I am anxiously awaiting my new Countryman arrival (name TBD). I am wondering about whether or not it is worth it to request the dealer not to drill holes for the front plate? I live in a state that requires a front plate...grrr (one of the only downfalls to living in Colorado).

What would you guys suggest. Drill holes in the front bumper or not?

 

Mini sells a mount that uses the front tow ring mount point

 

Just drill. I live in Ohio. We need front plates as well. It is what it is...

 

DON"T DO IT!

There are options and I've tried two...

(1) we ordered the Platypus bracket from CravenSpeed for delivery of our CMS. Screws into the front tow hook receiver. (Psssst -- It's available for sale...PM me if interested...)



(2) we settled on the manual version of the "Show N Go License Plate Holder"; tucks out of the way when we go out of state.

 

 

http://www.hidetheplate.com/

 

I don't like the asymmetry of the tow hook hole plate mount. The front plate in center of bumper does serve one good purpose. It guards the front bumper to some extent from parking dings.

 

Some car designs accommodate a front plate better than others.
The CTM looks fine with a front plate. If your state requires one, put it on.
As has already been posted, it'll give the front bumper an extra layer of armor.

 

What does the bracket attach to? I pulled up the web site but didn't see how or where it attaches.

Love the idea - I have a CM ALL w/ the tow hook plate holder and just took delivery of a 2012 JCW Roadster.

MsBrit

 

I think the plate in the stock location looks a whole lot better than any of the other locations. Either don't run it at all, or put it where it should be is my vote. Although that hideaway mount is really slick!

Another option (not for everyone) is to get a custom tag so cool that you WANT it to be visible from either end.

 

Plus you can use one of these (we used a sharpie to black out their logo). It's made of the same material crocs (shoes) are made of and really protects the nose of your car from parallel parking.

http://www.amazon.com/BumpShox-XL-Pr...6359070&sr=8-1

 

I had the same thoughts about my front plate as well being a fellow Coloradoian! I just couldn't find one of the brackets (that screw into the tow hook) that didn't in some way block the fog light! I just settled for the dealers center mount. Looks much more symmetrical this way IMHO!

 

Mojito, that is incredible. And it cracks me up!! Now I want one...

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...te-holder.html

 

The "hideaplate" connects at three points under the front bottom valance. The rear attachment point utilizes an existing valance mounting point (I used a bit longer and larger diameter screw). The two front mounting points use well-nuts in holes drilled into the underside of the valance. All connecting points are hidden from view, as is most of the plate when retracted. See below:

 

+1
I purchased one & really like it - mostly have the plate hidden I like the clean look

 

they have a motorized one as well for 150 i think, comes in handy when the cop pulls you over and he's like " no front plates" and your like yea i do you must not have noticed, then being able to see his face when you prove him wrong.......

 

I also think it depends on where you live. I live in the city with plenty of parallel parking so I prefer to have a plate there (the one I posted about earlier that protects your bumper). Even if I park carefully - if the car in front of you leaves - you never know who will take that space next (I always fear the giant SUV with the trailer hitch!). If it's someone who "braille parks" you can get your front bumper really dented up and the paint scraped etc. I'd MUCH rather have a license protector on the front of my car. I mean yeah it looks nice/clean without it - but there's ZERO protection if you ever have to parallel park. JMO though - I prefer to protect my paint etc. on my Mini.

(reposting the product I was talking about before). It looks like plastic but it's actually made out of the same material that Croc shoes are made of - it really provided protection against people backing into the front of your car. By the way I used a sharpie pen and just blacked out their logo so it looks black all over now.

first model:
http://www.amazon.com/BumpShox-2-0-P...6503647&sr=8-2

even more protection!:
http://www.amazon.com/BumpShox-XL-Pr...=pd_sim_auto_1

 

I think it is personal preference, but IMO i think if your going to use the car for show or something and want that clean look then get the tow hook or hideaway. If not then get the factory, it looks clean it i dont think it will change the value of the vehicle. I live in VA and required to have the front plate also, and don't mind it but was thinking about show but i will just have something (witty) made to put there if i go into shows.

 

I live in Texas and front plates are required. I have been given a warning once while i was out of town.

haven't had a front plate in 10 years. just go with out, you will be fine and if you get a ticket it is just a fix it ticket, no fines

 

that depends on the state and the officer. here its a $124 ticket

 

http://www.mrtraffic.com/frontplate.htm

 

I've got the Go MINI Go bracket with offset to not cover fogs or ducts.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...696-post7.html

 

I say no drilling. My 92 Grand prix (1 of 57) spent its entire life in PA and so had no front plate. When I brought it here to MD 4 yrs ago I added a new bracket and hinge arrangement with license plate backer and frame to the underbumper air slot area and drilled holes where they would be 99% invisible. So if Blue Thunder ever leaves the state of confusion (MD and the idiot Gov O'Malley), the plate and frame is disappearing again. Dont butcher is my motto.

 

I had the same attitude especially after my Corvette. In total I was pulled over 7 times between my MINI and the Corvette. The last time I was pulled over for no-plate, correction the last time the car was pulled over for no-plate my wife was driving and was sick of the hassle. I was told there will be a plate on the car by the weekend.... Needless to say, I stopped by the dealer the next day and put the plate on.

Now I am ordering either the tow-hook or hidden plate before my car gets here in a few weeks.

Michael