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Thread: DIY - How I fixed my E36M's sagging glovebox

  1. #1
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    DIY - How I fixed my E36M's sagging glovebox

    This photo depicts my E36M's sagging glove box. It occurred slowly over the years and with the glove box being fully functional it only irritated me mildly.



    Over the past few months I have searched and read about it online at various forums and here as well. I have read numerous threads about it but none of the previous solutions appeared to work for my glove box. That together with REALLY NOT wanting to make extra holes (the 2 extra screws method) left me with very little options.

    After a re-survey I decided that it wasn't the screws or clips anywhere else on/in/under the dash that were causing the door not to fully close but rather it was the locking mechanism itself (Since I could push on the door and it would fit snug).

    I now had 2 pieces that I could attempt to mend to get a better fit. The actual lock or the catch on the glovebox door. I decided to change the catch (shown in photo below).




    So, removing the two screws and the catch was out. I then took a hammer, covered the catch with a cloth, and tapped it so that it bent inwards slightly.

    The arrow indicates where I tapped the catch.



    This has to be done gradually since I went to far (pushed the catch to close the the backing plate and the lock would not latch closed) so I bent it out again. This obviously weakened the catch so I'll be going and getting a new one and will be installing that shortly for personal reasons.

    However, with the existing modified latch this is what the glovebox now looks like:



    Obviously it's a huge improvement so I'll definitely be going to replace the catch with a new one (I'll probably get a few since they are cheap) and mod them until one is perfect.

    It is part number 4 in the image below:


    Part number: 51168177889

    Cost: $2.90

    I hope this helps.

  2. #2
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    that's cool. Mine sags also, I was thinking of trying the screw trick, but if this way works, i'll have to try it sometime.

  3. #3
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    Awesome

    *subscribed

  4. #4
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    I'll have to wait to get home to really see what went on in this DIY.

    However, ductape, props for trying a new method and trying to help others out.

    Perhaps this will be the method that fixes my box.
    -Chaz
    My SSK Faq (primarily e36 M3)

    Don't PM Me. My box is way overfilled from when I was a mod. Email me if you have to get a hold of me.

  5. #5
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    alas, yet another use for "ductape"...haha
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    starting a new trend with the right hand sig.
    (Some posts may have offensive topics or pictures) - so stop complaining!

  6. #6
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    I figured out mine sags because there are two prongs behind it I can not get to go where they should. I have tried the screw method to no avail.

    I will definately give this a shot!

  7. #7
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    Well, can't argue with the pictures. I'll give 'er a try, too.

    Thanks!


    BMWCCA #387539

  8. #8
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    Yay! I have pictures now, I will definitely be trying this. Mainly because of how easy it is, I can actually 'wrench' the hell outta that bad boy.
    -Chaz
    My SSK Faq (primarily e36 M3)

    Don't PM Me. My box is way overfilled from when I was a mod. Email me if you have to get a hold of me.

  9. #9
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    A note of caution:

    I just returned from the dealer. They didn't have the catch in stock so I ordered 2. just a note of caution incase you break it because it will take a while to get a new one.

    Cheers.

  10. #10
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    awesome, thanks!
    -M3J0N

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by DuctApe66 View Post
    A note of caution:

    I just returned from the dealer. They didn't have the catch in stock so I ordered 2. just a note of caution incase you break it because it will take a while to get a new one.

    Cheers.
    Dealer might be the best place to get it from.

    Pelican Parts: 4.75 *- This is a special-order, non-returnable, part
    (availability and shipping charges may vary).*
    http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...FILTER_BMWM=ON

    I could not find the part on RMEuropean.

    However, I'm sure I'll just order a replacement or two from Pelican Parts as I'm very lazy, and I also have a feeling the dealers in my area, will somehow find a way to charge $8 for it. Stupid overpriced DC Region.
    -Chaz
    My SSK Faq (primarily e36 M3)

    Don't PM Me. My box is way overfilled from when I was a mod. Email me if you have to get a hold of me.

  12. #12
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    Yeah, I need to repair the gap in my glovebox too; the gf even noticed it.

    Thanks
    '95 dakar coupe [bilstien coilovers][tms stg iv cam kit][bosch 140amp alt][powerflex rtabs][et40 18x8.5F beyern mesh][et45 18x9.5R][conti sport tires][eibach f/r sway bar kit][acs front usb][bmp design rear usb][zimmerman x-drilled rotors][ate brake fluid][royal purple 10w-40][kvr carbon brake pads][oe x brace][understeer FDK][6k hids][v1 hardwired][acs roof spoiler][ltw rear rep deck wing][remus silencer][max velocity splitters][suede steering wheel, boot and shifter][repair shop rsm's][rock chips]

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    Nice!

  14. #14
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    subscribed:

    mine has been sagging ever since I removed my glovebox then reinstalled it


    Mustaches For Kids 2008
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  15. #15
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    Nice trial and error, with results!

  16. #16
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    Great writeup. This thread should be parked somewhere.

    The two screw fix didn't work for me. I've been meaning to try the "dremel the 10mm bolt hole" fix, but I don't own a dremel..

    I'm definitely going to give this a shot this weekend. Thanks!

  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by m3jones View Post
    Great writeup. This thread should be parked somewhere.

    The two screw fix didn't work for me. I've been meaning to try the "dremel the 10mm bolt hole" fix, but I don't own a dremel..

    I'm definitely going to give this a shot this weekend. Thanks!
    Good stinking! It is now in the PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING: FAQs thread.
    -Chaz
    My SSK Faq (primarily e36 M3)

    Don't PM Me. My box is way overfilled from when I was a mod. Email me if you have to get a hold of me.

  18. #18
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    hey thanks, i'm going to try this on my M, hope it works out like yours did

  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by schussey View Post
    subscribed:

    mine has been sagging ever since I removed my glovebox then reinstalled it
    I have looked at it forever. There are two prongs on the vent piece that go into two holes on the glovebox itself. The glovebox sags because they are not together.

    Also, if you open the glovebox and look where the latch is, you will be able to see a space.

    I wish I could just put it back together how it is suppose to go. These cars are like puzzles with just about everything. Stuff fits together and if it doesnt, then it isnt right.

  20. #20
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    That is not the problem, I did the same thing the first time I attempted to fix mine.

    http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=134066

  21. #21
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    You can tell from your first picture that you box is installed wrong/warped as it is. Latch modifying is just ghettoing it even more.

  22. #22
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    Braymond you posted your own thread before I could!! I'm about to do it this way once i get a some time on my hands

  23. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by randan View Post
    Braymond you posted your own thread before I could!! I'm about to do it this way once i get a some time on my hands
    lol sorry!

    Let me know how it goes.

  24. #24
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    http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=134066

    That is kind of what I am talking about.

    Not sure how doing that to the hole helps?

  25. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by M3Rob95 View Post
    http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=134066

    That is kind of what I am talking about.
    Not sure how doing that to the hole helps?
    Read the DIY, I explained why it helps, and you can see in the first picture I posted in that thread that the glovebox is warped out at the top... hence the sag.

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