Yesterday I opened the glove compartment and the 'latch' or whatever you call the thing that the key goes into just dropped off along with a silver spring type of thing. Has anyone experienced this and if so any ideas how to put it back together? I had a look but couldn't see how it stays in place. Any help appreciated
Glove compartment latch broken
- Thread starter moodhead
- Start date
Yes - when I first got the car it simply fell out, pretty much as you describe. Fiddled for a few minutes and put it all back together. No probs since
Don't ask me how as it's 18 months ago and I'm not pulling it to bits to rebuild
Don't ask me how as it's 18 months ago and I'm not pulling it to bits to rebuild
Medium Dave
Member
Before I bought the Z4 I read a magazine article about used Z4s. One of the common faults they suggested you watch out for was the broken glove compartment latch. It said lots of them break and are botched together again. Sure enough mine had this - it fell off after a few days. Luckily I have a BMW used car warranty so they replaced it. It took over a week to get the part because it has to be matched to the locks (so it can be locked with the key).
I'd say about 75% of the cars I looked at in showrooms before getting mine had a broken latch and were just sat open.
Not just a BMW thing though; it must be a common area of "engineering to price" at the moment because a lot of the Mk.2 CLK's I looked at had the same problem.
Not just a BMW thing though; it must be a common area of "engineering to price" at the moment because a lot of the Mk.2 CLK's I looked at had the same problem.
I'm going to tackle it this weekend, at the moment I can open the glove box by pulling down on a small metal catch type thing which opens it. I guess I will remove the two screws behind the lock and see how the whole thing goes back together. Will let you guys know if I manage it...or come back screaming for help! 
Quick update: I removed the lock and tried to put it back together and just couldn't do it. It just wasn't holding together.
I only have the plastic catch which you use to open the glove box (has the lock on it), a silver spring type thing and the rear of the catch that is held onto the glove box by two screws. I am wondering if I am missing another part. In any case I think I will go to the local dealership and see if they have a replacement lock / catch and to see if it's possible to put my lock into it and avoid having to have another key. I'll report back with my findings...
I only have the plastic catch which you use to open the glove box (has the lock on it), a silver spring type thing and the rear of the catch that is held onto the glove box by two screws. I am wondering if I am missing another part. In any case I think I will go to the local dealership and see if they have a replacement lock / catch and to see if it's possible to put my lock into it and avoid having to have another key. I'll report back with my findings...
Medium Dave
Member
When mine was changed they were able to provide a lock which worked with the same key.moodhead said: