Can't just drill it out, it does not go into a round hole. The hole in the rear panel is hexagonal., as is the fastening device.

Yes, if they used aircraft rivnuts, it would be what I would consider a good design. These are not riv-nuts. I've installed hundreds of real riv-nuts with riv-nut tools.

The only way to remove these is to grind the expanded part off the back. Then you can push it out the hexagonal hole.

Installation, on the other hand, is somewhat straight-forward. Insert the device, coat a stainless screw with anti-sieze, hold the device with a socket or wrench, and tighten the screw with a good Phillips screwdrive bit. Doesn't take much effort to deform the flange metal to make it tight. Remove the screw, install license plate, using anti sieze on the stainless screw.

But it is silly. It is a system that will fail at least 50% of the time. Very poor engineering. And the repair involves possible compromising the metal protection in the surrounding area.

__________________
Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport