[Delta72]

[First off I did a search but could not specific info on this so bear with me here if it has been discussed before.]

I just got my MCS delivered to my dealer (3 hours away) and will pick up this weekend but I have one little issue with the front plate bracket: I can't stand it! Front license plates are the worse for a cars facia. Anyways the dealer told me they would drill the holes for me and mount the bracker, which would normally not be a big deal but I have seen a few MCS's 'round here that actually have the front plate on the very bottom front grille, ingressed into the bumper. Anyone know what I'm talking about? If so how did you do it? Was it easy, just drill a couple of little holes on the black meash and the plate fits fine?

Any info is greately appriciated.

H.é.c.t.o.r.

[Dark Silver S]

My salesman agrees with you - the front plate breaks the flow of the looks of the car (not to mention what it probably does to the air). He did NOT install the front plate, but told me where the normal installation holes were. I've been motoring for more than a month now without a front plate.

I don't think I'd want to fasten the plate directly to the grillwork - that WOULD cut down on the amount of air going to the radiators.

[ghost]

Texas requires front mount plates, correct?

I suggest you cable tie the plate to the lower grille. It won't disrupt the well-flowing bumper.

Andrew

[SJCzar]

I don't like the look with the front plate on either. I have been driving since last August without mine and haven't been stopped yet. I keep the plate, the holder and a good excuse or two with me just in case.

[MINIAC]

I couldn't find the post, but I remember reading that the aero kit license plate carrier (51-11-0-141-384) can be fitted below the lower grille [drilling different holes required].

The picture of this mounted Euro plate will give you an idea of the position:

[BruceK]

Quote:

Originally posted by ghost
Texas requires front mount plates, correct?

Ummmm.... yes technically speaking, Texas does 'require' front plates. But I don't have one installed and don't 'plan' on doing that anytime soon. I ran a Miata for years without a front plate and I've had my S for 10 months also with no front plate. So..... you takes your chances..

Quote:

Originally posted by ghost

I suggest you cable tie the plate to the lower grille. It won't disrupt the well-flowing bumper.

However, mounting a plate the lower grille it will very likely disrupt the flow of AIR!

[MiniMan7]

I have often agreed that the Mini looks much better without a front license plate. Out of curiosity, I unscrewed my plate and mounting bracket to see what it would look like. I then realized a bit of a gap that looked like it was manufactured like this. I think all Canadian and American Mini's come with a gap in the lower grill. The circle shows where the gap is, when I get enough time I'll take a picture of mine to show everyone.

[mrsw]

I don't like front license plates either, and I'm lucky. I live in Delaware where no front plate is required. Now if we could just get rid of that back plate too...

[MiniMan7]

I think the car would look a bit weird without a back plate... this got me thinking, are the spaces for the rear plate wider in Europe than on this side of the pond?

[Delta72]

Well I looked and I looked but I could not find the pic I mentioned. I guess it doesn't matter much since imagining it is pretty simple. I was thinking about the airflow as well, but do you all really think it makes that much diff? Part of me says yes and part says no. No because the plate does not cover the whole thing and also because it has the hood scoop as well. I dunno, maybe I can just test it out and see how hot the car gets, unfortunatly I got the Nav which = no real temp gauge. Unless the on board computer has an option to see the temp while driving. That I do not know... =\

I am just going to see how long I get lucky without having a front plate, probably not long since I work and live less that 2 mins from DT Houston, TX and there is many cop stations near by.

Thank you all for the replys.

H.é.c.t.o.r.

[SilverGAGT]

Ohio requires front plates.....but my car will not be arriving with the front bracket. If I am told to get a front plate, I will eventually do so. But I think the car looks so much better with a smooth front, so I'm going to chance it.

[Casey]

This is not my car - but I got the plate holder like this one....fits much better and looks better in my opinion. I don't have the part number off hand but will look tonight when I get home. It is the plate holder for the Aero Kit but fits the stock bumper just fine.

[nonsequitur]

In states with no front plate requirement, is there a different front bumper (without the bracket), or an insert to cover the bracket, or nothing different betweeen the cars?

[MINIAC]

Quote:

Originally posted by Casey

I don't have the part number off hand but will look tonight when I get home. It is the plate holder for the Aero Kit but fits the stock bumper just fine.

The part number is listed in my post above

[SilverGAGT]

Quote:

Originally posted by johnewald
In states with no front plate requirement, is there a different front bumper (without the bracket), or an insert to cover the bracket, or nothing different betweeen the cars?

Nothing different except the two holes drilled into the bumper to hold the bracket.

[Carcass]

I am in Texas. Not sure (and don't care) if the front plate is required or not. I picked up my MCS in Baton Rouge, and they gave me the front plate bracket loose. There are 2 dimples in the front bumper that I suppose is for installation. Although, I will never do it. Cheers!

[Thefreddo]

My Cooper looks soooo much better without its hideous plate mount on the front. If I am ever written up for no front plate, I plan to drill holes to mount a plate frame directly to the bumper, and leave the brick shaped mount at home... I have pictures with and without in my gallery- see for yourself.