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regsitration plate attaching

Discuss the problems with your X5 (E53).
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Smeeagain
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regsitration plate attaching

Post by Smeeagain » Sun Dec 11, 2011 11:57 am

a weekend of problems - my rear reg plate has just fallen off - fortunately on the drive so i still have it - but appears only to be secured by double sided tape ? Is that standard?
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Re: regsitration plate attaching

Post by Denis O » Sun Dec 11, 2011 12:46 pm

Don't think it's standard from the factory. They would use screws and there's probably a couple of holes behind where your plate fell off to screw into.

I use double sided tape which is made for the job from my local motor factors. It works fine.

Tip: To get an old plate off which has been attached by double sided tape use some 20lb fishing line and drag it though the back of the plate.
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Smeeagain
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Re: regsitration plate attaching

Post by Smeeagain » Sun Dec 11, 2011 12:50 pm

would it secure ok using a hot melt glue gun ? And I don't see any drill holes (unless under the old tape that I haven't removed yet)

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Re: regsitration plate attaching

Post by X5Sport » Sun Dec 11, 2011 1:44 pm

Hot melt glue probably won't work. It won't 'wet' the surfaces and won't hold. I've not yet found a glue for these guns that is any good for this type of use.

I had my plates attached with a special double-sided tape that is used for number plates. The 'norm' is to drill holes and screw them on. Not wanting a rust/water entry point, I asked the dealer to use tape instead. It lasted about three years and then began to fail. I also think that the plates look better fitted that way.

I took the plate off, cleaned it up with White Spirit - to get the glus remnants off - washed the plate in soapy water and got some more tape from Halfrauds then refitted it. I think I may have dual-layered the tape to allow for the slight curve in the metal panel. Never had another issue with it before selling it in September.

Got the same on my X6. The front plate had to be warmed carefully with a heat-gun and curved slightly for a good fit.
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Re: regsitration plate attaching

Post by lezmtaylor » Sun Dec 11, 2011 2:25 pm

I always heat the number plate and fixing area with a heat gun before and after fitting it activates the glue.(don't overheat.)
Never have a problem with them falling off.
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Re: regsitration plate attaching

Post by Raj » Sun Dec 11, 2011 11:31 pm

I'm not a fan of using screws either and have always double sided pads. You definitely need to warm the pads and plates (as well as the panel/bumper) to ensure they stick well. With it being quite cold now, if you do just stick them on without a bit of heat they will just fall off again.
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Re: regsitration plate attaching

Post by Rusty » Mon Dec 12, 2011 12:34 am

Double sided foam tape every time. Stuck my E46 plates on 6 years ago and never had any problems, and he cars kept outside.

Just warm the plates as mentioned and gently bend into shape to achieve the correct profile, then position carefully and stick.

Simples :)
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Re: regsitration plate attaching

Post by sapphireblack » Tue Dec 13, 2011 6:28 pm

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