FuturaDesign

Again, new owner here trying to install a front license plate on a 2013 Q5 which came with the front plate bracket like this:

https://c1552172.ssl.cf0.rackcdn.com/564399_x800.jpg


My problem is the Texas license plate has 4 screw holes, and this plate bracket has nothing to line those 4 holes to. With this bracket, it looks like I can only use self tapping screws which kind of boggles my mind from a design perspective. The rear license plate bracket has 4 nifty little recessed nuts for an M6 size screw to fit neatly into. The front however doesn't.

There are two bumper plug holes which are slightly wider and lower than the license plate holes. ECS Tuning sells these riveted nuts which are supposed to work with the bracket, but what attaches to these riveted nuts?

BarryT

Most dealerships put screws in them. You can go to any auto parts store and purchase a plate mount kit that has screws and the retainers. Drill a few holes and pop the retainers in place.

Bob Petruska

All US front plates have 4 mounting holes in the exact same locations! Why wouldn't the front plate mount have the 4 tapped holes with plugs put in directly from the factory. I guess that saves 50 cents per vehicle without them.

As stated above most dealers/owners just use self-tapping screws.

I lost my faith in Audi engineering a long time ago, too many crap designs.....................

Clemson73

I used automotive grade double-sided tape to attach a pewter(a lot heavier than a standard state plate) vanity plate. It's been securely affixed since December of 2014.

waninae39

i had the same issue.
it took THREE different plate holders to fit on my Q5

mine had 4 threaded screws, but they did not align with the holes in our license plates (;

the service guy just screwed 4 new hole sand used self tapping screws.

I did not want to come for a 4th visit to the dealer just for a front plate

Speedooooo

Makes no sense, but the simple answer as others have said is to use self tapping screws. There's no hardware that fits into the holes on the license plate bracket.

Redd

Bob-
"Why wouldn't the front plate mount have the 4 tapped holes with plugs put in directly from the factory. "
Hadn't you heard the rumours? Fritz is still pissed about losing the war? This might be seen as intentional petty vengeance, icing on the cake with the need for optional front plate brackets itself.
But somehow, we get the all-important front floor mini-umbrella mesh pocket at no extra charge. And, the empty rear lift gate triangle reflector compartment. Priorities?

3M "VHB" tape is their premium double-sided mounting tape, used to hold windows in skyscrapers. Very different from the stuff sold in the big box stores. After 48 hours it sets up very permanently, but the sight of "no screws!" might encourage some petty thief to try snatching a plate anyhow, and then bending it all up trying to peel it off.

FuturaDesign

I took some paper out to the car and traced the positioning of the holes and started scouring online pictures for something that looks similar. The VW Beetle front plate bracket looks like it will work. You can see the 4 license plate holes and then the two wider clip holes close to the top two.

I'm going to try ordering one and test fitment. I suspect I'll have to do some trimming but I'd much rather use this than self tapping screws.