License Plate Frames
#1
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Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Chicago, USA
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My Ride: 11 550i Sophisto Gray/Oyster Black/Anthracite, Sprt Trns, DHP, IAS, SP, PP1, PP2, CWP, HUD, DAP, AVSP, SF RS, CA, ACC - Euro Del
My car has the dealer's name on my license plate frames. I am going to get rid of his advertisement and his sticker on the back of my car. I weighing my options on the license plate frame replacement. It will either be no frame or a thin profile BMW frame without any text on it. What are your thoughts on these options? Why do license plates need frames anyway other than for dealer advertising?
#2
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: San Francisco, CA
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I went with the BMW slim profile frame in bright stainless steel with no lettering. I figured it would match the chrome exhaust tips and the model badge. It also came with matching bolt caps that cover the screws which makes them kind of tamper resistent. My second choice would be the same frame in the matte black finish which would've complimented the shadowline trim on the doors. I think adding a frame, especially a simple and plain one adds a finishing touch to an otherwise ugly inmate-made license plate.
#3
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONG BEACH , CALIFORNIA
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My Ride: 2005 530i JETBLACK/BLACK DAKOTA, COLD WEATHER PKG, PREMIUM PKG, ADAPTIVE XENON HEADLIGHTS, AUTO TRANSMISSION WITH 6 SPEED STEPTRONIC, BLUETOOTH SETUP,SAT SETUP AND WIFE AS CO-PILOT
i agree... i did the same.... my dealership had the black plastic frame...you know like the ones they give away as promo.....so i changed mine....now for my wife i bought an x5...at another dealership....and it came with chrome frames with dealership logo... i think i will keep that for awhile...ericdbs
#4
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Baltimore, MD.
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We went with the following frame and have been very happy with it. It is also a protector so the plate doesn't rust or get beat up with road debris if you have to have a front one like we do.
http://www.autogeek.net/f824cf.html
The picture is kind of hard to tell, but the product is very well built and looks very nice.
http://www.autogeek.net/f824cf.html
The picture is kind of hard to tell, but the product is very well built and looks very nice.
#5
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Jose, CA
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My Ride: E60 M5, F85 X5M
I used to like the plain chrome license plate frames but with the sporty nature of my car and cause it's black I got a black carbon fiber frame. I also have the carbon fiber-look black/silver roundels so the frame matches quite well.
Plus I think I might have saved a few ounces in unsprung weight so my car is a rocket now.
Plus I think I might have saved a few ounces in unsprung weight so my car is a rocket now.
#6
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Sunny California
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My Ride: 2005 545i with everything
griots garage has the best selection of top quality license plate frames you can find anywhere. I have them on all my cars.
#7
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My Ride: 2005 545i (SMG)
Titanium Gray
Black Interior, Anthracite Trim
M-tech kit
Sport Package
Premium Sound
Satellite Radio
Active Cruise
Comfort Seats
Navigation
Folding rear seats
I had to remove the tag frame when I installed my euro style M5 Trunklid Finisher. I also had to cut the tag itself. It wouldn't match up with the screw holes. So I used some wire cutters to clip off the top 1/4 inch of the plate.
#8
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My Ride: 535ixT � On Order: 2010 E61, Ordered 1/05, Est. Birth 3/09, Est. Delivery 4/09, Carbon Black, Cream Beige Dakota Leather, Steptronic, M-Sport Pkg., Type 135 18
Model Year: 2010
I'm installing the matt black SS BMW frame on my 530xiT today. I had a similar frame on my soon to be reitred M5 and was quite happy with the look over the years.
#10
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Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Albany, NY
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My Ride: '04 545iS 6 spd, bought new via eBay, 11/05; Blk/Gry, Cold, L7, PDC, BMW Rear seatcover for pets.
First "Bumwa" was a new 1971 2002. High performance 5s since 1987. Beamer motorcycles too, currently on an 07 BMW K1200 GT; also a Moto Guzzi 1000 SP III.
I recently installed a plain black ABS plastic frame on the front plate, but that was solely to facilitate a laser shield cover for the plate. I don't know if they work, but figured for the $35 cost for both from Bavarian Autosport, it was worth a try. I went with plastic as we get so much road salt use here. I have a plain black metal one on the back--they look the same now.
Cheers,
Ray Hull
Cheers,
Ray Hull