Anyone have a source for the R53 glove box handle?

The hard chrome on mine has peeled underneath and now has a razor edge that cuts you good when you open the box.

Took me about a month to figure out why sometimes when I got in or out of my car I was bleeding all over the place from a slice on my middle finger in the exact same spot every time.

Thanks!

 

Ouch! You might be able to have one ordered at the dealership.

My latch mechanism came apart one day but when I was fixing it I don't remember if the latch itself is removable...

If it is, I would remove it, take off the rest of the chrome, sand it down if it is still sharp, and repaint it. Then you won't have to worry about it peeling again in the future.

Now, if it isn't removable...you have three options: leave it the way it is, buy a whole new glove box door, or try to sand down the sharp edge.

 

My used 2003 R53 was missing the latch when I bought it. The previous owner used heavy duty velcro to hold it shut. I use a wooden shim pushed into the hole where the latch engages. I see that Mini of South Atlanta list a catch, but I'm thinking that's the part that the latch would engage.

I see some aftermarket aluminum handles on Ebay, but suspect those would just be covers. Is my only option to get a whole new glovebox?

Eric

 

You could buy one from somebody parting out a mini...several folks are selling cars in parts, even a vendor like waymotorworks parts out cars. One tip....in 2005 (i think) the handle was changed a bit to include a keylock...but i believe they are the compatible, but just to be sure, check the part#'s on realoem.

 

@Zippy I might be wrong but i believe the locking one was for the cabrio not the hard top. YES it will fit in the hardtop just not made specifically for the 05 and above

 

You will have to purchase an entire glovebox assembly. The glovebox with the locking assembly (2005+) DOES fit in pre-facelift models. I swapped mine out because of a damaged latch mechanism and opted for the newer locking style. I did find, however, that it didn't lock with the key I had, and I didn't see much about getting it re-keyed (if it was even possible).

-Chase

 

The glove box replacement is currently the only one MINI has.


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/51166959970/





We also have available the Euro passenger side shelf that replaces the glove box.


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/51161186416/



Thanks

 

So, is this really the only choice? I have an 04 with the same problem. I used a file on the bottom edge to knock some of the razor edge off it, but it can still peel up more.

I don't want/need a key and certainly don't have a current lock core to swap in. Plus, its kind of a mega waste to replace the entire assembly, inside and out when just the handle is messed up. Heck, why not just sell the door. The inside is perfectly good.

Not to mention, its $135 bucks!

As far as parting out, I have tried junkyards around here for other things and no one has a MINI around here and they aren't even willing to go looking.

 

Clean the front and back of the handle well, then vinyl wrap it, wrapping the vinyl completely around the back. I used gloss black.

I did my door handles too, took about 10 mins.