[callumgott]

So when I picked up my car from the dealership, they had pre-installed my private plate with a screw at each top corner (cannot be seen in picture).

My initial plan was to cut the excess off from each side of the plate and put the plate on with 3M adhesive as I like it when the plate is shorter, rather than having a load of blank plastic at each side.

The problem with this now is that if I was to shorten the plate, the screw holes would be visible and they're extremely ugly.

Is it possible to get the plastic bar that the plate sits on replaced and if so, does anyone know how much?

Hope that makes sense...

 

[BikerBob]

Nooo..........the vandals didn't drill the front to mount your plate did they! They should've used tape. I'd give them some (lots of) stick and demand they replace the front bar at their cost.

My rear one is mounted with screws but I'm assuming that was because there are proper designed-in holes?

Not seen an F56 with a front plate screwed on, why would a Dealer do that?

Regards Bob

 

[brandonbardsley]

Nooo..........the vandals didn't drill the front to mount your plate did they! They should've used tape. I'd give them some (lots of) stick and demand they replace the front bar at their cost.

My rear one is mounted with screws but I'm assuming that was because there are proper designed-in holes?

Not seen an F56 with a front plate screwed on, why would a Dealer do that?

Regards Bob

Mine is screwed on, on the front however stuck on the rear... My screens are in the middle though so looks a bit tidier I guess.

 

[Jm32]

Yeah the space in the rear has proper holes and screws to install it.

I still haven't found the courage to drill the front and install my license plate, it's weird that your dealer decided to drill it for you :/ even my dealer leaved that decision for me and in Mexico you are required to have both license plates but they told me that technically the front plate can be missing because the mini doesn't have an official place to put it in.

If you decide to replace that part or fill the holes maybe this could be an option for you:

http://new.minimania.com/part/G3NMX7300/Mini-Cooper-Front-License-Plate-Holder-Platypus-Pro-F56-F55

 

[sjp]

This is a simple solution to fill the holes in the bumper:


http://www.bumperplugs.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=1_11_88


I've used it on our R56 and a prior car as well. It's a bit pricey for two plastic plugs, but the color match is well done.

 

[Alexmatthews]

I had the exct same problem on this.

Picked my car up and the dealer had screwed the plate it. Once I had my shortened plate I purchased the new number plate bar for the front. Cost was around £56 fron BMW for the part and fitted it when I changed my grille and did the wrapping on the front end.

 

[Jelster]

Cutting your plate down is illegal in the UK. Not only do the letters/numbers have to be of a specific font, they have to be spaced correctly, and the space between the letters to the edge of the plate also have to conform.

Having cut down plates before and fallen foul of the boys in blue, I know this....

 

[sduk]

Cutting your plate down is illegal in the UK. Not only do the letters/numbers have to be of a specific font, they have to be spaced correctly, and the space between the letters to the edge of the plate also have to conform.

Having cut down plates before and fallen foul of the boys in blue, I know this....

not true, you can keep the letters/numbers/spacing legal and trim the excess space at either end as long as the margins are not less than 11mm.

And you have to ensure the plate manufacturer, postcode and BS code are there.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/359317/INF104_160914.pdf

 

[sduk]

back on topic, I have just taken delivery of a brand new Cooper SD and specifically and repeatedly told the dealer NOT to drill the front plate as I will be fitting my 5 digit private plate with the shortened sides.

Typically they drilled the plates on...

Mini Cooper SD by Sammy Donaldson, on Flickr


I complained and they have ordered (at their expense) a new centre section and the car is going in this week to have it fitted. They are also going to make me a new stuck on number plate with no holes.

Sammy

 

[Jelster]

not true, you can keep the letters/numbers/spacing legal and trim the excess space at either end as long as the margins are not less than 11mm.

And you have to ensure the plate manufacturer, postcode and BS code are there.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/359317/INF104_160914.pdf

As i said, "and the space between the letters to the edge of the plate also have to conform." You can cut the plate shorter, as long as it conforms to the specification you mentioned.

I'm surprised people are using stick on plates, it's not difficult to dislodge them, but each to their own I guess.

(I lost a stuck plate from my Focus ST on a French motorway a few years ago. I know where it came off as it almost hit a friends car who was behind me. I also lost a stick on plate from my Honda Fireblade, but that was probably due to speed I was travelling at the time )

 

[sduk]

lol at your bold text and underlining...

You actually said...

Cutting your plate down is illegal in the UK.

Having cut down plates before and fallen foul of the boys in blue, I know this....

Which reads that cutting your plates is illegal when actually you can trim to 11mm and be legal.

 

[Jelster]

OK, without getting into semantics, I was trying to say "be careful" not to over do it. I was in Devon when a copper actually got ruler and measured the space at the edge of the plates on my Focus ST, which were legal. I was also pulled for a cut down plate on my Fireblade, twice. Letters were correct size, font & spacing, but the plate itself was too small.

After the episode in Devon, I decided that it would be best practice to leave my plates alone and not give the police a reason to stop me in the first place. The copper from Devon seemed **** bent on finding something to give me a ticket for, and he couldn't, but he had me at the side of the road for the best part of 30 minutes. "If you drive a car like that then you should expect attention". Obviously he was jealous....

 

[Burning_rubber]

This thread got me curious because to be honest I never paid attention on how my license plate is attached to the car. Went into the garage to check and they just screwed it on as well.

 

[polarisboy385]

Once you figure out the whole holes thing, try this
http://gominigo.com/euronhlpb.html

I have it, and I love it! Holds my Italy Euro plate extremely well!