[wjbender]

I'm buying a 2024 Z4 M40i from a state that does not require a front license plate. I live in NJ where it is required. What kind of mounting bracket do I need. Where can I get one? Is it easy to install?

[RigaTony1982]

Are they super strict about it? It’s required where I live too, but I haven’t had one on my last 4 cars and have never had an issue.

Otherwise, if you don’t want to drill into the bumper, I’d try this place. Seem to be popular on these boards. When I had my 3 Series, lot of folks used them:

https://stonsho.com/

[Kevin45E]

Originally Posted by wjbender

I'm buying a 2024 Z4 M40i from a state that does not require a front license plate. I live in NJ where it is required. What kind of mounting bracket do I need. Where can I get one? Is it easy to install?

I purchased this one so I could remove it as I wanted to. I’ve been very pleased with it so far. Removed it for a recent car show. The OEM hardware is likely less expensive if you don’t want to be able to remove it.
https://carbonio.com/products/bmw-z4...sports-package

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by RigaTony1982

Are they super strict about it? It’s required where I live too, but I haven’t had one on my last 4 cars and have never had an issue.

Otherwise, if you don’t want to drill into the bumper, I’d try this place. Seem to be popular on these boards. When I had my 3 Series, lot of folks used them:

https://stonsho.com/

IIRC, StanDiego also mentioned he had this bracket on another thread some time ago.

[tracer bullet]

I went with the Platypus bracket. It mounts to the front tow hook hole. I'm good with how it looks and so far it doesn't seem like it's blocking any of the sensors in front. I have been planning to put up a few pictures but won't be near the car for a few more days.

[tracer bullet]

Here's the Platypus bracket. Images are:

* The part which goes into the tow hook bolt hole (I put a little dab of blue Loctite threadlocker on it)

* That piece installed (note) that I bought a spare cover for the tow hook, and drilled a hole through it for this (cardboard template, transfer the location, use a small drill, then small holesaw after I knew how to finalize the alignment)

* I missed that the plate holder has a spot for a bolt to run through it, which goes into the thing mounted into the tow hook hole. I think you can see this on their site, though. I used a dab of blue threadlocker ehre as well. https://www.cravenspeed.com/the-plat...plate-mount-2/ <-- Find the video half way down on the right.

* Shots of course form each direction. The car is NOT crazy dusty, it's just super shiny and I have a white garage ceiling.

I'm happy with it! Satisfies the requirements in case the police take an interest, and doesn't permanently have any new holes in the bumper. I won't say it's better or worse than any other, but it's a good option to consider.

[rob5819]

Originally Posted by wjbender

I'm buying a 2024 Z4 M40i from a state that does not require a front license plate. I live in NJ where it is required. What kind of mounting bracket do I need. Where can I get one? Is it easy to install?

It is a legal requirement for a front license plate in CA. It is a crime against humanity to put a front license plate on most roadsters. I have a Carbonio on my 458 Spider and just ordered https://carbonio.com/products/bmw-z4...sports-package for my G29 Z4 (which just finished production and is waiting for a ship).

[tracer bullet]

Originally Posted by rob5819

just ordered

I'd be interested to know how it goes (I'm sure others will too of course). I think the grille should be strong enough but it had me a little leary. Or if it would block airflow (which admittedly is unlikely to be a problem outside of legit track racing). Their picture of the Z4 looks like a Photoshop job, the plate's too small and has nothing actually mounting it, and that kind of turned me off as well not knowing where it would actually go. I may be wrong on the Photoshop accusation...

[amutti]

I’d love to think this would work, but the one on my M240 sets off the parking sensors all the time. It’s very annoying. Different brand, but same concept. I’m giving in just so I don’t have to hear the alarms all the time.

You can kind of see it on the right side of the picture. It’s works, but there is a price.

[rob5819]

Originally Posted by tracer bullet

I'd be interested to know how it goes (I'm sure others will too of course). I think the grille should be strong enough but it had me a little leary. Or if it would block airflow (which admittedly is unlikely to be a problem outside of legit track racing). Their picture of the Z4 looks like a Photoshop job, the plate's too small and has nothing actually mounting it, and that kind of turned me off as well not knowing where it would actually go. I may be wrong on the Photoshop accusation...

It will be a couple months before I have the G29 to test. The Carbonio on my 458 works great. In CA it is a $100 "fix it ticket" so I just pop the front license plate on when needed. I keep the Carbonio in the frunk.

[StanDiego]

Originally Posted by rob5819

It is a legal requirement for a front license plate in CA. It is a crime against humanity to put a front license plate on most roadsters. I have a Carbonio on my 458 Spider and just ordered https://carbonio.com/products/bmw-z4...sports-package for my G29 Z4 (which just finished production and is waiting for a ship).

