Holey bumper, Batman!

[Ceefeesh]

I have a five digit registration and thought a legal short number plate might look good and wouldn’t be too hard to sort out. I nearly ordered the new plate and then thought I had better have a look at the bumper so I took the front number plate off. Underneath were seven holes, five large ones, I think made by VW and two courtesy of the dealer, which didn’t need to be. Can anybody explain the five holes? Are these standard? I have discounted the short plate notion as it will probably be too much bother/ expense to sort. I will let the standard number plate hide them. Is there an alternative to tape, bumper plugs or plastic weld and repaint? So much for my simple change. 



PS Sorry for the cheesy title and poor photo.

[SRGTD]

I’m guessing that what looks like the five pre-made holes are to accommodate a plate holder similar to the one at the link below (the type of plate holder / frame that enables you to give the dealer free advertising as it usually has their name or email address along the bottom edge);

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Number-Holders-Frames-Licence-Surrounds/dp/B01I6YV0IC/ref=asc_df_B01I6YV0IC/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=344362092444&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16245966255056867697&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9044855&hvtargid=pla-698209052769&psc=1

Sometimes the dealer doesn’t use one of these and they will drill a couple of holes to fit the number plate directly to the bumper. Even if they do use a plate holder, they sometimes still drill additional holes when fitting the number plate inside the number plate holder.

If they don’t use a number plate holder, they don’t always get the number plate straight / level on the first attempt, so they may drill additional holes until they get it right!

[DCmk3]

Unfortunately those 5 lovely holes are a standard courtesy of VW themselves, I guess it's to accomodate for various universal plate holder designs/style.
Unfortunate to see the dealer ran extra holes through the bumper free of charge though..

[p3asa]

The Golf comes with a number plate surround as standard from the factory.
I've read various people either on here or other Golf forums ask if it can come without it but were told no.
Its held on with 5 plastic rivets (2 at each side and 1 in the middle) as you can see from my wife's old short number on hers.

Have you taken yours off?

I reckon the dealer has just screwed your plate on and its went right through the holder as well hence the 2 smaller holes.

My last few new cars I have had. I've asked the dealer not to put the plates on at all as I can't stand them being screwed on. One Audi dealer sent me pictures of my new A1 being PDI'd with the plates screwed on despite me saying several times. He couldn't have been more apologetic and got it sorted thankfully.

If its a big deal to you, must body shops will smooth those holes out for under £200.

[Ceefeesh]

Thanks. Your picture of the number plate surround explains it. When I got the car (5 months old) there was only the 'bare' number plate on it. I have a minimal surround on it which makes it easy to change the plates, I have acquired 3D, 4D and 5D (double depth letters) plates during my ownership. Although I would like a 'clean' look I am not sure if its worth the bother, particularly convincing/placating my wife.    Am I right in thinking you have a short number?  If so, have you shortened the plate? I saw a Youtuber who had a Golf R had fitted a short plate but when I looked at it closely, the holes were visible either side, I wasn't a fan.

[p3asa]

I much prefer the smaller plate and have had one for the last 20 years hence why Ive asked for my last few new cars not to have the plates put on. Basically so I can make sure there aren't any holes under the stuck on plate 

The number plate surround wasn't so noticeable on my wife's recently departed GTI as it was black anyway but is noticeable on my blue golf.