Greetings all,

I've seen some posts on glove box organizers, but hadn't seen this yet, and thought some folks might enjoy it.

Having done the ever-popular parcel shelf mod, you may be asking yourself... what next? Well, how about giving yourself a little extra security by installing an '05 locking glove box in your '04 or earlier MINI!

First, be aware that the glove box and lock cylinder are separate parts. In the US, the box is about $170 or so, and you can get a generic lock cylinder for around $35. Or, you can have one made specifically keyed to your ignition key for about $45 (more info on that below).

Part numbers are:

Glove Box: 51-16-6-959-970

Lock Cylinder: 51-16-6-133-604


Once you've got those, and an hour or so of free time, here's what you do:









Continued...

 

Viola!

Notes on the different lock cylinders available:

If you order a non-specific lock cylinder, it arrives with a plastic key that fits nothing but that lock. That was the ~$35 option.

However, if you pony up a little extra dough (another $10 or so, for a price of ~$45), the parts person will (should!) ask to see your driver's license & vehicle registration to verify that it's actually your car you're ordering for. Don't be put off by that - It's a safeguard to make sure people don't just copy VINs and order keys so they can steal cars. (It's a growing method of car theft, and there have indeed been would-be thieves busted at a dealership here in Atlanta for trying just such a stunt.) Then, you wait a couple of weeks while the folks at BMW NA in NJ make a specific lock based on the key that goes with your VIN. Once you get that, your ignition key will fit the lock.

In either case, the lock cylinder itself is actually incredibly easy to install. The reason I don't have any pics of that is because I was doing a "test fit," and it just clicked into place. This will seem clearer once you have one in hand, but basically, with the key inserted, the flanges of the lock cylider draw flush into the sides of the cylinder body. There is an index mark on the cylider, showing you what is pretty much the only way it can go into the handle of the box. With the key in the cylinder to hold the flanges in, you insert key and lock into the handle (turned at about a 45 degree angle), until it seats itself just within the surface of the handle. It'll then turn fairly easily, and should engage/disengage the lock.

Hope this is helpful for those who might be interested!

Best,
DW

 

Maybe the moderators will migrate this to the how to section!!!

Matt

 

Thanks Matt! Glad you like it. :smile:

 

EXCELLENT write-up!

 

I agree. Excellent documentation.

 

Thanks Greatbear & Agro!

If a mod would like to adjust the name to "How-To: 2005... etc." that may clarify what it is. And if someone wants to drop it into a "How-To" section, that's fine by me.

Best,
DW