How do I break into my glove compartment?

[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

[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.

[clarko74]

Nice one, cheers. I'll give that a go.

[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

as the cars scrap I will try using a crowbar

[o22ie]

mine as never opened since ive had it,, might be some goodies in there for all i know

[psychochild187]

my friends car did that trick

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

[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!

[Rosc0PColtrane]

Just be grateful it didn't happen on a 318is. Galvanised glove boxes withstand even the keenest safe crackers!

[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.

[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

[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

[josh-hocking]

[TopSod]

Probably just added a bit more value to your car

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..

[fuzzy]

crowbar or a stihlsaw will do the job.

[Chase007]

They probably had it serviced after 01 but cud not get the service booklet out but oh ay any way