Thought it would be in the manual, but I couldn't find specifics on actually removing the plug.

I Just got my car back from the shop, and love the no front licenese plate look, but that won't last long in and around NYC, so I am going with a tow hook mount. I am trying to be very delicate since its all brand new, flawless paint, but pushing in on the top or bottom haven't done anything. Am i just admittedly being a wimp, or am I just doing wrong?

Thanks in advance.

 

got any plastic trim tools? That should help with prying

 

On My BMW & Audi, there was no prying involved, pushing in the plug a certain way popped it out. Just thinking about using plastic trim tools (which I have) even if I wrapped things in painter's tape, and cloth makes the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. LOL

 

On the 3G , you gotta pry it off


Check the Owner's Manual.

I'm sure it's in there as part of the "Towing Procedure"

 

Ouch. Was hoping to avoid pry tools, but I'm glad I wasn't pushing the plug in too hard.

I did check the the manual. Step #1 after getting the tow hook itself was something along the lines of "remove the plug" Very helpful LOL.

 

odd that its not a push clip thingy

 

well then... remove it!!


wow.. so much for that advice.. To be fair, the 3G had a little lip/indentation that I used to remove the tow hook cover. Sounds like your only solution is to pop off the entire bumper cover to push it out from the rear

 

Or... you know... just use super glue (or as an alternative, gorilla glue) to stick your license plate on there. Lot cleaner look than the tow hook plate holder, and you won't have to worry about losing the tow hook cover.

 

For some reason, I just can't picture Mr Hyde doing this

 

So pushing on this plug will not cause it to rotate out. I ended up using a plastic pry tool after putting painters tape on the bumper.

For the next guy looking to do this, there are 2 tabs dear center top and bottom that hold the plug in.

 

What tow hook attachment did you buy?

I bought a tow hook mount but I tried it just now and the adapter is to small.

 

I went with the Rho-plate. The TLX has different size hardware than the TL did, so I didn't want to waste the time or money on cheaper ones that I wasn't sure were TLX specific. It was pricey, but the hardware was all very good quality.

 

Strangely enough, mine popped out on the highway. I didn't notice until I stopped. Right at the edge of it was the impact guts of a huge wasp. It looks like the wasp hit it right at an angle and got under the lip, and the force of the impact lifted it out. It's attached by a little rubber tether so you don't lose it. I just popped it back in and went on my way, hasn't come out since.