I was surprised to find that the Mini dealership front license plate surround did not fit well on a... Mini! As far as I can tell the inside width of the surround is 12.25 inches... and the plate mount itself is 12.75 inches wide. Hence, when screwed down, the surround bows as it can't sit flat.

View from above... you can see that the surround is nowhere near wide enough.



Question... are genuine Mini accessories wider to accommodate the base? I've been to a couple of local auto stores and the biggest they have (about 12.6 inches internal width) will still not sit nicely on the base. I want to get rid of the cheap dealer surrounds anyway, so can anyone tell me a brand/type (Mini branded or not) that will fit properly!

Thanks!

 

All my cars have no licence plate frames, I think it looks cleaner.

 

That's certainly an option... I did try it, but found it a little "meh"... maybe with some fancy screw-caps? The other option is to get frame I like, and if it doesn't sit over the base properly, put something behind the plate (maybe just washers on the screws) to pad the back so at least it doesn't bow. It's the bowing that bothers me, so I guess any solution that works will do.

 

Have you thought of a tow hook mounted plate?

https://www.ecstuning.com/News/MINI_Tow_Hook_License_Plate_Bracket_19162/

 

That looks like an interesting option. I'm not 100% sure I like the off-centre look... and I'd have to do something about the existing holes... but I guess that would just be replacing the black stripes on that part of the bumper.

For the moment, I've padded behind the plate, so while the surround is under-sized, at least it doesn't bow!

 

Almost looks like the plate frame is mounted backwards. The curved part looks like it should go against the bumper?

 

I never installed my front plate holder and license plate, they are in the trunk just in case of a zealous officer.


You will find very nice chrome or black chrome cast metal plate surrounds at Walmart. The plain one looks real classy, I have a chrome one for the back. It is thick and will not bent like cheap plastic or pressed metal.