How to install the front license plate on a Mercedes Benz GLC 300?
By
Vroomouk
In this blog, we find various ways to install the front license plate in a Mercedes Benz GLC 300 and answer the following questions: should you drill holes in the front bumper? What are the problems with installing a bigger license plate?
How to install the front license plate on a Mercedes Benz GLC 300?
The front license plate on a Mercedes Benz GLC 300 can be installed using the following ways:
- Factory license plate bracket
- Aftermarket license plate bracket
- Adhesive bracket
- Drilling bracket.
Let’s take a closure look at the above-mentioned ways:
Factory license plate bracket
Mercedes Benz provides a factory license plate bracket with the GLC 300. It is not installed at the time of shipping the vehicle. The authorized Mercedes Benz dealerships will install it at the time of delivery of the car.
There are two holes provided on the front bumper and the factory license plate bracket is Press-fit into the front bumper. There are also additional tabs on the bottom part that locks into the front bumper grille for additional support.
The front license plate can then be screwed onto the license plate bracket. There is no need to drill additional holes on the bumper as the bracket is designed according to the GLC 300. It is also possible to use rivets instead of screws to hold the license plate together.
Additionally, long screws can be inserted in the two holes of the bracket, making the front license plate bracket even more secure. The part number for the factory license plate bracket is A2538800044, it can be purchased if the original is not present on the car.
Using rivets to secure the license plate instead of screws makes it difficult to remove. However, as the bracket is Press-fit in the front bumper it is possible to pull it and steal the license plate.
After-market license plate bracket.
The Mercedes Benz GLC 300 is compatible with aftermarket license plate brackets. The aftermarket license plate brackets have metal construction and it is mounted toward one side of the front bumper.
It is decided with a screw that goes into the tow hook eye of the Mercedes Benz GLC 300. The cover for the tow hook must be removed and kept in a secure place. There is an adjustment bolt to secure the license plate.
There is no drilling required for this license plate bracket and the overall installation time is less than 5 min. All the required tools to tighten the bracket are provided in the license plate kit. The stud that goes into the tow hook is 6061 Aluminum.
It is not designed to tow a vehicle but the oversized design ensures it does not vibrate and get loose. The license plate bracket that is bolted on the stud is made from 12 gauge steel and there is power coating to prevent it from rusting.
Some aftermarket license plates also offer quick-release systems for the license plates. The release mechanism can be used by a key or by slightly loosening the bolt that holds the bracket to the stud.
It is useful while removing the license plate during a car wash or preparing the car for a track day event. As the stud is inserted into the tow hook of the vehicle, it must be removed if the vehicle needs towing.
Adhesive brackets.
This consists of a metal bracket that sticks to the front bumper of the Mercedes Benz GLC 300. It is not the most secure method but it does not require any tools. The license plate can be inserted into the bracket.
Behind the bracket, there is either velcro or double-sided tape with strong adhesive. Installation is easy, simply insert the license plate into the bracket, remove the protective tape on the adhesive and place it on the front bumper.
For removing the bracket, the adhesive does not damage the paint of the front bumper. Any residue left after removing the bracket can be washed off with water and some soap. Frequently pressure washing the vehicle might weaken the adhesive tape.
The bracket is either made from steel or a plastic frame. Adhesive tape on the back can be easily replaced if the license plate is loose. There is no need to spend more money on a brand-new license plate bracket.
Drilling Bracket
This is just a simple license plate bracket that is installed directly in the front bumper of the Mercedes Benz GLC 300. Additional holes are drilled into the bumper and fasteners are used to attach the number plate on the front bumper.
This method is generally not recommended as it involves drilling holes in the bumper. The paint behind the license plate also gets scratched as dirt accumulates over time. It is also not easy to remove the license plate from the bracket.
Should you drill holes in the front bumper of the Mercedes Benz GLC 300?
You should avoid drilling holes in the front bumper of the Mercedes Benz GLC 300. The Mercedes Benz GLC uses proximity sensors on the front bumper for the parking assist function. The electrical wiring harness is located behind the bumper.
If the hole is too large or deep it can damage the electrical lines of the proximity sensors. Mercedes Benz also offers a pedestrian protection system in the GLC 300 as an optional extra. The pressure sensors are also located behind the front bumper. Both pressure sensors are connected to each other with a rubber tube.
Drilling holes in the front bumper to install a license plate can puncture the tube. It can result in an Active bonnet malfunction as the pressure sensors are unable to detect the change in the pressure across the length of the front bumper.
What are the problems with installing a bigger license plate?
The following problems are caused by installing a bigger license plate:
The size of the front license plate should not exceed the factory license plate bracket. If the license plate is stocked outside the bracket, the proximity sensors in the center-left and right will detect it as an obstruction.
The Parktronic control unit is calibrated for the size of the license plate bracket. Hence, Mercedes Benz also provides the stock or factory license plate bracket with the GLC 300. If the factory bracket is lost, it is also available as a spare part.
Conclusion
This blog explained the different ways a front license plate can be installed on the Mercedes Benz GLC 300. Drilling holes to install the front license plate in the front bumper of the GLC 300
should be avoided as it can damage the sensors in the bumper.
