket for it yet... He just said okay and that was it. No ticket for speeding or front plate. I am sure he has heard that before though. probably a good idea to keep your plate in the trunk if he asks to see it or something like that. Really depends on where you live, I see TONS of cars by me with no front plate, usually either old beaters where they fell off or newer sport cars (hardly ever see a corvette with front plates).

to me if I ever get a ticket, its worth the $70 or whatever, as long as I don't get several in a single year (or by the same cop, that would be a nightmare if they were on your way to work working the same route every day!) Also this probably varies from State to State but I think its a secondary offense type thing, where they can't pull you over just for that. So if you aren't speeding he can't pull you over for not having a front plate... not 100% sure on that though.

ZMM_OMG · 08-27-2012, 01:45 PM

If the DMV were smart, they'd create a Euro-style plate and apply a small surcharge similar to what they do with personalized plates. I bet they'd have tons of takers!

EvenKeel · 08-27-2012, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjc32000

Another:

Dang! Looks sweet in Silver.

rjc32000 · 08-27-2012, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EvenKeel

Dang! Looks sweet in Silver.

I assume you are referring to the car itself, not the holy abomination that is that front license plate holder!

Alpine F31 · 08-27-2012, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobert

Here you go. I hate the front plate but if I must have one, I want it centered. I had no plate on the front of my Miata for many years but ever since moving four yrs ago I've been harassed a lot (more warnings than tickets) - it's not the $70 fine I care about, it's the constant harassment. I hate getting pulled over. Doesn't help that MD has the highest ratio of police - they are everywhere. It's a police state, literally.

I hate the front plate too but your car still looks awesome.

joonix214 · 08-27-2012, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZMM_OMG

If the DMV were smart, they'd create a Euro-style plate and apply a small surcharge similar to what they do with personalized plates. I bet they'd have tons of takers!

+1

Cyberdemon · 08-27-2012, 03:32 PM

Thanks for the pics, yeah it really ruins the front bumper. At least the sport bumper tapers down to swallow it up, rather than having it be a buck tooth.

I ran no front license on my Corvette but that was more of a weekend car, not a daily driver.

I may get the offset license holder just so I can screw it in when I feel like I might be getting harassed (long trips) and then leave it in the trunk otherwise. I don't like the offset, but at least it could be installed without needing to drill the holes.

I loved my current car because Acura used painted plugs and designed the holes as "features" into the front bumper so they were easily removed and reinstalled. Drilling is never fun.

E36toF30 · 08-27-2012, 03:34 PM

Wow, that looks worse than I expected. I may leave mine off too and put it inside the car up by the windshield like I've seen some people do.

Cyberdemon · 08-27-2012, 05:38 PM

My personal stance on a plate in the windows is it's even worse than no plate at all.

1-If a cop sees a plate in your window its a dead giveaway it's in the wrong spot. If he see's a car with no plate, the chances of him turning to look at the back of your car (especially if he's focused on traffic looking for speeders or other violations) is much less. Trying to appease the kind of cop who wants to give a plate ticket isn't going to help having it anywhere but where it's supposed to be (esp people who cut down, bend, or wedge the plate in a weird spot like behind the grille).

2-If you crash, that plate (and anything else not bolted down in general) becomes a very heavy, very sharp death machine. I always avoid anything loose, and if I do have anything I put it on the floor behind the seats.

PodDoc · 08-28-2012, 12:17 PM

I work in the downtown chicago area and have gotten soo many tickets for not having a front plate, that its worth it to just put one on. It does take away from the aggressive look but I've gotten used to it now after a couple of days. It's worth not getting hastled. have the dealer throw in a slimline plate frame, doesn't look as bad. I think just like with every F30 pic, it looks better in person than in the photos.

E36toF30 · 08-28-2012, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

My personal stance on a plate in the windows is it's even worse than no plate at all.

1-If a cop sees a plate in your window its a dead giveaway it's in the wrong spot. If he see's a car with no plate, the chances of him turning to look at the back of your car (especially if he's focused on traffic looking for speeders or other violations) is much less. Trying to appease the kind of cop who wants to give a plate ticket isn't going to help having it anywhere but where it's supposed to be (esp people who cut down, bend, or wedge the plate in a weird spot like behind the grille).

2-If you crash, that plate (and anything else not bolted down in general) becomes a very heavy, very sharp death machine. I always avoid anything loose, and if I do have anything I put it on the floor behind the seats.

