Can I attach the license plate on the lower black grill (below the bumper)? Will this affect oil or water or engine temps?

I don't want to put the plate on the bumper!

 

Will you be using a conventional North American license plate? Or is this for a "show" plate (e.g. UK-style plate)? At least in Canada, regular plates are 6" high and won't fit into the lower front grill space (approx. 5.5" high on my '05 MCS).

 

I would guess that it might have little effect. However - if your car is a JCW or you've done other high performance mods, I won't restrict the air flow in anyway shape or form.

How about just running with no plate?

 

In Illinois, the front plate is required. I figured I might be able to "creatively re-size" the plate and fit it into the black grill.

PKMINI

 

Here is what I did with my Canadian plate.

<Sorry I dont know how to attach thumbnails>

 

Thanks, TL915!

I think I can do something similar with my Illinois plate. Have you noticed any changes in operating temperatures?

PKMINI

 

PKMINI-

Is the reason you don't want to put it on the bumper because you don't want to drill or you just don't like the look?

If you don't want to drill you don't have to. I affixed my euro plate frame using nylon zip ties. Check my site and click on pics.

I can get you some details picks of how to do this in a few days when I get my new aero bumper since the plate is off now and will have to be re-installed.

Chris

 

The plate will fit in front of the MCS grille using the standard factory mount. I've been running mine that way for about a month - it works fine, does not seem to affect the cooling of the radiator at all and the way I have it mounted it doesn't rub against anything. Here's a link to some photos:

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/a1a@sb.../ph//my_photos

Easy to do, no drilling - just a couple of #8 screws (1 1/4" long) and related hardware. I use the factory license plate mount w/no mods. Essentially what I did was make two studs in the grill that the license plate mount attaches to.

It removes easily and if you use all black hardware the studs are pretty much invisible unless you're looking for them. As I said, I've seen no increase in the water temperature. It's only gotten up to 90 degrees in Dallas since I've had it on though (unusually cool weather - by now it's often knocking on 100).

/gary mc

 

I can't find my pic, but SCMCS has done a novel and elegant license plate installation on his car "Austin". The plate is supported by a bar that extends from his car's towing orifice. So it appears completely detached from the bodywork as though it were a sign describing the car as an exhibit. My description is hopelessly inadequate. Perhaps he will see this thread and post his own pic.

 

PKMINI05,

I dono about the temp, but it looks clean and easy to attached. I used zip ties to attach it.

 

someone else was mounting the plate in the lower grill. It restricts airflow for the radiator, so I would use a different location (boot). j/k I would recommend the stock location.

 

 

I found the perfect solution for mounting the front plate and it has worked well for months:
1. Puchase the front plate bracket and frame (black or chrome) from the dealer.
2. Fully assemble bracket and frame with plate prior to mounting to vehicle.
3. Cover with protective material (original bracket envelope works well).
4. Firmly place under drivers seat of vehicle.

Justification: If you are driving in a manner such as to attract law enforcement attention, they'll never see the front of your car.

 

Another option is to use the aero kit bracket, on the stock bumper - results in the plate being mounted below the chrome parts and looks better ...

 

GBMINI,

Do you still have to put screws into the bumper?

 

Yes ... at least I am sure the dealership did; can't see any other way it could stay put!

 

Then I still like my mounting method better. I can't get up the nerve to puncture holes in a perfectly good bumper.

 

I achieved the same look by using the stock bracket and clipping off the hooks that go through the middle grill. Then use the top two mounting holes in the bracket (instead of the US Mount ones indicated on the bracket) in the stock dimple locations. But, yes, I had to pierce my precious bumper.

Steve

 

In most states that require a front plate, as long as it's displayed on the front of the vehicle, it shouldn't be a problem...why not just wedge it in between the lower part of the windshield and the dashboard on the interior? I've done that with every car I've owned in many states that have required front plates, and it has never been a problem.


Dave.

 

Good idea. I am amazed (and am sure there must be an old thread filled with others' amazements) that MINI would not have designed a convenient fitting for the front number plate. Perhaps this too will be remedied in the 2007 series.

 

Oh yeah, that's a great idea. Just wait until you have to make a panic stop and the thing goes flying thru the cabin and takes off your passenger's head.

 

I think you mean spirited acceleration cuz if you stop everything goes forward and the plate can't go through the glass...we hope.

 

I've had my plates mounted like this since I got them. All summer in Dallas with no problem at all. Works great!

I have a few photos posted at

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/a1a@sb....net/my_photos

including a simple cutaway graphic.

 

Its funny but I just started a thread about a hour ago from this afternoons little project. It is very close to this topic.

Randy
m7 Tuning

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...984#post629984

 

I've done the same thing except used zip ties. No temperature problems either.