Light switch in stowage compartment

[cj10jeeper]

You get the door out by removing the screws and pulling hard. It feel like it's going to break but it doesn't. Brute force is required.

Thanks - I'll have go.

That's just plain wrong and will damage it....

To be sure we are talking about the pull down flap between the seats?

If so, you place a locking device in the small hole in the edge of the door when it's partially open. A thin allen key is good. This locks the hinge mechanism.

Next loosen the grub screw and simply gently pull the flap to the front of the car. Leave the mechanism locked and it will slide back the same way.

Yep - it's a real pain to work out how the allen key is locking the flap, but the correct way.

 

[dgm]

You get the door out by removing the screws and pulling hard. It feel like it's going to break but it doesn't. Brute force is required.

Thanks - I'll have go.

That's just plain wrong and will damage it....

To be sure we are talking about the pull down flap between the seats?

If so, you place a locking device in the small hole in the edge of the door when it's partially open. A thin allen key is good. This locks the hinge mechanism.

Next loosen the grub screw and simply gently pull the flap to the front of the car. Leave the mechanism locked and it will slide back the same way.

Yep - it's a real pain to work out how the allen key is locking the flap, but the correct way.

I know the hole you're taking about and that's the first mention I've seen of it to assist in the removal of the door. You're method may well be correct but experience of successfully removing and replacing the door in question on 3 occasions without damage would suggest that my method isn't as foolish as you believe. I certainly wouldn't have suggested it if I hadn't had personal experience of doing it without problem. Have a look at this guide which doesn't make mention of locking the hinges. When I was taking the door off to carry out hi fi alterations there were references on other forums to using force to remove the door.

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/6042EN.pdf

 

[cj10jeeper]

dgm - I make the comment as one persons 'brute force' is another persons rip the lid off the car. There is a correct method and that's what I use. The guide you reference looks like just partial instructions for a dealer as it doesn't even mention loosening the locking grub screws.

Each to their own and I'm glad your way works without the need to mess around locking the hinges.

 

[lacroupade]

I have to say that cubby hole is singularly useless - if you stick CDs in it they just slip out and all out when you open the cover - anyone made it useful?

The only use I've found for it was stuffing my wifes tights in...well it was a very hot day and she was...oh never mind

 

[gannet]

Bags of sweets or drinks cartons fit right in

wouldnt know about tights

 

[sk93]

Cds are useless for sure lol.
I use it for storing my tomtom and other various cables and rubbish I seem to carry around on a daily basis.
Also good for sticking your wallet in for long drives (is it just me that finds your wallet digs in after the first 50 or so miles!?)

 

[paddy wright]

thans for the guide- just had my door out to pu a screw in the bottom so the light ould turn outagain when closed!