FWIW, I drove a Miata daily for 7 years in San Diego with no front plate and was never pulled over. I had modified the rear plate by changing the color of some of the numbers and my wife was warned about that once when pulled over for spirited driving but even then, no mention of the missing front plate.

Of course, all it takes is one cop having a bad day to change that but I'll take my chances. I have a quick mount bracket on my Z4 but it won't save me from a $164 fine if I'm ticketed for not having it mounted.

[rob5819]

Originally Posted by StanDiego

FWIW, I drove a Miata daily for 7 years in San Diego with no front plate and was never pulled over. I had modified the rear plate by changing the color of some of the numbers and my wife was warned about that once when pulled over for spirited driving but even then, no mention of the missing front plate.

Of course, all it takes is one cop having a bad day to change that but I'll take my chances. I have a quick mount bracket on my Z4 but it won't save me from a $164 fine if I'm ticketed for not having it mounted.

I've lived in San Diego for 21 years. Five of my six current cars do not have a front license plate and (so far) the police do not care. I like having the option to pop one on when needed. I also see driving the G29 Z4 outside of San Diego so the Carbonio will hopefully be helpful. It was $119, basically the same price as the ticket. Technically, in CA you can't get pulled over for no front plate, just ticketed if you are parked or pulled over for another reason, technically.

[Horseman]

I have this one here in Texas and it works great!

https://stonsho.com/products/front-l...m-sport-sns210

However... I don't have it on as much anymore as it's not really required here anymore. The plate is in my trunk just in case i need it though.

[amutti]

Originally Posted by Horseman

I have this one here in Texas and it works great!

https://stonsho.com/products/front-license-plate-for-2019-2024-bmw-z4-m-sport-sns210

However... I don't have it on as much anymore as it's not really required here anymore. The plate is in my trunk just in case i need it though.

Thanks. I bit and bought it. I can’t do another side mounted tow hook option. Hopefully it fits and doesn’t mess with any of the sensors.

[Horseman]

Originally Posted by amutti

Thanks. I bit and bought it. I can’t do another side mounted tow hook option. Hopefully it fits and doesn’t mess with any of the sensors.

If you got the STO and SHO it will screw into under the lip where there are already screws. Remove the screws there and replace them with the ones you get in the box. The plate bracket that you'll attach and secure in the mount will not interfere with anything.

If I misunderstood which one you bought, my apologies.

[amutti]

Originally Posted by Horseman

If you got the STO and SHO it will screw into under the lip where there are already screws. Remove the screws there and replace them with the ones you get in the box. The plate bracket that you'll attach and secure in the mount will not interfere with anything.

If I misunderstood which one you bought, my apologies.

I bought the SHO one.

[tracer bullet]

Originally Posted by amutti

I bought the SHO one.

There's just one. You choose if you are stowing it or showing it at any given time. The bracket stays on the car, the bracket that is holding the plate comes on and off.

[72sirmako]

For those that have the StoNSho, Can that mounting point be slid over left or right from the center mounting point or do the holes not line up? My splitter has a center support post so I'm not sure that I can use those holes.

Nick

[StanDiego]

Originally Posted by 72sirmako

For those that have the StoNSho, Can that mounting point be slid over left or right from the center mounting point or do the holes not line up? My splitter has a center support post so I'm not sure that I can use those holes.

Nick

I believe it needs to be mounted at the center. The installation instructions only show a center mount. However, it looks like the holes are around 8' apart and the adjacent holes on left and right appear to be approximately the same distance so you might get it to work if it'll still clear the bumper.

https://stonsho.com/cdn/shop/files/L...13196352573103

[72sirmako]

Stan, thanks for that. I may give it a shot as I'd like to at least have the option without putting the stock bracket onto the car.

Nick

[amutti]

Originally Posted by amutti

I bought the SHO one.

I installed it a few minutes ago. Takes about five minutes including locating the necessary sockets, wrench and screwdriver.

Pros:
Easy install
Easy removal
Looks good
Doesn’t interfere with any sensors

Cons:
I bit wobbly
Lower license plate bolts/nuts will tap the front bumper, and I assume cause some damage eventually (I put a bit of automotive felt over them)

As far as the bolts hitting the bumper, I’m going to get a plate frame and see if that helps.

[wildcat10]

Thank you for the pros/cons, I ordered the Sto-and-Sho and currently waiting for it.

Originally Posted by amutti

Cons:
Lower license plate bolts/nuts will tap the front bumper, and I assume cause some damage eventually (I put a bit of automotive felt over them)

As far as the bolts hitting the bumper, I’m going to get a plate frame and see if that helps.

This seems like a big issue

I'll have to figure out a way to get the bolts from hitting hte bumper