Good points. I guess I was assuming that putting it in the window was a legal position for it, but that's probably a bad assumption.

Mrcarcrazy · 08-28-2012, 12:57 PM

that reminds me, I'm contacting my CA, to remind him to remind the P.C. not to drill any front plate holes.

My Elise doesn't have one, and this car won't either. I hate front plates.

BruceOmega · 08-28-2012, 02:57 PM

Glad I found this thread. I had already sent a request to one of the local dealers for a price quote on an MSport when I saw these pictures.

For me, I don't feel it looks appropriate for a car in this price range and I don't want to drive in Virginia without a front plate. I recalled my request for an MSport quote and asked for a quote on a Sportline instead.

Thanks
Bruce

ocso1606 · 10-03-2012, 11:20 AM

God I hate front plates!!

08-26-2012, 11:02 AM	#1
Cyberdemon First Lieutenant Drives: 2013 335i M Sport Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 362 iTrader: (0)	Pictures of M-sports with US Front Plates? Been searching through all the color threads, but so far it seems everyone lucky enough to buy an Msport lives in a state that doesn't require front plates, or decided not to drill holes anyways. Was wondering if anyone had any pictures of their Msport with the US Style (not Euro) front plate on for reference? Considering the tow hook mount as an excuse to be able to easily remove it and only throw it on periodically (or when pulled over) since I'm in NY.
	Tweet

08-26-2012, 11:55 AM	#2
Jamesons Viggen Lieutenant Colonel Drives: '98 M Roadster stg 2 S/C Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,822 iTrader: (1)	I called to make sure they do not drill for a front plate. My M has been driven with no front plate for 4 years now. I have yet to have an issue with it. Worth the risk for me I guess. __________________ '98 M Roadster stg 2+ S/C @ 13psi +'13 EBII M Sport 328i 6mt BMS stg 1+

08-26-2012, 11:50 PM	#4
Eric Tsang Mr. Awesome Drives: 2013 328 xDrive M-Sport Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Bethesda, MD Posts: 89 iTrader: (0)	It's not pretty I'll tell ya that haha. Can't post from my phone. 40% hangs in front over the front air dam if that helps __________________ 2013 328i xDrive M-Sport Estoril Blue II

08-27-2012, 09:03 AM	#5
bobert Private First Class Drives: '13 F30 335i M Sport Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: MD, USA Posts: 109 iTrader: (0)	Here you go. I hate the front plate but if I must have one, I want it centered. I had no plate on the front of my Miata for many years but ever since moving four yrs ago I've been harassed a lot (more warnings than tickets) - it's not the $70 fine I care about, it's the constant harassment. I hate getting pulled over. Doesn't help that MD has the highest ratio of police - they are everywhere. It's a police state, literally. Attached Images

08-27-2012, 11:06 AM	#6
rjc32000 Second Lieutenant Drives: 2013 M Sport X Drive Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Alaska Posts: 257 iTrader: (0)	Another: Attached Images

08-27-2012, 11:34 AM	#7
JUSKIDN Lieutenant Drives: 2013 EBII 328i M Sport Join Date: May 2012 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 469 iTrader: (0)	I believe that license plate really messes up the aggressive look of the M sport, but if its the law there is nothing you can do about that. __________________ It's not illegal. It's frowned upon, like masturbating on an airplane.

08-27-2012, 12:13 PM	#8
Crumbs New Member Drives: 2013 F30 M Sport Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: NYC Posts: 25 iTrader: (0)	have had my msport for 2.5 weeks now and have yet to put on the front license plate as i have not wanted to mess up the front look that i love, a front plate really takes away from the look

08-27-2012, 01:35 PM	#9
Mako 2000 M Roadster (sold), 2006 M Coupe (sold) Drives: '12 X3 35i M Spt '13 335 M Spt Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,087 iTrader: (0)	In IL its required by law, I haven't had a front plate in the last 6 years and haven't gotten a ticket for it (old M Coupe and then my C63). we just got our X3 M Sport last year and I told them no front plate (ruins the M Sport look), I got pulled over about a month ago (going 38 in a 25) cop let me go for some reason but asked where my front plate was, I didn't hesitate and just said our front bumper was just replaced and they didn't have the bracket for it yet... He just said okay and that was it. No ticket for speeding or front plate. I am sure he has heard that before though. probably a good idea to keep your plate in the trunk if he asks to see it or something like that. Really depends on where you live, I see TONS of cars by me with no front plate, usually either old beaters where they fell off or newer sport cars (hardly ever see a corvette with front plates). to me if I ever get a ticket, its worth the $70 or whatever, as long as I don't get several in a single year (or by the same cop, that would be a nightmare if they were on your way to work working the same route every day!) Also this probably varies from State to State but I think its a secondary offense type thing, where they can't pull you over just for that. So if you aren't speeding he can't pull you over for not having a front plate... not 100% sure on that though.

