Being a Mass. resident, I need a front license plate for my 2016 XJ, but I really don't want to drill holes in the front bumper.

I really like the look of the STO N SHO license plate bracket. STO N SHO lists a part of 2011-2015 (part number 78) and for 208-2019 (part number 225). Nothing for 2016-2017, pretty odd!!

I called them up and they couldn't say if either model would or wouldn't fit the 2016-2017.

So my quesion to you all is this. Has anyone had any luck fitting a STO N SHO on a 2016 XJ, and if so which model, 78 or 225?

Thanks in advance for any insight.

 

JaguarBarney, I have the the STO N SHO front plate holder on my 2014 XJ. It is exactly the right esthetically pleasing way to mount the license plate. Plus, it is conveniently easy to remove when you're washing the car and need to get at that lower grill. It mounts to the two most center screws that hold the pan to the bottom of the bumper. The model I have has the designation "SNS78" So, I think you want the 78 assuming the pan and screw holes stayed the same in 2016. Suggest you stop at a dealer and compare the hole spacing between 2014/15 and 2016 to make sure the model 78 is the right choice. I ended up putting a thin stainless frame around it and it blends nicely with the chrome up front. I tried a black frame to minimize the size (in my signature picture) but didn't like the look.

 

The model 78 fits perfectly on my 2012. Maybe do a Jaguar parts search and see if the underbelly tray is the same p/n across the X351 run.

 

A good suggestion Baltobernie. The 2016 does appear to share a lot of common parts with the 2018. I'll have to look into whether or not it's blocking sensors.

Thanks.

 

One last comment about the STO N SHO. I'm sure you are aware of how low the front end is on our XJs. Be aware that when you install the STO N SHO bracket that your license plate will not clear most curb stops and you really have to pay attention when you pull into a parking space. Sometimes the parking sensors will see the curb stop but most of the time they will not because (at least on my 2014) they don't look down enough to see it. I usually ask my significant other to jump out to guide me and she's gotten used to giving me the closing distance with her hands. Good thing she likes the Jag and doesn't mind!

 

Boy I am glad I am not the only one! Those dang front park sensors for some reason unlike every other car I have had including Jaguars. They just don't pick up stuff! They work terrible. The first dumb thing is they are not on until you turn them on which is just backwards from everything else again.
But their range seems weak and I have scraped the front bumper a number of times because of this design.

I kept trying different things like changing the angle I come at the curb but they are just sub standard in the end. Now the rear ones seem to be normal and work fine.
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The right answer to this parking problem would be a camera with the same function like we have in the rear.

 

Freddy J, I decided not to go with the STO N SHO for the reasons you discussed, even if it would fit my 2016. There's not much clearance already and this would make it worse.

Having looked at how it would mount, however, I'm thinking of making a bracket that would accomplish the same thing, maybe 1/8" or 3/16" sheet steel (aluminum) to follow the contour of the bumper skin and something to protect the paint.

And I agree with others' experience on the parking sensors. My wife's a good sport and helps me park, but a camera of some type would be nice.

 

JaguarBarney, I too thought about making a bracket before I discovered the STO N SHO. I liked the ability to remove the whole license plate assembly and be able to get at the lower grill for washing since your license plate will inconveniently block it. The first time I scraped the STO N SHO bracket, I actually made a couple aluminum skid blocks and put them on extended countersunk screws but then realized that I made the front end clearance even less. So, assuming you're going to mount with the screws that hold the underbelly tray and you are going to make a nice bracket following the contour of the bumper, consider making it out of sheet stainless steel so it can act as some what of a skid plate as well. Besides, stainless will hold up better in the winters where you are.

 

Freddy J, yes you're correct on the basic design following the bumper contour. I hadn't considered stainless steel, an excellent suggestion. I'm thinking I can make a detachable portion to remove the plate easily (maybe with a screw driver), but haven't thought that part thorugh yet. Maybe 3D printing for that part, not sure.