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BMWCurves
04-30-2017, 01:18 PM
I assume there's already a thread on this somewhere here but my Google-Fu is weak and the site's search function didn't yield any results, so I figured I'd start a thread consolidating the available options for front bumper tow hook license plate brackets.

For those of us living in states that require front license plates in the name of "safety," "assisting in solving car-related crimes," and "let's make it a source of revenue by charging citizens a per plate fee," all run by a government that is just shy of saying "let's give that ol' communism a go," I ask our fellow members what are the best available options for "no holes" front bumper tow hook license plate mounts, be they fully assembled kits or cheaper DIYs from Home Depot?

A list I found from a cursory search yielded a handful of options:
US Mill Works - $80-150 (Link (http://www.usmillworks.com/bmw_front_license_plate_mount_bracket_tow_hook.htm l))
This seems to be the most popular option among members here (see following posts)
Has a true quick release function. Dane has an install guide w/ impressions here: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?9217-US-Mill-Works-Tow-Hook-Licence-Plate-Bracket

GoMiniGo - $60 (Link (http://www.gominigo.com/BMW.html))
BP has an install guide here: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?3437-No-Holes-License-Plate-Bracket-from-Gominigo-com-doityourself

Turner Motorsport/ECSTuning - $80-210 (Link (https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-389803-ecs-ultimate-3-way-tow-hookno-holes-license-platecamera-mount/?pdk=AQUIBQY))
Has three-way functionality of a tow hook, license plate bracket, and/or camera mount. Discussion on it here: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?19556-TMS-3-way-tow-hook

Rho Plate - $90 (Link (https://www.rho-plate.com/products/bmw-3-series-e46-1999-2005-rho-plate-v2))
Can purchase accessories to double it as a camera mount (Link (https://www.rho-plate.com/collections/all/accessories))

ModBargains - $100-113 (Link (http://www.modbargains.com/No-Holes-License-Plate-Holder-BMW-E46-E39-E70-E60-E89.htm))

Pedal Haus - $70 (Link (http://www.pedalhaus.com/quickrelease.html))
Has a "quick release" release feature. Still requires a wrench.

Bimmian - $45-95 (Link (https://bimmian.com/Accessories-for-BMW/Styling/Exterior/Tow-Hook-License-Plate-Holder/))

Rovert's Magnetic License Plate Mount DIY - cost of rare earth metals (Link (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?13032-Magnetic-Front-License-Plate))
Not specifically a tow hook license plate bracket, but does eliminate holes in the bumper.

eBay/Amazon/China options - too many to list or name.
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Thoughts, reviews, or suggested alternative options are more than welcome!

For coupe owners like me, there are some options to plug the holes left behind when removing the factory license plate bracket that is drilled (:facepalm) into the front bumper:

https://www.bumperplugs.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=73
https://bimmian.com/Accessories-for-BMW/Painted/Exterior/Bumper-Plugs-Pair/
http://www.modbargains.com/painted-bumper-plugs-bmw.htm

Source - John in VA, here: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?20068-Front-bumper-(NO-license-plate-holder)-Part&p=529515#post529515

johnrando
04-30-2017, 01:31 PM
I hv had gominigo (very good) and i hv us millworks (even btr)

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ELCID86
04-30-2017, 02:57 PM
I wish I'd gotten the USMW with quick release.

holyc0w
04-30-2017, 03:08 PM
I wish I'd gotten the USMW with quick release.

Me too

The GMG does the job, but I like the full backing on the US Mill Works. Does the Rho plate also cover the full plate?

BMWCurves
04-30-2017, 03:37 PM
I hv had gominigo (very good) and i hv us millworks (even btr)

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

I wish I'd gotten the USMW with quick release.

Me too

The GMG does the job, but I like the full backing on the US Mill Works. Does the Rho plate also cover the full plate?

Sounds like the US Mill Works is a popular option.

No idea on the Rho Plate. There's not a lot of info on it.

danewilson77
04-30-2017, 05:12 PM
USMW's

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Ridgey
04-30-2017, 05:18 PM
US Mill Works on mine is fantastic. Awesome craftsmanship. It's in my thread somewhere.

UdubBadger
05-12-2017, 12:34 PM
GMG was always good to me


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danewilson77
05-12-2017, 12:43 PM
GMG was always good to me


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+1

2nd best option.

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BMWCurves
05-14-2017, 05:01 AM
GMG was always good to me


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


+1

2nd best option.

Sent from my S8+

Thanks for the input!

NoVAphotog
05-14-2017, 05:14 AM
Us mill works. Expensive for what it is but you get what you pay for. Solid build quality. And the quick release is helpful when washing or detailing as you saw.


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oldzilla
05-23-2017, 07:10 PM
US Mill Works, had mine for three years with no issues.

BMWCurves
05-23-2017, 07:45 PM
US Mill Works, had mine for three years with no issues.

Glad to hear. Sounds like the US Mill Works bracket is the consensus among members here.

anandoc
05-24-2017, 01:51 AM
I have been thinking of getting a US Mill works bracket, but its cost is somewhat holding me off. Anybody looking to part with theirs? :)

NoVAphotog
05-24-2017, 03:42 AM
I have been thinking of getting a US Mill works bracket, but its cost is somewhat holding me off. Anybody looking to part with theirs? :)

I'll let you know when Virginia changes the law. ;)

Prestovie
05-24-2017, 05:45 AM
I'm still crossing my fingers that if I ever get ticketed/called out on it I can say I'm waiting on the housing bracket to come in. Hell I could buy a vanity plate for the cost of the USMW


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fredo
07-14-2017, 04:05 PM
I ordered the US Mill Works bracket for the F30 today. I hope it works out. Some people say it affects the PDC system.