MUST-HAVES
FLOW DOWN® magnetic number plate holders suitable for BMW - frameless
You drive a BMW and want the clean look, without visible screws or advertising print on the plate? At FLOW DOWN® you will find vehicle-specific magnetic plate holders suitable for BMW, developed for the models the BMW tuning scene actually runs. M2, M3, M4, 1, 3 and 4 Series - F and G series covered in parallel. Produced in our own workshop in Essen from UV-resistant ASA.
Available BMW models
We currently stock vehicle-specific holders for the following BMW models. Each one is developed for that model's bumper geometry:
G series (current generation)
Driving a BMW that is not listed above? We keep extending the BMW range. Planned for the coming weeks: holders suitable for the BMW M3 E92/E93, 2 Series F22/F23, 5 Series E60 and X3 G01, plus further 1, 3 and 4 Series models in both F and G generations. For every other BMW our universal holder is the flexible answer.
Why the model decides on a BMW, not the engine
On a BMW the engine makes no difference to the fit - what matters is the body and bumper geometry. A 320d and an M340i with the same G20 bumper use the same holder. An M3 G80, though, has its own M bumper with a honeycomb grille, and for that we have a separate, specially adapted holder.
That is exactly why we sort our range by model and generation rather than by power output. It makes choosing simpler and makes sure the holder matches your bumper.
How are the FLOW DOWN® holders fitted to a BMW?
On a BMW the magnets are bolted with M4 screws straight into the bumper or the tailgate, where the OEM holder sits. On every BMW the rear plate is in the tailgate; at the front it goes into the bumper. The ASA layer behind the magnet prevents direct contact with the paint.
M models (M2, M3, M4)
The M models have their own bumper with a honeycomb grille and a dedicated plate recess. Our vehicle-specific holders are built for exactly that: magnets bolted at the OEM mounting position, plate sitting flush in the recess. Even on slightly curved bumpers such as the M4 F82 the holder sits cleanly.
Standard BMWs (1, 3 and 4 Series)
On regular BMWs such as the 3 Series G20 or 4 Series F32/F33 the bumper is continuous, without a deep recess. The holders fit precisely here too: magnets bolted straight to the bumper, plate sitting neatly centred.
BMW with ACC or parking sensors - does it work?
Yes, without restriction. The FLOW DOWN® holders are designed so that neither the ACC sensor (adaptive cruise control, centre of the front bumper) nor the parking sensors are affected:
- ACC on M models: the central radar sensor stays completely clear - the plate sits above or beside it in the OEM recess. Where the gap between sensor and plate is tighter, we supply additional spacers on request so the sensor works undisturbed.
- Parking sensors: they sit to the sides of the bumper, not in the plate area - on the M2 G87, M3 G80 or 1 Series F40 alike. No effect whatsoever.
- Front camera: sits above the plate on the grille - it is not covered.
What to know before buying a BMW holder
- Front, rear or set: choose in the variant picker. For the full look we recommend the complete set.
- LCI vs. pre-LCI: some models (the M2 G87, for instance) already have a facelift version. Our holders are developed for the generation named - on the G87 the bumper geometry is identical for LCI/CS and pre-facelift.
- Plate size: on every BMW both 520 x 110 mm (standard) and 460 x 110 mm (short) fit. Special square plates (200 x 200 mm) on request.
- 3D plates: no problem. The raised areas left by the embossed characters on the back are securely enclosed by our thick 3M tape. We recommend warming the plate briefly with a hair dryer after sticking it on, so the adhesive flows around the rivets and bonds fully.
More tuning parts for your BMW
Want to finish your BMW build properly? At FLOW DOWN® you will find more than plate holders - the full tuning range for the most popular BMW models:
G series
Carbon parts, exhausts, intakes, body kits and more - all sorted by your BMW model.
Advice & fitting in a workshop that knows BMWs
Not sure which holder suits your BMW - because you have a special M bumper, say, or an E model we do not currently stock? At our workshop in Essen we advise you in person and can adapt the holder on the car. Book by phone on 0176 76043407 or via WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions about BMW magnetic plate holders
Does the holder fit every bumper version of my BMW?
Within one generation (the BMW G20 3 Series, for example) the bumper geometry at the plate position is identical, whether 320d, 330i or M340i. The M models (M3 G80, M4 G82 and so on) have their own bumper, and we have a separate holder for it. If you have a rare option such as an aero kit or a carbon front, just ask - we will check the fit.
What is the difference between the F series and the G series?
The F series (M2 F87, M3 F80, M4 F82/F83, 4 Series F32/F33) is the previous BMW generation, still with the classic kidney grille. The G series (M2 G87, M3 G80, M4 G82, 3/4 Series G20-G23) is the current one, with the well-known large kidney on the M models. The bumper geometry is completely different, so each generation needs its own holder.
Does the holder also work on the M2 G87 with the CS package or LCI?
Yes. The CS and the LCI G87 share the front bumper geometry of the standard G87 - our holder fits all three. The product title marks this as "incl. LCI & CS".
Do the holders also work with 3D number plates?
Yes. On 3D plates the embossed characters create slight raised areas on the back. Our thick 3M tape encloses them securely and still bonds across the full surface. We recommend warming the plate briefly with a hair dryer after sticking it on - the adhesive then flows around the rivets and reaches full strength.
Does the holder interfere with the ACC sensor or the parking sensors on my BMW?
No. We deliberately design around both the central ACC radar sensor (centre of the front bumper, on the M2 G87, M3 G80, M4 G82 for instance) and the parking sensors. Where the ACC sensor sits particularly close to the plate we supply additional spacers to go between holder and bumper, so the sensor stays undisturbed. The front camera, where fitted, sits above the plate and is not covered.
Does the holder work on slightly curved bumpers?
Yes. On cars with a slightly curved bumper such as the BMW M4 F82 or M2 F87 the holder still sits cleanly. The magnets lie flat and the ASA backing plates have enough tolerance for minor curvature. For extreme aero kit versions, just ask us beforehand.
Where are the magnets fixed on a BMW?
The magnets are bolted with M4 screws directly to the bumper at the front and the tailgate at the rear, at the position of the OEM plate holder, which is removed on many tuning builds anyway. On every BMW the rear plate sits in the tailgate, so that is where they go. Behind each magnet an ASA layer prevents direct contact with the bodywork - kind to the paint and permanently firm.
My BMW model is not in the range - what now?
We keep extending the BMW range. In preparation: holders for the BMW M3 E92/E93, 2 Series F22/F23, 5 Series E60 and X3 G01. If your model is not listed, the universal holder is a flexible alternative - or you drop us a message to ask whether a vehicle-specific holder is planned.
Do I need the same holder front and rear?
Yes - on the same BMW the plate positions front and rear match geometrically. Simply choose "front", "rear" or "complete set" in the variant picker. For a consistent look front and rear we recommend the set.
Can I fit the holder to my BMW myself?
Yes. The first fitting takes about 10 minutes and is straightforward with the enclosed instructions. All you need is isopropanol to degrease and a hair dryer to warm the tape. If you would rather leave it to us: at our workshop in Essen we fit it properly.
All brands and model designations named in this shop, such as BMW, M2, M3, M4 and the associated generation codes (F87, G87, F80, G80, F82, G82 and so on), are used solely to describe the compatibility of our products. FLOW DOWN® is an independent supplier of tuning parts and accessories and is not connected with BMW AG. Legal responsibility for mounting the plate correctly rests with the vehicle keeper.