Buy Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG License Plate Bracket

Quick Summary

The Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG license plate bracket-also called a plate holder, tag bracket, or number-plate mount-secures the vehicle's plate to the front bumper, keeps parking sensors clear, and satisfies road-law rules that demand a front plate in many places. It is shaped to match the AMG-style bumper used on 2017-present GLC43 SUVs and Coupes, made mainly from impact-resistant ABS plastic, and installs with simple metric screws that line up with factory pilot holes. Correct mounting matters for safety-system cameras and for obeying the 31 U.S. states (and many countries) that require two plates. Routine checks for loose screws and corrosion keep the bracket quiet and rust-free. If drilling the bumper is not wanted, tow-hook or quick-release alternatives exist, as long as they do not block sensors.

Fit & Years

• Fits GLC43 AMG X253/C253 (2017-2023) and the refreshed X254 (2024-present) that retains the same bolt pattern on AMG fascia.
• Not interchangeable with base GLC300 or GLC63 brackets because their bumper contours differ. (Mercedes-Benz USA)

Why It Matters

• A rigid bracket keeps the plate from flexing at highway speed, so the front radar, camera, and PARKTRONIC sensors stay in calibration. (Mercedes-Benz USA)
• If the plate is tilted or off-center, the sensors can give false parking warnings, as owners have reported. (MBWorld, TadiBrothers Blog)
• NHTSA crash-avoidance rules specify a steady plate angle (300 × 150 mm at a set tilt) for sensor test dummies; the bracket holds that angle. (NHTSA)

Materials

• ABS plastic-light, tough, and resists low-speed bumps. Impact testing shows good shock absorption for automotive trim. (ResearchGate)
• Galvanized or powder-coated steel inserts may be used for extra stiffness and long rust life (50+ years to first maintenance in salt spray). (American Galvanizers Association, American Galvanizers Association)
• Protective electro-plating or paint slows corrosion if steel screws scratch the finish. (Corrosionpedia)

Hardware

• Mercedes threads are metric; factory screws are M5-0.8 × 10 mm pan-head Phillips. (MBWorld)
• Hand-tight torque (about 2 N·m) is plenty; over-tightening can crack ABS tabs. (MBWorld)
• A thin foam gasket on the back of the holder stops paint scuffs and rattles. (Mercedes-Benz USA)

Install Steps

1. Align the four posts with the bumper dimples.
2. Press gently to seat the foam.
3. Insert the two upper screws first, then the lowers, so the plate sits flat.
4. Check that the bracket clears the center radar square; adjust if needed.

Legal Points

• Front-plate states: 31 U.S. states plus D.C. demand a front plate; fines range from $50-$200. (NCSL)
• California 2025 law bars any film or cover that hides plate reflectivity-no tinted covers allowed. (California DMV)
• Tampering or blocking a plate can also disrupt automatic recall and VIN searches run through the NHTSA plate lookup tool. (NHTSA)
• In many EU nations, two plates are mandatory; Germany and the U.K. cite similar size and reflectivity standards. (Wikipedia)

Care Tips

• Wash with mild car-soap; avoid harsh solvents that dry ABS and dull its finish. (ResearchGate)
• Once a year, remove the bracket and coat steel screws with silicone grease to stop white rust. (American Galvanizers Association)
• Inspect after winter-road salt speeds corrosion if the coating is chipped. (Corrosionpedia)

Troubleshooting

← scroll table horizontally →

Upgrades

• Tow-hook relocator-mounts the plate to the factory towing eye; handy for track days but must be angled to avoid sensor beams. (MBWorld)
• Quick-release frame-spring pins let you detach the tag for detailing in seconds, useful where only a rear plate is required off-state. (TadiBrothers Blog)

Sustainability

• ABS and PP brackets can be recycled if sorted; look for code ">ABS<" under the frame. (ResearchGate)
• Galvanized steel parts last decades, lowering replacement waste. (American Galvanizers Association)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What years of GLC43 use this bracket?
A: All U.S.-spec GLC43 SUVs and Coupes from 2017 through the current 2025 model share the same front mounting holes.

Q: Will it fit my non-AMG GLC300?
A: No. The AMG bumper has different contours, so the bracket is specific to GLC43 styling. (Mercedes-Benz USA)

Q: Do I have to drill the bumper?
A: No-factory dimples mark the screw spots. Only tighten into those pilot holes. (MBWorld)

Q: What if my state doesn't need a front plate?
A: You may leave the bracket off, but keep it handy for travel to states that do require two plates. (NCSL)

Q: Can the bracket block the radar cruise sensor?
A: Properly centered it will not; an off-angle plate or thick novelty frame can cause false alerts. (Mercedes-Benz USA, MBWorld)

Q: What size screws should I use?
A: M5-0.8 × 10 mm metric pan-head screws match the factory threads. (MBWorld)

Q: How tight should the screws be?
A: Snug by hand-about 2 newton-meters. Over-tightening may crack the plastic tabs.

Q: Does the bracket rust?
A: The ABS body will not rust; steel inserts can if the coating is damaged, so add grease after each winter. (American Galvanizers Association)

Q: Is a quick-release legal?
A: Yes, as long as the plate is upright and readable while driving; California bans only covers that dim reflectivity. (California DMV)

Q: Will it change aerodynamics?
A: Any front plate raises drag slightly, but at legal speeds the effect on fuel use is minimal. (Wikipedia)

Q: What's the part number?
A: Mercedes lists it internally as 253-885-12-05 for 2017-23, with an updated suffix for 2024+ models. (Mercedes-Benz USA)

Q: Can I paint the bracket body-color?
A: Yes-lightly sand, prime plastic, and use flexible bumper paint to avoid flaking. (ResearchGate)

Q: How do I stop vibration noise?
A: Add a foam strip behind the lower edge and tighten all four screws evenly. (MBWorld)