[SeekTheFinest]

Does anyone know how a front license plate mounts on the MSport bumper? The BMW website doesn't show anything mounted and the videos that I have seen mount it in the black section below the kidney grills. Didn't know what would be my options in a state that requires two plates.

[FlashMonkey929]

I believe it sits on a plastic bracket that is drilled into the front bumper like most other BMWs. I've specifically asked the dealer not to mount mine, as I plan to either run with no front plate, or mount it using a front tow hook mount like I did on my previous e90. I've used plate mounts from here, a little more pricey, but they are solidly built and well engineered:

http://www.usmillworks.com

I reached out to them, and unfortunately at this time, they aren't developing a kit specific to the X1, but if I take measurements they see if one of their existing kits will fit. It's more of a question on if they have a post that extends far enough to clear the bumper, and if the plate won't block any of the parking sensors.

[lotus1818]

Originally Posted by FlashMonkey929

I believe it sits on a plastic bracket that is drilled into the front bumper like most other BMWs. I've specifically asked the dealer not to mount mine, as I plan to either run with no front plate, or mount it using a front tow hook mount like I did on my previous e90. I've used plate mounts from here, a little more pricey, but they are solidly built and well engineered:

http://www.usmillworks.com

I reached out to them, and unfortunately at this time, they aren't developing a kit specific to the X1, but if I take measurements they see if one of their existing kits will fit. It's more of a question on if they have a post that extends far enough to clear the bumper, and if the plate won't block any of the parking sensors.

It seems the place still doesn't have a kit for 23 X1 yet. I wonder how those of us who is law-abiding citizen mounted the front plate other than drilling holes to the metal.

[Rags2Rags]

We need to have them in my area so I'll take a pic of mine during the daylight and post them here. This means BMW must be making them officially.

[lotus1818]

Originally Posted by Rags2Rags

We need to have them in my area so I'll take a pic of mine during the daylight and post them here. This means BMW must be making them officially.

Thanks in advance. My plates will come in soon, I can't wait to see the picture of yours. I hope they don't have to drill holes into the front bumper though.

[FlashMonkey929]

Originally Posted by lotus1818

It seems the place still doesn't have a kit for 23 X1 yet. I wonder how those of us who is law-abiding citizen mounted the front plate other than drilling holes to the metal.

I don't believe they're going to make any kits for new cars at this time, so unless you measure the factory tow hook and send it to them to see if something else fits you may be out of luck. I think I may go a different route and mount something to the lower mesh grille below the bumper. Looking at all the sensors in the bumper section, I'm not sure a tow hook mount would interfere with any of them.

[FlashMonkey929]

I just went out to the car to take some measurements and it'll be interesting to see whether a tow hook mount or a lower grill mounted solution would be better. The lower grill on the M Sport looks like it has an active shutter so clearance could be an issue with one of the brackets I'm looking at. On the other hand, mounting it to the tow bracket could possible mess with the parking sensors if not mounted properly, and I'm not sure if there are more ultrasonic sensors located in the front bumper as well.

I've reached out to two different companies tonight and hopefully can get a prototype from them to test out.

[FlashMonkey929]

Thanks in advance. My plates will come in soon, I can't wait to see the picture of yours. I hope they don't have to drill holes into the front bumper though.

The OEM front license plate mount does require drilling into the bumper, which is why I specifically asked they don't mount mine and am reaching out to aftermarket companies for an alternative solution. My temporary registration expires on 3/15 so I hope to have something by then, but if not I'll just run without a front plate for a little while.

Here is a photo of the OEM bracket included with the car along with the part numbers for the bracket and hardware kit.

[BMWZ4]

Unless they've improved their service dramatically over the last 3 or so years, be wary of usmillworks...there are plenty of other tow hook plate mounts available

[FlashMonkey929]

Originally Posted by BMWZ4

Unless they've improved their service dramatically over the last 3 or so years, be wary of usmillworks...there are plenty of other tow hook plate mounts available

It’s funny you say that, I had a great experience with them in 2013 when buying a replacement for the crap one I had on my e90, and I loved how solidly built it was. When I went to inquire a couple months ago for the X1, they weren’t rude but I got the distinct impression they just didn’t care for my business.

