Glovebox - BMW Forum

Ryderofthestorm7 · 05-31-2006, 04:28 PM

I'm really sick and tired of getting in my car, and looking over at my passenger seat, and noticing my sagging glovebox. I was just wondering if anyone here knows of any ways to fix this common problem. Also, has anyone tried the example from www.understeer.com ?
I kind of don't want to start drilling holes in my glovebox untill I am completely sure its going to work.

kestrel325is · 05-31-2006, 04:48 PM

I've never tried it. My GF's glovebox is sagging, but it looks like the door won't close all the way.. not sure if it's the same problem. If you decide to do it, post a before / after. That might sway my decision.

Furious · 05-31-2006, 05:23 PM

yeah this is common try the fix from understeer, im just to lazy to fix mine.

Hamfisted · 05-31-2006, 09:56 PM

Don't drill holes in your dash. The real problem is caused because the plastic facia just above the glove box door has popped loose from the glove box frame and just needs to be re-inserted. I'm not absolutely sure but I think it comes from shops unfamiliar with the E36 glove box removal procedure and which screws have to be removed to pull the box out, required for doing any work behind the box. Such as alarm installers, A/C repair, changing out the Microfilter, etc...
If you don't get that top 10mm bolt out (the one behind the light...) and just remove the visible screws and start yankin you'll pop that facia out of the retaining clips and your glove box door will sag.

In this pic you can see the backside of the glovebox door lock. The plastic clips that are circled at the bottom are the clips that need to be reinserted into their holes in the box frame. You can also see the two stupid holes the original author drilled in his glovebox frame to try and fix the problem, probably before he disassembled the box to this level and realized the true problem. Once the clips are re-inserted you'll have no more sag. Be diligent in the re-installation that you don't accidently pop these clips out again using too much force. It normally happens removing the glovebox, not re-installing it. Remember the 10mm screw behind the glovebox light.

Mike

Ryderofthestorm7 · 06-01-2006, 03:16 PM

what 10mm screw are you talking about

Da Prophecy · 06-01-2006, 04:42 PM

Quote:

what 10mm screw are you talking about

If you remove the glovebox light you will find a 10mm bolt.

Thanks to Hamfisted my saging glove box is now fixed without the use of any screws.

Gkamysz · 06-01-2006, 06:32 PM

I just fixed mine today. I put in a microfilter and keyless entry. It was much simpler than that. I don't think the clips are the problem in mine, though I might look if I have it apart again. Just loosen the 10mm bolt that is under the orange lens in the top of the glovebox. Use a flat screwdriver to pry out the forward most part of the lens. Push like mad on the glovebox latch while tightening the bolt. That did it for me.

Ryderofthestorm7 · 06-01-2006, 07:54 PM

i'm really confused on which bolt you guys are talking about. Can one of you please show me a picture of where it is, or what it looks like? I tried fixing my glovebox today, but it didnt end up closing completely.
thanks

Gkamysz · 06-02-2006, 07:27 AM

Look inside your glovebox on the top, where the orange light is. The bolt is under there. Remove the lens and you'll see it.

Hamfisted · 06-02-2006, 09:39 AM

Here's a couple of pics. Under the glovebox light you'll find the 10mm screw to remove.

Unscrewing the 10mm screw....

To get to the cabin micro filter....

Mike

triggrhaapi · 06-02-2006, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kestrel325is

My GF's glovebox is sagging, but it looks like the door won't close all the way..

I know this is off-topic but that sounds like you're dating an "older" woman.

325isBaby · 06-02-2006, 04:31 PM

LOL, that's just wrong

kestrel325is · 06-02-2006, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by triggrhaapi

I know this is off-topic but that sounds like you're dating an "older" woman.

LOL wow. I didn't even read it that way when I posted it.

chrismcl05 · 06-02-2006, 06:28 PM

well my glovebox has only ever been taken out by the dealership and it saggs. and i think they know how to take it out as thats what they r trained for. i dismantled it they way u suggested and no joy it still saggs so i done it with the 2 screws and it works perfectly all i needed was a couple of screws and 2 plastic screw covers to match the trim. works and looks o.k to me.

preyash · 06-02-2006, 11:11 PM

THe glove box becomes loose because the plastic fascia has fallen loose u need to take the whole thing off i mean the glovebox and reinsert the fascia in its place and the glove box is going to shut tight like new, i didnt know this my glove box didnt shut properly but my dad just came in and figured it out all by himself in like 2 minutes, and it worked like new again, my dad is a genius.
just do that and u guys will be fine.