Tow hook license plate holder

[bucketfoot]

Colorado requires a front license plate. so my plan it to use a tow hook mount rather than drilling the front.

Some things are absolutely worth spending more money for, but I know nothing about these. Is this an item that I should pay more to get one from someone like Cravenspeed or another reputabile company or just go with an Amazon budget one?

[erickonphoenix]

Texas requires a front plate. I've had good luck using 3M double stick tape to keep the bracket on and still cleans up nice when I go to sell it. I've also tried a stow and sho plate concealer but it crapped out on me within a year so I've gone back to a plate bracket and 3M double stick tape.

Personally I think the tow hook mounts look kind of tacky.

[cbpip]

The quick release lightened model is what I use. Easily removed and works great. Only issue is it's a little on the pricey side.

http://usmillworks.com/bmw_front_lic..._tow_hook.html

[pbonsalb]

I use the usmillworks as well.

[Minacious]

When I used to run front plates, I too used US Mill Works and was always happy with the quality.

[zx10guy]

Been using an ECS Tuning one for years:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-ecs-part...AAAAAAAAICAgED

But surprised on how much prices have gone up. It's doubled in price from when I bought mine in 2018.

[jkoral]

Originally Posted by bucketfoot

...my plan it to use a tow hook mount rather than drilling the front.

There is also the option of the Carbonio (no drilling) if you don't like the offset position of tow hook mounts (I despise the look):
https://carbonio.com/products/bmw-m2...se-plate-mount

A number of threads on here if you search:
https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1758618

It attaches to the grill, here's a good pic of what it looks like: https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1&postcount=20

[Leucosticte]

Honestly you could just not run it, I haven't ran mine in 3 years and haven't had any issues. Even if I do have a cop pull me over I don't mind paying the $50 ticket or whatever it is. Really just depends how hard they look for it though.

[jkoral]

Also check your state DMV, in MA it costs me about $10 every 6 months to tell them I lost my front plate and order a new front plate and I get an official Plate Permit doc to provide if I ever got pulled over.

The only time I used it was a parking ticket for no front plate, I appealed and sent them a PDF of my plate permit and the ticket was canceled.

See https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...7&postcount=29 for more details.

[TallGibbs]

Originally Posted by cbpip

The quick release lightened model is what I use. Easily removed and works great. Only issue is it's a little on the pricey side.

http://usmillworks.com/bmw_front_lic..._tow_hook.html

Anyone using this on a G87 M2? I don't see that model listed on the US Millworks website, so assuming they don't have it available to fit that towhook/bumper shape?

[cbpip]

Originally Posted by TallGibbs

Anyone using this on a G87 M2? I don't see that model listed on the US Millworks website, so assuming they don't have it available to fit that towhook/bumper shape?

You'll need to send them an email. They haven’t updated their site with newer models in some time. A friend checked for his new 2024 M4 comp, and they replied with a "Not available"

[T0RM3NT]

Several threads on the topic...but here's my input.

https://g80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1920330

https://g80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1&postcount=25

[Efthreeoh]

No offense to anyone, but I have so many other things on my plate to worry about that are in front of two holes in my bumper for a license plate holder.

[cbpip]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

No offense to anyone, but I have so many other things on my plate to worry about that are in front of two holes in my bumper for a license plate holder.

There is a 12 step program available for this problem 😄 .

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by cbpip

There is a 12 step program available for this problem 😄 .

Lol.

[chris3g]

just dont put it on. but if you do put it on, mounting it off to the side on the tow hook looks so much worse than just putting it where it belongs.

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

No offense to anyone, but I have so many other things on my plate to worry about that are in front of two holes in my bumper for a license plate holder.

I have lots going on as well but managed to buy and install a usmillworks tow hook mount plate holder. I also manage to DIY all the maintenance and mods on my cars. Where I fall short is washing and detailing them — seems like some members here spend as much time making their cars look pretty as the do driving them. My decision was not based on cosmetics but rather on the USA license plate and frame being large enough to deflect airflow either or both to the oil cooler or the AC condenser/radiator.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

I have lots going on as well but managed to buy and install a usmillworks tow hook mount plate holder. I also manage to DIY all the maintenance and mods on my cars. Where I fall short is washing and detailing them — seems like some members here spend as much time making their cars look pretty as the do driving them. My decision was not based on cosmetics but rather on the USA license plate and frame being large enough to deflect airflow either or both to the oil cooler or the AC condenser/radiator.

I have 5 cars and I DIY everything too. I meant I have other shit to be concerned about in life over two holes in the bumper of my car needed to mount a factory license plate holder.

I'm not seeing how a license plate mounted at the factory location on a factory bumper cover would deflect air in any significant way to cause cooling issues.

[pbonsalb]

The size of the USA plate and its slightly forward mounting on top of the bunker cover deflect airflow to the upper and/or lower grills on my F90 M5 and E36 M3 and former E90 M3. Maybe your cars are different or you disagree and that is OK. My cars are all seriously modded and I am a performance enthusiast.

The dealer drilled the bumper cover on my 21 Cayenne S and I have not changed to a tow hook mount and plugged the holes. The plate deflects airflow on that car as well, but I am less concerned because it is stock apart from a JB4, the car is for my wife to drive, and it does not get driven really hard.

[Efthreeoh]

SHIT! I forgot, M-cars are special.

[pbonsalb]

At least you understand now.

[Efthreeoh]

Says the M-hound...