2000 BMW 328i (E46) Technical Service Bulletin # 510299 Date: 990401
License Plate Brackets - Mounting
440
Group 51
Body Equipment
Bulletin Number
51 02 99
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
April 1999
Product Engineering
SUBJECT:
Mounting of License Plate Brackets
MODEL:
E46
Situation:
The front license plate bracket of the E46 is fastened at the bottom by two self drilling screws that make holes in the bumper cover when installed.
These screws are necessary to keep the bracket from being torn off by the brushes used in some car washes.
However, if these screws are installed while the car is in inventory, and the car is subsequently swapped to a center in a state that does not require a
front plate, the receiving center will object if there are holes in the bumper cover.
Also, if the screws used to attach the license plate to the rear license plate bracket are too long, the paint on the rear panel will be damaged and
corrosion can result.
Procedure:
When installing the front bracket on cars being prepared for display, do not install the two lower screws until the car has been retailed and the license
plate is being installed. This will prevent making holes in the bumper cover prior to delivery.
When installing the rear plate, use the four M5 x 8 machine screws from the hardware package to fasten the plate to the bracket.
