License plate frustration

[prowlerflyer]

Ok, so I need to switch my rear plate over to FL and I am having an issue. I popped the plastic cover caps off the 4 screws and started to loosen them, except the nuts in the plastic license plate bracket/holder are spinning. The nuts look rusted, but I can't tell if its that or the plastic is just rounded out. I have no idea how to resolve this other than dremeling my way through the plate itself to get at the screws that affix the bracket to the trunk lid. Thoughts?

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[WOLFN8TR]

I had the same problem. The nuts are recessed into the plastic license plate bracket. When they get wore out they just spin inside the plastic. Just take a pair of needle nose pliers and look up under neath with the truck open, hold them so you can unscrew them. You will need to get a new license plate frame. ECSTuning has them for around $25.

License Plate Bracket (http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330Ci-M54_3.0L/Exterior/Body/License_Plate/ES88492/)

[Crestwood1001]

Yea I just replaced my plate frame and got 4 OEM bolts, the old one was pretty bad after 12 years and 104,000 thousand miles

[Crestwood1001]

5644
Old vs. new

[prowlerflyer]

Just take a pair of needle nose pliers and look up under neath with the truck open, hold them so you can unscrew them.License Plate Bracket (http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330Ci-M54_3.0L/Exterior/Body/License_Plate/ES88492/)

How did you get at the top nuts? Hate wedging anything in there, nervous about scratching the paint.

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[BCS_ZHP]

Once you get the bottom screws out, then bend the plate and remove the two screws in the middle that hold the whole bracket.

I've had to replace this bracket on every E46 that I've ever bought, not a great design.

[WOLFN8TR]

Once you get the bottom screws out, then bend the plate and remove the two screws in the middle that hold the whole bracket.


X2...

[prowlerflyer]

So l ended up having to chip the plastic around the nut on the plate bracket off, just to be able to grasp the nut. Then, while holding the nut and turning the screw, the two bottom screws broke. After that I just bent up the plate and M surround :( and removed the bracket from the trunk. Big bummer this was this difficult and how crappy BMW's bracket is.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/09/04/muquge5a.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/09/04/he6e5y9e.jpg

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[WOLFN8TR]

Ya they are a tad cheap.

[az3579]

Next time try to replace with stainless screws, see if that makes a difference.

[3ZHP]

Next time try to replace with stainless screws, see if that makes a difference. Nope, you need to keep them oiled or put Anti Seize on them. I think the ID threaded inserts are Brass or something that causes a chemical reaction.

[cakM3]

5644
Old vs. new

can you post the part numbers for those screws? I could use a few sets :thumbsup

[Crestwood1001]

can you post the part numbers for those screws? I could use a few sets :thumbsup

When I get on my pc I'll look for them, just go to ecs's website and live chat and ask for the number. They don't list them on the site I had to request them

[echo46]

Yea, I had the same problem, had to drill them out carefully. I loaded the new screws with anti seize.

[prowlerflyer]

I am picking up the replacement parts today, so I should have part #'s. I plan on anti-seizing them or coating them with P7 marine corrosion prevention.

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[JupiterBMW]

Sucks to hear. Can anyone post pictures of the receiving nuts for the plate screws? If they are indeed brass, I can probably source brass bolts on my ship that will prevent the corrosion of the dissimilar metals (galvanic corrosion). A good coating of antiseize (marine grade preferably) would also help.


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[prowlerflyer]

The captive nuts in the plate bracket for mounting the plate are just regular steel, but there are two brass spacers in the center of the bracket for the trunk mount screws. I suspect the steel in the nuts is just low grade.

I'll get pics in the morning.

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[BCS_ZHP]

Yes, you've got low grade pot metal steel threads in the female fastener of the bracket and SS threads for the bolts/screws, add a little water for a dissimilar metals reaction to occur, the perfect storm resulting in seized fasteners.