W211 License Plate Molding Alternative
 

My new CDI lacks the molding needing to attach the front license plate (required in RI). The correct part is 211 885 0281, which I can get for about $75. Is there a less expensive solution that would still look good?

Thanks.

One thought I've had is zip tying the plate to the grill area below the bumper. I know that would slightly impede air flow...but it's hard to imagine it would make a difference. Thoughts? Perhaps it would look "ghetto."

Maybe try E-Bay.de with the part # ? .

I've had good luck in finding obscure vintage BMW Motocycle parts this way .

Some hints on eBay searching

Remember that MB parts in EPC are listed in the form Axxx xxx xx xx

However people on eBay may or may not follow that format

So you want to also try xxx-xxx-xx-xx and also xxxxxxxxxx (all ten digits in one string with no space or dash)

Calif also requires a front plate. Not wanting to drill the bumper, I put some small eye bolts where the drilled holes would go on the plastic plate holder and zip tied it to the grill below the bumper. Make sure to wrap the zip tie aground the support pillars behind that grill. Has worked fine for a few years now although did come off once when I bumped a 700lb bump gate a lil too aggressively.