[BMWZ4]

Originally Posted by FlashMonkey929

It’s funny you say that, I had a great experience with them in 2013 when buying a replacement for the crap one I had on my e90, and I loved how solidly built it was. When I went to inquire a couple months ago for the X1, they weren’t rude but I got the distinct impression they just didn’t care for my business.

Exactly the experience I had purchased a couple of frames for two of my BMWs...when I wanted to buy one for my current x3....no reply for about 2 weeks and when I emailed them back they suggested I try another brand?....weird way if doing business

[FlashMonkey929]

Originally Posted by BMWZ4

Exactly the experience I had...had purchased a couple of frames for two of BMWs...when I wanted to buy one for my current x3....no reply for about 2 weeks and when I emailed them back they suggested I try another brand?....weird way if doing business

I did exactly what they suggested, I have emails back and forth with 2 different brands right now, one for a lower grille mount and one for a tow hook mount.

[Firebass]

Check out Rho plate for a tow hook mount. Helped me get a custom length kit for my X line (first customer, so no off the shelf kit). They’ll have you measure a few things as they don’t have a M Sport kit yet but the result is great and led to a hole free bumper. Great customer service too

[FlashMonkey929]

Originally Posted by Firebass

Check out Rho plate for a tow hook mount. Helped me get a custom length kit for my X line (first customer, so no off the shelf kit). They’ll have you measure a few things as they don’t have a M Sport kit yet but the result is great and led to a hole free bumper. Great customer service too

That’s one of the companies I’m in talks with. Just sent them the photos this morning! How’s your mount, any issues with the sensors, and any photos?

[Firebass]

I’ve test fit it and it fits great. I’ve still got my plate 3M’d to the bumper and am waiting for a warmer day to remove it (don’t have a heated garage and it’s barely gotten out of the 40s here…last 3M plate I took off in the cold messed up the PPF). I don’t think it’ll mess with the sensors too much given the PDC one on the right side of the bumper is pretty far back.

I’ll snag a plate off my other car to test the sensor clearance in the next few days after I get the car back from service (transmission has been refusing to go into park…)

[lotus1818]

pictures of the tow hook and the nearest sensor

[lotus1818]

It seems this will work for the X1, since it is compatible with just about any vehicles with Horizontal Slats:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2xuJQWv-28

https://www.slybrackets.com/store/

[FlashMonkey929]

Originally Posted by lotus1818

It seems this will work for the X1, since it is compatible with just about any vehicles with Horizontal Slats:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2xuJQWv-28

https://www.slybrackets.com/store/

That is the other company I'm in talks with. I still have to do some final measurements to ensure fitment, but between the rain and work I haven't had a chance to get back out to my car and measure it. The big question is if there is enough clearance between the grill and the active shutters behind them to mount it.

[PlasticEngine]

on the X1, having a front license plate isn't really as bad as on this 2023 BMW Alpina B4 Gran Coupe.

Photo from Yumi of Yoshida Yumi Channel:

[lotus1818]

Originally Posted by FlashMonkey929

That is the other company I'm in talks with. I still have to do some final measurements to ensure fitment, but between the rain and work I haven't had a chance to get back out to my car and measure it. The big question is if there is enough clearance between the grill and the active shutters behind them to mount it.

Thanks for your effort, FlashMonkey.

Yes, according to their website, there are 3 measurements to be submitted to them.

Since you are already talking to them, we will wait and please keep us posted.

[FlashMonkey929]

Originally Posted by lotus1818

Thanks for your effort, FlashMonkey.

Yes, according to their website, there are 3 measurements to be submitted to them.

Since you are already talking to them, we will wait and please keep us posted.

This is the reply I got from them:

we have sold the horizontal slat grille bracket with the leveler for this vehicle. We also have the measurements for the grille to active grille shutters measurements. bracket and leveler links below. BRACKET: https://www.slybrackets.com/store/SL...LLE-p513297312 LEVELER: https://www.slybrackets.com/store/LI...LES-p193906413

if you want to verify and provide the measurements for these it would be a plus. The last customer provided these measurements: A: 8 1/8" B: 3 1/4" C: 1 1/8"

[FlashMonkey929]

I personally would rather have the tow hook mount if possible for two reasons:

1) The tow hook mount should be a sturdier bracket that has no risk of possibly damaging the grilles (though the risk is probably really low)

2) Nothing blocking any cooling when needed (though again, the risk of this actually affecting cooling noticeably is probably negligible).