Mercedes 'visible' number plate screws

[Cobnapint]

Why do new Mercedes cars, which are supposed to be high-end quality products, have their numberplates fixed on with bare headed screws? It makes the vehicles look unfinished and cheapens the appearance, especially when the screw heads start to corrode. Doesn't the budget run to providing caps or what?

[anonymous-user]

They don't all have visible screws!

I bought my car from Merc Manchester, both front and back has a black plastic plate holder with slim banded surround, then the actual plate clips into this - no visible screws yet no sticky-back pads to come unstuck.

I'm sure you can buy them aftermarket if you want to tidy up the plate.

[Bitofbully]

It's usually because lease companies want to do the cheapest and quickest job possible.

I've had issues with delaminating cheapo plates recently.

[Cobnapint]

yellowbentines said:

They don't all have visible screws!

I bought my car from Merc Manchester, both front and back has a black plastic plate holder with slim banded surround, then the actual plate clips into this - no visible screws yet no sticky-back pads to come unstuck.

I'm sure you can buy them aftermarket if you want to tidy up the plate.

The plate holder is something you might see in Germany that has the dealers details etched at the bottom. Its not a regular fit in this country.

And I know you can buy after market screw caps - I did just that in 2006 when I bought a new Merc. The point I'm making is, in this day and age you shouldn't have to. They wouldn't dream of leaving exposed wing mirror fixings, or dashboard and door trim screw heads, so why do it with number plates...?

[mbtech01]

Depends on the dealer fitting the plates, some use backing plates that you can then fit the no plate onto & not see the screws where as others just simply drill 4 holes & screw them onto cars fixings. Either way you'll end up paying a fortune for the no plates regardless of whether they come with backing plates or not when you see the final invoice for delivery etc.