Tried to grab it with pliers, but it seems like the screw is spinning with it. This thing is really ticking me off.

 

I would bring it to the dealer and ask him what the hell he used to mount your bracket.

I wonder if that round piece actually pushes on to the screw, instead of turning it with the pliers try pulling it straight out, after that I'm out of ideas for you.

 

Not a rivet in the traditional sense that you're thinking about, but in function it is, just a heavier duty version. Installed from the outside and the rear is expanded with a special tool which grasps the ridged shaft (which are looking like threads to you..They're not) which mushrooms the rear just like a rivet. Since you can't access it from the rear, how else would it be done? Trust me, the dealer didn't go through the trouble of removing the bumper to do this.. Looks just like the ones used to hold my GTI bracket on. They were a PITA to remove. Drill or dremel off..

 

Looks like a large rivet to me. Your only option, other than removing the bumper and clipping off the swaged, mushroomed out rivet body, is to carefully drill it out in place. Start with the a smaller drill and work up in size until you can pry them out. Fortunately you'll be prying against the Lic. plate bracket and not your painted bumper.

 

Thanks for the link Daniel.

nit only do these guys ship really quickly, but they have outstanding customer service.

I had a small hiccup with these, my fault, and they are sending me another set no questions asked.

Great quality of paint as well!

You have no idea how happy I am to be able to take off this **** front plate!

 

no problem i got a set for my 05 and was very happy with the customer service and quality too