It's definitely cool the way it opens. It's not very big yes, but then again any extra space is welcomed. Like has been mentioned, it's perfect for jewel cases which frees up space in that non-functional glovebox.

 

I'll second that!

 

I was at the Mini dealer in Mountain View, CA and all the ones I tried opened. After pushing the panel in, it kinda ejects out and inch then flips up!

I thought it was cool and would welcome it for additional storage.

 

Mine has it, but the panel seems kind of flimsy so I have been avoiding using it to much.

 

I was thinking just a couple of days ago how nice it would be to have a place to put CDs or sunglasses. Then I read this thread! And lo and behold, I have that secret compartment!!! Whoohoo!! It's like finding money in the pocket of a shirt you haven't worn in a while! BONUS

 

Does the R56 still have the same "Pez Dispenser" glovebox as the R53, where opening it causes stuff at the bottom of the glovebox to slide forward?

 

Yes... thanks for the info... delivered 4/24

 

Yep. And lord help the passenger that opens it up while you are accelerating. Hehe. My Wife found out the hard way about that. I keep the owners manual and the insurance card in it, but I do not see using it for anything else.

The secret place holds a stack of CD's really well. My cell phone fits in the ashtray (was wondering if I would find a use for that) with the top open.

I see a lot of room for improving some of the space in the Mini to make it more useful, without wrecking the quirkyness of the car.

 

My build date is 1/07 doesnt open.Please make it clear to me where it is ,I have piano black trim ,would it be the piano black trim above the glove box?If so mine dosnt open.

 

Yes. The panel above where the pushbutton is for the glovebox. Push in on the lower center portion and, if it is operational, it will swing open, hinged on the top. You may have to search around a bit for the right spot to push.

 

So, for those of us who's compartment is sealed, does anyone know if they, (the dealer), will open it up if we ask? Mines going in for other issues next week and I'd like them to make it usable if they can.

 

Yes, just picked up my MINI and it works.

 

Wait a minute! gokartride,..did I understand you to say you got your Mini!?!?! If so, then WHY THE FARK ARE YOU POSTING YOU GOT IT IN THISE CHEESY THREAD!!?!!??

AND WHERE ARE THE PICTURES?!?!?!

 

I'm working on it, BritBoy. I plan to complain to head honchos, starting, as ASK-MINI suggested, with the Service Manager (not advisor). I'll let you know. I'm a week 3 build.

 

Sounds like you folks need the glove box organizer. From what I've seen, there is an R56 version. It will completely solve your "useless glovebox" issue. One of the best accessories I've ever purchased for my R53.

 

My post was meant to be tongue-n-cheek. I never use the glove box, except for the two things I listed. The secret compartment is more than enough for me.

But, yes there is an organizer for the R56. I considered it, but then decided against it when I came to my senses as to how little I actually use a glove box.

 

Well I checked our new one, the cover pops off, but it's just an empty steel frame .....no door, no secret compartment........."sniff"

 

Week 16 build with secret compartment here. Very groovy.

 

I bought that organizer, it's the one option I probably would not have gotten if I did things over. Its really flimsy and actually takes up more room than it's worth. If you put the Owners Manuel in the glovebox, plus the organizer (like I do) there not much room left for anything but some leaflets and gum.

I'm not complaining about the glovebox, I've long accepted the MINI storage situation, but just throwing out the opinion on the organizer.

 

I've been waiting for our neighbors in Washington state at gominigo.com to come up with the R56 edition of the Glovebox Tidy. A number of people on mini2 have raved about the earlier model, which seems to say a lot when they're ordering it from the U.K.

 

Pick up my MINI on 5/1/2007. Secret compartment working and no rattles
celljay

 

Interesting, guess I'll put myself on that waiting list too.

 

I also ordered the glove box organizer when I ordered my MINI. It was backordered, so when I picked it up I tried installing it while at the dealership. It didn't fit well, and made it difficult to close the glove box. I returned it. If GoMiniGo.com makes something better, I'd be very interested.

 

I emailed Alan at gominigo to see where they were and he said he's still working on making adjustments for the new glovebox.

Here's a link for the previous model:
http://www.gominigo.com/8401.html

 

Well, once again no callback from the Service Manager. I did get a call from the service poll lady, and I explained the situation. It had been on the list and a topic of discussion when I had the car in the other day, so I only feel a little guilty about bringing it up. (The primary reason for the visit was the cruise control hiccups.) We'll see if that has any results, and I'll keep pestering the service manager. So far he's 0 for 2.