W124 rear number plate

[bubble124]

Hi, I have a 1995 W124 E220 saloon.
Does anyone know how to remove the rear number plate fixing nuts from the bootlid?

One of them is "spinning", preventing the removal of one of the no. plate screws. I have purchased 4 genuine new ones from a Merc. dealer, but I cannot see how to remove the old ones.

The nuts have a round shoulder on one end, the end that is visible on the outside of the bootlid.

Any help would be appreciated.

bubble124.

 

[franey]

The ones you have been supplied with are called 'rivnuts' a cross between a rivet and a nut. You normally need a special tool to fix these in, basically it collapses the rivnut into the hole and forms a new shoulder on the inner wall of the boot lid.
You can improvise by using a high tensile M5 threaded bolt and nut and washer.
Once you have removed the old ones....... run the nut on to the bolt, then put the washer on and then the new rivnut. Place the whole assembly into the hole and then using two 8mm spanners tighten the normal nut aginst the rivnut whilst holding the head of the bolt with the other. This will collapse the new rivnut in the hole. Be sure to push the new rivnut right into the hole throughout the operation. You will feel the new rivnut grab itself in the hole.
Repeat with the remainder. Before fitting the new screws, apply a little bit of copper grease to prevent seizure in the future.
Hope this helps you.
Also, make sure that when you run the rivnut on to the bolt, the thread of the bolt peeps out of the end!!

 

[bubble124]

The ones you have been supplied with are called 'rivnuts' a cross between a rivet and a nut. You normally need a special tool to fix these in, basically it collapses the rivnut into the hole and forms a new shoulder on the inner wall of the boot lid.
You can improvise by using a high tensile M5 threaded bolt and nut and washer.
Once you have removed the old ones....... run the nut on to the bolt, then put the washer on and then the new rivnut. Place the whole assembly into the hole and then using two 8mm spanners tighten the normal nut aginst the rivnut whilst holding the head of the bolt with the other. This will collapse the new rivnut in the hole. Be sure to push the new rivnut right into the hole throughout the operation. You will feel the new rivnut grab itself in the hole.
Repeat with the remainder. Before fitting the new screws, apply a little bit of copper grease to prevent seizure in the future.
Hope this helps you.
Also, make sure that when you run the rivnut on to the bolt, the thread of the bolt peeps out of the end!!

Hi franey,

That sounds ingenious. I can now see exactly what you mean, and I fully understand the nut & bolt affair. I'm obliged to you.

Many, many thanks. bubble124.

 

[Apial]

Where can you get the Rivnuts from? Are the ones used on number plates a special sort as the end of the rivnuts stands out 7mm or so from the mounting surface. Is it a special Mercedes part number?

What is the best way to remove the old ones? Do they need to be drilled out ?

 

[Apial]

Dear Apial....


You can get the replacement screwed rivets from your local MB Parts Dept. If you give them the part number MA124 990 02 58 it will save them asking for your chassis number. Whilst your there you might want to order the chrome headed screw, part number MN007985 005175 if you need that too.

The removal of the old rivnut is performed with a 7mm drill bit, being very careful not to drill too deep or you will go through the panel behind. The replacement rivnut has a hexagonal stem, and if you have drilled carefully, you will see the corresponding hole. To fit the rivnut you will need a rivnut insertion tool. These can be purchased on ebay for as little as £12.12 inc postage.

If you want though, I am quite happy to sell you my rivnut tool that has been used only once, for £10 inc postage. It comes with 4,5,6,and 8mm inserts, but you only need the 5mm one. I will even throw in 2 genuine MB screwed rivets that cost me £2.06 + vat.