Re: <E30> Glove box won't open :-(

[Drew Mouton <drew@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hey Dan,
Unfortunately, this is an all too common occurance for us E30 owners
(hey! I have an '87 iC too!). I just went through it a few months ago.

First off, buy a replacement glove box latch kit. The dealer has them for
$45 or so, and I've seen a guy on eBay that keeps selling them for $15 to
$20.

As to getting it open, it seems there are several options:

1. Drill out the lock and cylinder
This never seemed like a good solution, because the problem isn't the
cylinder, it's the latch...which is attached to the cylinder. But
drilling out the center of the lock releases the screw that attaches the
cylinder to the locking mechanism.

2. Break the box door/dash
Works. But not ideal.

3. Finesse the lock open with a tool.

By this I mean an ice pick, set of screwdrivers, hooked tool, etc.
This is what I did - carefully poked around in the space between the box
door and the dash, trying to get the latch to release. This will be
significantly easier if you first remove the screws that attach the glove
box door to the underside of the dash. These screws are right above where
your toes would be if you were sitting normally in the passenger seat.
You may have to pull back the carpet or padding, but once the screws are
out you'll have a bit more wiggle room on the door.

After it's open again, replacement is a very simple r/r.

Good luck.
Drew

It appears that on 5/23/01 12:00 PM, Daniel L Adams at
dadams@domain.elided said:

>ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝDoes anyone know a way to open the box without unlocking it (or
>damaging it too much!)Ý I've tried just about everything I could think of
>to open it:Ý Pushing the tray up, applying as much force as I dare in
>just about every direction.Ý Locking and unlocking, using the other key
>etc etc.

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