Tow hook license plate mounting options
02-09-2011, 10:07 AM
#1
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I got a fix-it ticket for no front plate in Northern VA, so I used some double-sided tape to put the OEM mount on the front bumper as a temp fix. I'm no drilling the bumper for mount a damn license plate, so I have been researching different tow hook mount options. Most look silly and out of place, but I ended up choosing an adjustable model that you can tailor to your car to look as nice as possible. (Rho-Plate - info below)
I also came across one unit that looks over-engineered to be VERY solid and low-profile, but they don't have an E60/61 fitment, Just 135i. I called the shop in Beltsville, MD and they said if they could have my car for a week for design and testing, they would give me a free mount and begin production of an E60/61 mount. I don't live close enough to take advantage of the offer myself, but if anyone else does, feel free to contact Custom Performance Engineering and volunteer your vehicle.
6802 Mid Cities Ave Beltsville, Maryland 20705 Phone: .301.576.6142
Standard non-adjustable mount from Go Mini Go: (folks say it's too flimsy and rattles sometimes in the wind) ($55-$75)
http://www.gominigo.com/NHLPB-BMW.html
Adjustable mount from Rho-Plate: (E60/61 M-Tech fitment) ($60)
http://www.rhoplate.com/Products-BMW.html
Tow Plate from Custom Performance Engineering (rock solid - just need an E60 test car) ($97.45)
http://www.cp-e.com/content/bmw-135i-towplate%E2%84%A2
I also came across one unit that looks over-engineered to be VERY solid and low-profile, but they don't have an E60/61 fitment, Just 135i. I called the shop in Beltsville, MD and they said if they could have my car for a week for design and testing, they would give me a free mount and begin production of an E60/61 mount. I don't live close enough to take advantage of the offer myself, but if anyone else does, feel free to contact Custom Performance Engineering and volunteer your vehicle.
6802 Mid Cities Ave Beltsville, Maryland 20705 Phone: .301.576.6142
Standard non-adjustable mount from Go Mini Go: (folks say it's too flimsy and rattles sometimes in the wind) ($55-$75)
http://www.gominigo.com/NHLPB-BMW.html
Adjustable mount from Rho-Plate: (E60/61 M-Tech fitment) ($60)
http://www.rhoplate.com/Products-BMW.html
Tow Plate from Custom Performance Engineering (rock solid - just need an E60 test car) ($97.45)
http://www.cp-e.com/content/bmw-135i-towplate%E2%84%A2
02-09-2011, 10:16 AM
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I've seen that and it's pretty bad ass, but I prefer to follow the KISS principle in this case (Keep It Simple Stupid) Pop out the tow hook cover, screw in a bolt and you're good to go! 
There are also a few other options that will mount to the underside of your bumper or directly to the grill, but to do those properly requires removal of the bumper cover for installation.
There are also a few other options that will mount to the underside of your bumper or directly to the grill, but to do those properly requires removal of the bumper cover for installation.
02-09-2011, 10:47 AM
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I just got a fix-it ticket too and was looking into these. Looks like I'll be picking up the rho plate, thanks for posting the links!
I hate having a front plate but I pass by so many cops and get nervous everytime to the point where I'm just going to use the "ricer/Evo style to the side of the front bumper" license plate tow-hook mount.
I hate having a front plate but I pass by so many cops and get nervous everytime to the point where I'm just going to use the "ricer/Evo style to the side of the front bumper" license plate tow-hook mount.
02-09-2011, 11:12 AM
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Haha - that's my car RHO is using as their E60 model! 
It was hard to keep it straight to be honest.
I now have the hide-a-way plate; which is the manual version of the remote-controlled version mentioned above.
It was hard to keep it straight to be honest.
I now have the hide-a-way plate; which is the manual version of the remote-controlled version mentioned above.
02-09-2011, 11:15 AM
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02-09-2011, 11:15 AM
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02-09-2011, 03:41 PM
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Also, I had PDC and the position you see in the picture was prob the only position you would be able to put it to not set it off.
02-09-2011, 04:24 PM
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Yeah - it would come loose every few days - got tried of tightening it up every so often. Maybe the washer/screw combo has been updated since as this was a few years ago - don't know.
Also, I had PDC and the position you see in the picture was prob the only position you would be able to put it to not set it off.
Also, I had PDC and the position you see in the picture was prob the only position you would be able to put it to not set it off.