Part number or name for "front license plate base"?

[TheWags]

My 2003 S5004M just has the two holes on the front bumper, where now my license plate and a crappy frame hang. It looks like crap. I see plenty of M-Bs, including W220s, with a nice, body color ABS plastic (I think) base, that makes a nice flat area for the license plate and frame to screw into. It looks much better. How can I find one of these? What is it called? Is there an M-B part number?

[DrJfrmLA]

The MB part is over $200 and by the time you get it painted, you're looking at $350 or more for it (that's what I was quoted by the dealership). It is metal, and apparently brought over by Black Forest Elves flying business class on Lufthansa.

For 1/25th that you can get one at Autozone that will suit. Another $4 for a can of Krylon that is nearly body color and you're set. If you're keen to have an OEM part, try a salvage yard.

[Skylaw]

The one for my '05 W220 is part #A 220 885 1581, and also contains a number "DN 13335 USA." Your dealer should be able to trace that part number back to an '05, find the name, and find the appropriate part for your car. Yours could differ from mine (which, by the way, is plastic, and was always black even on my silver car).

The parts tech can also look at an exploded diagram of your front bumper assembly and find it.

[TeamWenz]

Mine is black and plastic as well and my car is silver so ditto

[TheWags]

Great advice - thanks everyone! Is the OEM part metal or plastic? Do any dealerships or others sell OEM parts online? That seems easier than dealing with my local dealership. I suppose my ISP can probably order one, too.

[Skylaw]

With a Mercedes part number, my plastic frame is OEM. There could be OEM metal frames, too. Best source to unravel the mystery is your dealer.

[harley03joe]

Originally Posted by Skylaw

The one for my '05 W220 is part #A 220 885 1581, and also contains a number "DN 13335 USA." Your dealer should be able to trace that part number back to an '05, find the name, and find the appropriate part for your car. Yours could differ from mine (which, by the way, is plastic, and was always black even on my silver car).

The parts tech can also look at an exploded diagram of your front bumper assembly and find it.

Hi Sky
Can You Please Post A Picture Of Your Front Plate Bracket
I Also Have A W220 05
Thank You
Harley03joe

[qcar]

It's ironic this topic came up. Today I finally got my two plates (CA required) and went to the MB dealer to get a front plate support frame for my S55. The dealer wanted $182 for this piece of plastic, which looks like it should retail for under $5.00. And it didn't even include the screws to mount it!!!

I said "no way," thought of the possibilities of searching for a substitute on ebay or else where and then then returned just wanting to get the whole thing over with before I got pulled over and had to spend a day at the DMV for a $25 fix it ticket.

When I complained that it didn't even come with the screws, the parts guy said he'd include them and have it installed for free. He then admitted I was "being screwed enough as is" which I though was actually quite funny. He knocked $30 off the price, so now it was "just" $166 with tax.

BTW, a day before I had 4 new rotors and pads (OEM) installed at an indy mechanic - $1,300. So 8 dealer license plate frames = 1 complete AMG brake job.

Fuzzy math.

-qcar

[harley03joe]

Originally Posted by qcar

It's ironic this topic came up. Today I finally got my two plates (CA required) and went to the MB dealer to get a front plate support frame for my S55. The dealer wanted $182 for this piece of plastic, which looks like it should retail for under $5.00. And it didn't even include the screws to mount it!!!

I said "no way," thought of the possibilities of searching for a substitute on ebay or else where and then then returned just wanting to get the whole thing over with before I got pulled over and had to spend a day at the DMV for a $25 fix it ticket.

When I complained that it didn't even come with the screws, the parts guy said he'd include them and have it installed for free. He then admitted I was "being screwed enough as is" which I though was actually quite funny. He knocked $30 off the price, so now it was "just" $166 with tax.

BTW, a day before I had 4 new rotors and pads (OEM) installed at an indy mechanic - $1,300. So 8 dealer license plate frames = 1 complete AMG brake job.

Fuzzy math.

-qcar

Yes The Dealer Is One Big Rip Off
I Called To day For A Front Euro Plate Bracket For My 05 S 500 The Part Number Was #2208851081 Euro Front Tag Bracket For $127.00 What A Rip Off

Want To really Laff A Key For My Car With GoStart Is $399.00

[impala]

I have subject part from a 2003 W220 (non-AMG front bumper), cleaned and in good condition.

Original equipment with Mercedes part number "A 220 885 1581", "DN 13335 USA", and "Made in Germany" stamped on it.

It is in sturdy black plastic, good as new structurally (no crack or wrapping).

There is a cosmetic 1" surface scratch on the side ... mostly unnoticeable, unless looking downward right at it within a few feet away in front of the vehicle, from the passenger side (most of the part is hidden behind the plate, only small portions on both sides are exposed).

I was waxing my car one day and saw the scratch, thinking it was a crack. Without checking closer, I bought a new part from the dealer, retail CAD165 plus tax.

Upon removal, I found the original part had a scratch only, not a crack or wrappage. But I went ahead to put the new one on anyway for cosmetics (and saved the trouble of returning), so now have the original base cleaned & available.

CAD30 plus shipping (ballpark CAD15-20 from Canada to US).

Please send me a PM if interested, stating your location so I can confirm the total including shipping at cost. Will be shipping it in the Mercedes box that the new part came in from the dealer.

Thank you.