Glovebox keeps popping open!

[WaLLy325i]

Hey, I was wondering if anyone knows how to fix this problem:

I have a 95 e36 325i and the glovebox will randomly pop open while im driving. It always pops open if I hit a pothole or even go over a small bump in the road.You dont understand how annoying it is to have to lean over and close the glove box 5 or 6 times during a 10 minute drive. Also it is more embarrasing when it pops open and everyhting in it falls all over the passanger's lap. LOL

Anyway I'm assuming I need a new latch unless anyone knows how to fix this? If I do need a new latch for it where can I buy it? Thanks for your help.

[BanginBeema]

I just bought a brand new IN THE BAG BMW glovebox door w/latch I don't need it because I got a whole glovebox with the wood panel so if you want it shoot me an e-mail

bostonbadboy@aol.com

[TJFitz]

You think that is bad try this out. I have a '99 E36 M3. My glove box door pops open too. I have to close 4 or 5 times before the latch even will catch! Then a few days ago I came back you my car and in my passenger seat there sat the the glove box button and spring! Figure that one out. If anyone have any idea please let us know what is going on. Do you think it could be that BMW's are made cheap? LOL
-TJFitz

[Newfie2]

Originally posted by TJFitz
You think that is bad try this out. I have a '99 E36 M3. My glove box door pops open too. I have to close 4 or 5 times before the latch even will catch! Then a few days ago I came back you my car and in my passenger seat there sat the the glove box button and spring! Figure that one out. If anyone have any idea please let us know what is going on. Do you think it could be that BMW's are made cheap? LOL
-TJFitz

its probaly jus the glovebox i know a few people who have the same problem!

[BanginBeema]

Yea I have the same problem, it's the glovebox lid

[big_sur]

its a pretty common problem, just search and there is a way to fix it involving drilling into the airconditioning ducts or something.

[gt.c]

you can go to my website to fix it by yourself .. I already provided some of steps to fix that.

[Kevin0323]

I have the exact opposite problem with MY glovebox- It won't open! you can hear a plastic rattle when you try to open it as if a peice of the handle has broken off. Worst of it is... the face to my stereo is in their, no music is driving me crazy.

[Hellspawn]

http://www.understeer.com

here ya go. click on "glov box" under "tech". tells you how to fix a sagging glovebox, might help.

[honkong phoie]

Saggy glovebox letting your 3-series down? sort it out with an hours work and the cheapest parts you'll ever buy for your BMW. These are the part numbers you will need to obtain from your local BMW dealer:-
51 16 8 168 863 plastic tongue
51 16 8 177 889 glovebox latch
51 16 1 960 458 blanking plugs [black]
total cost $5 or there about
open glovebox and remove blanking plugs&screws located below each air vent, then remove the two screws hidden in the top two corners of the vents.
Slide the vent panel out and you can access the latch assembly.
The problem is the TONGUE which is constructed from shitty plastic which over time wears away thus creating the problem.
Remove the retaining bracket then unscew the tongue, replace with new tongue DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN OR FORGET TO HOOK THE SPRING AROUND IT!
Slide the vent panel back into place seating the panel correctly, tighten the screws remembering the two lower screws have a ridge around the head,press the new blanking plugs over the screws.
All you need to do now is replace the metal latch,
job done now all you need to do is wait another blisfull 3-4 years and repeat the process again.

[Kevin0323]

just an update... bought a new latch from bimmerparts.com, easy to replace.