cdconway

Moved to NJ recently and had to replace the front grill filler panel on my '09 S-line with a front license plate holder. Looks like I'll have to drill the new piece to mount the license plate itself. Does anyone know if this is normal or is there a bracket which matches the holder's pre-drilled holes (too close together for the license plate pre-drilled holes)and the license plate holes?

Hobbes

That's normal. There is no separate bracket - the plate it just screwed into the plastic of the front filler panel.

cdconway

Thanks!

claweave

Do they make a grill or something for just the premium plus that doesn't have the license plate area in the front?

CLEAR

I'll send you my license plate bracket if you will swap yours with me. mine's pretty much brand new, took it off first of week of ownership (delivered 09/09/09)

lxapilot

When you order the vehicle (or when the dealer does), it can be ordered with a front license plate holder (the default in states requiring front plates) or a "front grille filler panel (grille filler with chrome strips-replaces license plate holder."

On that note, anyone know where I can get the European plate holder? I'm moving to Germany in a few months and need to track one down.

astaikos10

remove either your filler panel, or your US license plate holder and viola! you've got a EU license plate holder underneath

Kngfisher

I did not want to drill into the car and with the US plate holder on you would have to drill threw the EU plate holder too or use the standard self tapping screws to do the work for you...no, not for me. I got the dealer to sell me two screws that fit right into the holes in the US plate holder. These screws come with nuts like molly bolts that spread apart when tightened. I then bought a universal license plate bracket from the local auto parts store and screwed the bracket onto the US plate holder. I fit perfect. Then the US plate could be attached to the plate bracket without drilling holes in my car. Funny how the US plate holder has two holes that do not match up to the US license plate and yet AoA does not sell a bracket that works for them. The trunk plate attachment holes line up great just not the front....strange.