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How do I break into my glove compartment?

Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 9:02 am
by clarko74
Morning all,

I've never been able to open my glove box, the key will turn in the lock but it won't open in either position.

I'd be grateful if anyone could let me know in which key position is it unlocked? And has anyone got any ideas or handy tips on how I might be able to get into it?

Thanks very much,

Adrian

Re: How do I break into my glove compartment?

Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 9:32 am
by Loony
If you look along the bottom of the glovebox you will find the screws for the hinge.Undoe the screws and you may be able to pull it apart free from the lock.If it comes to it you may have to get a new glove box from a breakers.

Re: How do I break into my glove compartment?

Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 9:47 am
by clarko74
Nice one, cheers. I'll give that a go.

Re: How do I break into my glove compartment?

Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 1:38 pm
by snoops
same thing happened to mine, used to work fine but it doesn't open, I've even snapped a screwdriver trying to wedge it open 8O

as the cars scrap I will try using a crowbar winkeye

Re: How do I break into my glove compartment?

Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 1:41 pm
by o22ie
mine as never opened since ive had it,, might be some goodies in there for all i know

Re: How do I break into my glove compartment?

Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 1:45 pm
by psychochild187
my friends car did that trick

with my passport, keys and wallet in it !!! 8O

Re: How do I break into my glove compartment?

Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 1:49 pm
by Ziggy
Remove the screws on the bulkhead as mentioned above. Having done that, you'll be able to pull it down enough to get a screwdriver in the front edge, & remove the screws holding the catch to the dash. It's not exactly uncommon for this to happen! :)

Re: How do I break into my glove compartment?

Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 4:17 pm
by Rosc0PColtrane
Just be grateful it didn't happen on a 318is. Galvanised glove boxes withstand even the keenest safe crackers! :snigger:

Re: How do I break into my glove compartment?

Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 5:12 pm
by smithy318i
http://web.archive.org/web/200706071426 ... Section=00

or...

http://web.archive.org/web/200708062053 ... Section=00


I have posted this before, but for some reason the search isnt working properly.

Re: How do I break into my glove compartment?

Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 8:47 pm
by midnight
either undo the bolts at the bottom, or jamm your fingers in the left side of the glove box and slide them along to the center as much as possible and try and open then, thats what i had to do in my old shed

Re: How do I break into my glove compartment?

Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 8:11 am
by clarko74
Thanks for all the replies, good info that did the trick!

I undid the hinge bolts as suggested and managed to get a screwdriver in and push the catches back to release it. One of the metal bits in the mechanism had sheared off so the handle wasn't making any contact with the catch.

Best thing to come out of this though was that I found a full bmw service history from 87-01 in the glove box! I had no idea it was in there and I expect neither did the fella I bought it from as he never mentioned it.

Cheers

Adrian

Re: How do I break into my glove compartment?

Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 8:22 am
by josh-hocking
:cool:

Re: How do I break into my glove compartment?

Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 8:26 am
by TopSod
:clap:

Probably just added a bit more value to your car :D

Someone once said to me full service history on a 2nd hand car is worth at least £500. Don't know how true that is mind..

Re: How do I break into my glove compartment?

Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 2:02 pm
by fuzzy
crowbar or a stihlsaw will do the job.

Re: How do I break into my glove compartment?

Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 2:20 pm
by Chase007
They probably had it serviced after 01 but cud not get the service booklet out :( but oh ay any way :D