08-27-2012, 01:45 PM	#10
ZMM_OMG First Lieutenant Drives: '01 325i Join Date: May 2012 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 328 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2001 BMW 325i [5.00] 2009 BMC Pro Machine [0.00]	If the DMV were smart, they'd create a Euro-style plate and apply a small surcharge similar to what they do with personalized plates. I bet they'd have tons of takers!

08-27-2012, 03:32 PM	#15
Cyberdemon First Lieutenant Drives: 2013 335i M Sport Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 362 iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the pics, yeah it really ruins the front bumper. At least the sport bumper tapers down to swallow it up, rather than having it be a buck tooth. I ran no front license on my Corvette but that was more of a weekend car, not a daily driver. I may get the offset license holder just so I can screw it in when I feel like I might be getting harassed (long trips) and then leave it in the trunk otherwise. I don't like the offset, but at least it could be installed without needing to drill the holes. I loved my current car because Acura used painted plugs and designed the holes as "features" into the front bumper so they were easily removed and reinstalled. Drilling is never fun.

08-27-2012, 03:34 PM	#16
E36toF30 Second Lieutenant Drives: '98 E36 Coupe Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: CO Posts: 203 iTrader: (0)	Wow, that looks worse than I expected. I may leave mine off too and put it inside the car up by the windshield like I've seen some people do. __________________ For August 14th ED: 2013 335i M Sport 6MT - Estoril Blue - Black Leatherette - Dynamic Handling Package - Heated Seats

08-27-2012, 05:38 PM	#17
Cyberdemon First Lieutenant Drives: 2013 335i M Sport Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 362 iTrader: (0)	My personal stance on a plate in the windows is it's even worse than no plate at all. 1-If a cop sees a plate in your window its a dead giveaway it's in the wrong spot. If he see's a car with no plate, the chances of him turning to look at the back of your car (especially if he's focused on traffic looking for speeders or other violations) is much less. Trying to appease the kind of cop who wants to give a plate ticket isn't going to help having it anywhere but where it's supposed to be (esp people who cut down, bend, or wedge the plate in a weird spot like behind the grille). 2-If you crash, that plate (and anything else not bolted down in general) becomes a very heavy, very sharp death machine. I always avoid anything loose, and if I do have anything I put it on the floor behind the seats.

08-28-2012, 12:17 PM	#18
PodDoc Enlisted Member Drives: 2009 E90 328i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Lake Forest, IL Posts: 43 iTrader: (0)	I work in the downtown chicago area and have gotten soo many tickets for not having a front plate, that its worth it to just put one on. It does take away from the aggressive look but I've gotten used to it now after a couple of days. It's worth not getting hastled. have the dealer throw in a slimline plate frame, doesn't look as bad. I think just like with every F30 pic, it looks better in person than in the photos.

08-28-2012, 12:57 PM	#20
Mrcarcrazy Sarcasm free with all posts. Drives: 05 Elise REV310 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Odessa, TX Posts: 440 iTrader: (0)	that reminds me, I'm contacting my CA, to remind him to remind the P.C. not to drill any front plate holes. My Elise doesn't have one, and this car won't either. I hate front plates.

08-28-2012, 02:57 PM	#21
BruceOmega Private Drives: 2013 335i xDrive Sportline Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Alexandria VA Posts: 79 iTrader: (0)	Glad I found this thread. I had already sent a request to one of the local dealers for a price quote on an MSport when I saw these pictures. For me, I don't feel it looks appropriate for a car in this price range and I don't want to drive in Virginia without a front plate. I recalled my request for an MSport quote and asked for a quote on a Sportline instead. Thanks Bruce

10-03-2012, 11:20 AM	#22
ocso1606 Lieutenant Drives: 2013 335i M Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Syracuse,NY Posts: 502 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW 525xi [0.00] 2010 Volvo [0.00] 2013 BMW 335i M-Sport [0.00]	God I hate front plates!! __________________ 2013 335i M-Sport, Alpine White, Red Coral Leather, 6SP M/T, 403m 19" wheels, M- Suspension, CWP, M-Performance Exhaust, M-Performance Power Pack!

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