Glove Compartment Trouble

Ok, so I really need some help from everyone figuring this one out.

I have a 1995 BMW 525i and my glove compartment on the passenger side won't close and I've tried wiggling it in, slamming it, and all the other easy ways to try and get that sucker to hook in, but it didn't work. So, I pulled out the handle, and the spring inside was broken, so that might be the problem, but I'm not sure.

If it is, where do I get a replacement spring, and how do I replace it myself?
And if that isn't the problem, what can it be?

Thanks guys

You can buy a new catch or use a salvaged one (by swapping out the lock cylinder) if the spring inside is shot. Try some solvent-lube in there first though....the latch pins may have gotten sticky over the years.

The alignment of the glove box is something to behold in a car of this caliber. It's as if the Bavarian team, appointed to design this seemingly-innocent device, was totally baked the day they okay'd the prints.

If you hold the box closed then look underneath it, up near the firewall / bulkhead, you'll see the clasps for the hinges. There's one each per side. You flip the plastic levers (forward or back, I can't recall) to release the hinges.

Re-aligning the box is a trial-and-error process governed by a matter of function (can you get it to successfully latch and stay closed), fashion (does it looked centered, and aligned with the rest of the dash?), and your level of patience (do I really need this today?).

The factory service manual provides no guidance to getting the f**k'n thing to function as originally intended, and there's about 100 different ways it'll fit in there without looking & latching just right. Just saying, give yourself some extra time for this one.

Thanks man

Originally Posted by Radian

The alignment of the glove box is something to behold in a car of this caliber. It's as if the Bavarian team, appointed to design this seemingly-innocent device, was totally baked the day they okay'd the prints.

If you hold the box closed then look underneath it, up near the firewall / bulkhead, you'll see the clasps for the hinges. There's one each per side. You flip the plastic levers (forward or back, I can't recall) to release the hinges.

Re-aligning the box is a trial-and-error process governed by a matter of function (can you get it to successfully latch and stay closed), fashion (does it looked centered, and aligned with the rest of the dash?), and your level of patience (do I really need this today?).

The factory service manual provides no guidance to getting the f**k'n thing to function as originally intended, and there's about 100 different ways it'll fit in there without looking & latching just right. Just saying, give yourself some extra time for this one.

Could not have said it any better. I think it was an afterthought on the engineers part...

Sent from my Droid Incredible