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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum
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DIY Fix for bracket holes on front bumper?
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05-09-2009, 09:03 PM | #1 |
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Now w/ pics. DIY Fix for bracket holes on front bumper?
NC doesn't require a front plate, but my E90 is rigged for one. For now, I have a mirror-polish BMW rondel tag in that spot.
If I remove the front tag bracket, there are two nasty holes, with jagged edges poking out. Though they are small, they are too ragged looking to leave untreated if I remove the front bracket. Before I go to a body shop, does anyone have any ideas for a cheap fix for this issue? I can post pics tomorrow. E90s look so sweet with a smooth front end. Last edited by Taxvictim; 05-13-2009 at 02:16 PM.. |
05-09-2009, 09:20 PM | #2 |
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Innovative Detailing uses the following source for our customers bumpers when they choose not to use their license plate.When the brackets or plates are off, the results are those ugly holes that are left, but check out this site............
http://www.bumperplugs.com/BPindex.html Happy Motoring Dave @ Innovative Detailing |
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05-10-2009, 11:56 AM | #3 |
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Thanks for the link! Only $25 for two plugs that match my paint. I'll order those for sure if a local body shop can't give me a decent price to make it flush.
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05-10-2009, 01:58 PM | #5 |
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I got my plugs from Aerotect when they installed my invisible bra (VentureShield).
http://aircraftpaintprotection.net/a...5040d2847cd563 |
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05-10-2009, 10:22 PM | #6 |
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I was just thinking about the same thing this week. I'm moving to a Kansas where they don't use front plates and I was trying to decide what decorative plate to put there, but I would definitely just get those bumper caps.
I bet it will be a couple hundred to have that sanded, bonded, and painted at a body shop. I wish I just never had them put the plate on, but I didn't want to give cops an excuse to pull me over at night.
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05-12-2009, 08:39 AM | #7 |
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Thanks for the Aerotect link, but they don't have Sparkling Graphite. Guess I'll shell out the extra $10 for the other bumper plugs.
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05-12-2009, 07:15 PM | #8 |
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Just got mine in the mail today. They look sexy.
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05-13-2009, 07:41 AM | #9 |
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You got yours already? Bumper Plugs is here in NC, and my order has shipped, but I don't have them yet. Maybe today. I'll post some before and after pics.
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05-13-2009, 10:10 AM | #10 |
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I'm going to try and get them on this week. I want to get the area under the plate clayed, sealed, etc.
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05-13-2009, 12:00 PM | #11 |
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Okay, my Bumper Plugs arrived. At the spot where the dealer holes were drilled, there wasn't enough room behind the bumper to put the plugs all the way in, so I had to snip the stems to make the plugs much shorter. That should not affect their holding power. I followed the Bumper Plug directions and drilled out the holes to 1/4", plus I had to trim off some plastic at the holes edges that was sticking out. Here are the before, during, and after shots.
Before, with the BMW shiny rondel tag: The holes. (There are two sets of holes: large holes and really tiny holes. For now, I'm ignoring the tiny holes.) And after. I think it really looks good. (The water on the driveway is from washing, polishing, and sealing the area that had been under the front plate.) And a closeup: Not bad for $25. (Actually more like $35 with shipping and tax.) |
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05-13-2009, 02:01 PM | #12 |
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Looks really good. Makes me want to go and get mine on right after work today. Really improves the front end of the car.
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05-14-2009, 04:26 PM | #13 | |
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Drives: '08 E90 335i, '99 E36 M3
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Quote:
Looks good! Want to sell me your shiny roundel plate? |
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05-14-2009, 05:23 PM | #14 |
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Sure. If you just want the plate, the screws, and the screw covers, I'll sell it for $25 shipped. Paypal in advance. I think that's about half of dealer cost.
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05-14-2009, 05:52 PM | #15 |
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Drives: '08 E90 335i, '99 E36 M3
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I sent you a PM.
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05-17-2009, 08:08 PM | #18 |
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I probably will do that some day, but for now the plugs are a very good interim solution (having just dropped my expendable $$ on a new car stereo).
How much do you think a body shop would charge to fill in the holes, paint, etc.? |
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05-17-2009, 09:31 PM | #19 |
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Mine turned out really nice. I'll get some pictures up. I drilled the holes out just slightly bigger, then trimmed off a couple small pieces of plastic to get a good fit. Went in nicely. Washed the car today and then I re-sealed the front bumper where the plate was to get protection from all the summer insects.
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