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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 F10 Technical Topics DIY Guides & Discussions DIY Front Bumper Plugs
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      03-15-2018, 11:36 PM   #1
Ickdeep
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DIY Front Bumper Plugs

Hello!

I recently was given a front license plate tow hook from a friend that didn't want to use it so I figured perfect time to do a front plate "delete". I installed the tow hook plate and finally got it to work with the front motion sensors. Then came time to fill in the holes . For some wonderful reason, my car had 6 holes; 4 for the frame and 2 additional ones from the dealer using super long screws for the plate. I looked at options online and it was like ~$25.00 per two plugs. So I went ahead and made my own.

What you need
- Color matching paint (preferred from the dealer)
- # of retainer that you need to us (for me it was 6)
- A drill (I used a 1/4 inch drill bit but size may vary based on what size retainer purchased)


Process:
1) Purchase the correct retainer and the correct amount. I was able to get mine at McLandon Hardware store but most stores have them. They were super cheap so I recommend buying 2 or 3 extra just in case.


2) Painting the retainers. I used an old foam board to keep the retainers up while I painted them. I did the following method for painting:
- 3 base color coats (20 mins drying period between them)
- 3 clear coats (1 hr drying period between them)
- Let them sit overnight at-least before installing


3) Lastly, time to install the plugs. Clean the front bumper. Test to see if the retainer will fit in to the holes left by the plate/plate holder. Mine didn't so I had to make the hole a little bigger. I started with 1/8 bit and worked my way up to 1/4 inch. Please be cautions when doing so or else you can crack your clear coat/paint. I also had to cut the retainer from the back on two of them (top inside ones) so that the face would sit flush with the bumper.

Final result:


I hope this helps. Pretty easy modification. Feel free to leave feedback or ask questions I'll try to answer.

Thanks for reading,

Last edited by Ickdeep; 03-17-2018 at 05:12 PM..
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      03-16-2018, 04:06 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ickdeep View Post
Hello!

I recently was given a front license plate tow hook from a friend that didn't want to use it so I figured perfect time to do a front plate "delete". I installed the tow hook plate and finally got it to work with the front motion sensors. Then came time to fill in the holes . For some wonderful reason, my car had 6 holes; 4 for the frame and 2 additional ones from the dealer using super long screws for the plate. I looked at options online and it was like ~$25.00 per two plugs. So I went ahead and made my own.

What you need
- Color matching paint (preferred from the dealer)
- # of retainer that you need to us (for me it was 6)
- A drill (I used a 1/4 inch drill bit but size may vary based on what size retainer purchased)


Process:
1) Purchase the correct retainer and the correct amount. I was able to get mine at McLandon Hardware store but most stores have them. They were super cheap so I recommend buying 2 or 3 extra just in case.


2) Painting the retainers. I used an old foam board to keep the retainers up while I painted them. I did the following method for painting:
- 3 base color coats (20 mins drying period between them)
- 3 clear coats (1 hr drying period between them)
- Let them sit overnight at-least before installing


3) Lastly, time to install the plugs. Clean the front bumper. Test to see if the retainer will fit in to the holes left by the plate/plate holder. Mine didn't so I had to make the hole a little bigger. I started with 1/8 bit and worked my way up to 1/4 inch. Please be cautions when doing so or else you can crack your clear coat/paint. I also had to cut the retainer from the back on two of them (top inside ones) so that the face would sit flush with the bumper.

Final result (still missing one because it broke but I will update it after I complete the last plug & when I actually use my DSLR)


I hope this helps. Pretty easy modification. Feel free to leave feedback or ask questions I'll try to answer.

Thanks for reading,
Great write up!

On my things to do list, and this will help!

Thanks!
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      03-17-2018, 05:12 PM   #3
Ickdeep
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Updated photo:
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      04-09-2018, 08:22 AM   #4
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cool mod I liked it
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      08-04-2019, 01:11 AM   #5
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Quote:
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Updated photo:
How have they held up
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      08-04-2019, 10:55 AM   #6
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Quote:
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ickdeep View Post
Updated photo:
How have they held up
They held up well. I sold the car like December 2018 and picked up a M5.
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      08-04-2019, 03:13 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ickdeep View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Muslenutz View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ickdeep View Post
Updated photo:
How have they held up
They held up well. I sold the car like December 2018 and picked up a M5.
I found some nice fasteners at Lowe's a little smaller actually. Do you think clearcoat white spray paint would hold up?
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      08-04-2019, 06:25 PM   #8
Ickdeep
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Muslenutz View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ickdeep View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Muslenutz View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ickdeep View Post
Updated photo:
How have they held up
They held up well. I sold the car like December 2018 and picked up a M5.
I found some nice fasteners at Lowe's a little smaller actually. Do you think clearcoat white spray paint would hold up?
Yeah it should. Just be careful installing them into the bumper. If they flex just a little, it will mess it up. I made eight total when I made them and I think two broke during install
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      08-04-2019, 10:47 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ickdeep View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Muslenutz View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ickdeep View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Muslenutz View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ickdeep View Post
Updated photo:
[img]
View post on imgur.com
[/img]
How have they held up
They held up well. I sold the car like December 2018 and picked up a M5.
I found some nice fasteners at Lowe's a little smaller actually. Do you think clearcoat white spray paint would hold up?
Yeah it should. Just be careful installing them into the bumper. If they flex just a little, it will mess it up. I made eight total when I made them and I think two broke during install
I played with a few I bought today. Drilled and they were able to screw in snug. Was able to unscrew them out. I'm going to paint and call it a day with the spare paint. I'll prob get a ticket at some point and put on a plate. Bottom line, I have 6 holes from the dealer and I'd rather just plug them then spend 70-80 bugs for bumper plugs.
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