Dealership damaged front bumper with license plate screw *WWYD?*
 

After removing the dealership marketing plates in preperation for a relocation, I noticed that the screws the dealership used to install the plates were too long and tapped into the bumper.

I know the stealership is going to give me trouble about getting this fixed, but would you guys deal with the hastle of attempting to get it fixed?

I am planning on bringing it to them, with Mazda NA on speed dial.

Get two plugs

Did the same to mine...

They did not accidentally do that. Pretty much every single MS3 comes with that front plate.

I think the only people that were able to avoid it were the people that had an ms3 on order and when it came in they told Mazda to not put the front plate on.

Just tell them to fix it and if they argue, let them know you could always contact Mazda and a lawyer for selling you a damaged car. After you fail, get two plugs.

Glad I found my front license plate bracket tossed in the hatch and not installed :D

What sort of plugs would remedy my malformed bumper?

same here, can't believe that the official method for installation is to just self tap into the bumper cover, when I went to the CPE tow plate I used a pair of enameled flatheads and screwed them back in, I think some have replaced the cover (its sub $100) but this is one of those things you wouldn't know in advance of purchase (save being a member here before hand...) I thought about trying to get the stealership to replace mine and thought better of it, I don't want to start off wrong with them... they really should ask.

Yeah, It seems like the front bracket would have come with screws from the factory, but the dealership just picks whatever they use for all the cars, albeit the completely wrong length. frustrating.

I have to stop at the dealership to drop off my 2nd key on my trade, and I might run it by the sales guy in passing, to catch his reaction.

Luckily I live in PA and we do not have front plates. But that sucks, I would try and see if they would fix it, but you know how stealerships can be.

mine had fucking 4 screws in it when i took mine out... i was pissed.. the kit came with two small plugs but i need more.

Anyone have a clue where to find plugs that i can use? I tried wandering around Home Depot for an hour and as usual i didnt find what i was looking for.......:grumpy:

Yea that sucks. I'd be hyper pissed off. Luckily, my front plate bracket was in with the spare tire when I got mine. I'd say give it a shot. Be like, "this is clearly NOT supposed to be like this. You need to fix it." and if they refuse threaten with a lawyer. And then if they don't care still just say fuck it cause suing would probably cost more than the bumper cover...lol

Those little holes will be the very least of your concerns eventually. Soon there will be a million rock paint chips, and the abundance of zip ties and duct tape once you start modding.

they did the same shit to mine
I got mine at Sussman Mazda

On the pus you can replace the front part they drill into for 90 bucks and it even comes painted from the factory.

Its made to be drilled into like that. If you look at one that hasn't had a plate mounted there are two divet's that they use to start the screws. Most dealerships do it because its illegal in most states to not have a front plate.

Fill them in and plasti-dip over it. It'll clean it up

federal law forces dealerships, in states that require front plates, to put those on every car before they leave the lot so a lawyer won;t be able to do anything. Most dealerships will not put the plate on if you request it.
Not completely sure about the size, but this is what I used
Shop The Hillman Group 2-Pack Plastic Hole Plugs at Lowes.com

Got lucky with mine. Found it before it was prepped for the dealer lot - so when they set it up, they told me the bracket was in the back. I still have it in the original bag and never opened.

Funny thing is, the kit comes with two screws to tap the bumper. I wonder why your dealer "found" some screws.

Well good luck to you sir. And another trick I've heard people use is to unscrew the mont and simply us the screws to plug the holes.

I had this same issue. I bought mine before it was prepped and SPECIFICALLY stated not to put it on. They did it anyways and said legally the car has to leave the lot with a front plate on it. I contacted Mazda NA and they told me the same thing. My dealership was nice but said there was nothing they could do.

That front insert is not painted from the factory. It is a color that is molded in during the manufacturing process so each one is as little different shade and no color will match perfectly.

Luckily 2 months later I hit a deer and when the body shop replaced it I had them leave it off and paint my entire front end black mica.

I think I'm in this camp. It sucks, for sure, and I'd be okay with asking if they have anything they can do about it, but I'd be careful not to let something that (I personally think) is relatively minor be the reason that the dealership is a major pain in the side going forward. Pretty important to get off on the right foot with the dealership, in my opinion.

You get the "silver lining" award of the day. Not everyday you read a sentence that starts with "Luckily, 2 months later, I hit a deer...."

ditto..came from dealer with plate screwed into front moustache...removed day i bought. Sand down, fill in with "insert favorite filler" - paint (grill color) black problem solved.

...that being said I still have screw holes and I've said I was gonna fix it from day one...and haven't...more airflow or something? Debating drinking another 6 pack and adding a few dozen more holes with my drill to "increase the intake"...or not...or maybe...

/drunk..who wants to buy me more

You could spend $89 and get a new insert.

Sent from my frontal cortex.

If you buy the CS LP relocation kit, it comes with the black plugs for the holes. If you don't want to buy that, go to hardware store and find/order some to your specific needs

Measure dia. And order them. They're just plastic plugs.

those hillman boxes with the screws and shit in them.

Going to just order the relocation kit and say fuck it. The holes add character. My car has a meth addict's smile :crackhead:

As mentioned if you buy the CS kit it comes with plugs, so your car won't have to look like it sucks deeock for gas....unless that "crackhead" look is what your going for.

Installed mine yesterday, piece of cake.


Sent while taking a shit

I replaced the front mustache on my Gen 1 (cheaper than gen 2) and it has 2 little divets that mark where to screw the plate to.

I think op was talking about the screws that hold the plate not the holder went two far and hit the bumper... Happened on my '10 when it took off the frame... Could be wrong I guess though but in any case they aren't going to do anythimg

Mine didn't :) and I noticed the rest of the speeds didn't as well. They asked me after i purchased if I wanted it installed and I said hell nazz!

It could be worse. My buddies brand new GTI had 5 holes in his front bumper. 3 from the bracket and 2 from the license plate.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

Same issue with mine. I took it back and made them fix their mistake. I don't see the issue here.

This. But after taking the bracket off I realized it was a screw in job. not like some where they have pop out covers that hide where there are factory mounting holes not drilled into stock like tards

...i don't eve remember typing that....it must have taken me forever!

lulz, long but worth reading