On my 03' R50, the glove box door keeps falling open. I haven't determined what part of the latch is causing it, wether its the catch in the dashboard, or if it's the moving part. But it is getting annoying, every time I go over a bump or a railroad track, it falls open... Any advice?

 

Had the same issue with my 02' R53 that plagued me for several years. When I switched to coil overs the problem really got worse so it was time to do something.

After removing the entire glove box unit it seemed that the part of the latch that attached to the upper part of the glove box unit didn't extend down far enough to provide a positive lock with the door. So I put in a thick piece of Styrofoam on top of the glove box unit and slid it back in so that it actually provided a bit of force down that made the latch engage more solid.

Did that about three years ago and haven't had any issues with it just popping open when I hit a bump.

 

Awesome! Thanks! Is the styrofoam visible? If so, is it possible for me to see some pictures of the installation?

 

you might just need to adjust it. Just pull the box and you can adjust the strike point. That fixed mine.

 

+1 on any pictures, I'm interested in this as well.

 

I too, had tried to fix mine with adjusting the door. The problem was that it was not latching enough to keep to glove box door closed.

The styrofoam is not visible, all it does is push the top of the glove box compartment down so that is latches more securely.

Do make sure you try the adjustment first.

 

I will try that this weekend! Thank you all for your help and support!

 

Mine did this as well for awhile...

The latch mechanism in the door is starting to give out and eventually it will break completely. This is a common failure in earlier minis.

Your options are to replace the glove box with a new unit (~$150), come up with a creative DIY solution, or live with manually latching the door.

 

I wish the latch mechanism was available, maybe without the lock feature. My entire latch assembly is ****ed, my girlfriend accidentally jammed some papers in it, and it shattered when I tried to get the door open. MINI Victoria wants $400 for a new glove box.

Right now I have the "hook" part of the mechanism wedged between the dash trim near the passenger door and the glove box door. Can't really see it, holds the door shut... but I can't keep anything in there any more, either.

 

The door is a sealed plastic unit. You would have to cut it open, rig the latch and then reseal somehow.

Don't go to the stealership for parts. A new box can be ordered from places like Pelicanparts. Probably be around $200 with shipping and taxes through USPS/Canada Post. Still steep for a plastic box but better than 4 bills...

 

I'll look into that, thanks! I assume if I get a box from anywhere but MINI, it won't work with my existing key, correct?

This is probably something I can live with, but I'd have fixed before selling the car, if I decide to do that.

 

The list price for the replacement box part no. 51166959970 is $143.00.

Here is the problem even Pelican is probably not aware of.....You can't purchase a repalcement glove box w/o the hole in release handle for a lock tumber.....

The additional tumbler Part no. 51167133603 and two plastic keys are $37.00. So with tax OR shipping THAT will put you at about the $200.00 mark......When you order the tumbler/keys BMW wants a VIN.