When the glove box no longer opens it is time to change the latch. Other accounts on this topic that I have read were a bit vague so I tried to clear up a few things by writing this. The parts for this job should only cost about $20 (or equivalent), this is for the latch mechanism. If you go to the BMW dealer however, they will give you a price for the latch mechanism and opener handle with key, these cost approx. $60, so ask them for just the latch mechanism. I used a second-hand item for now (cost me equivalent of $3), but I would strongly recommend buying new. I got two units but before I even got the job completed the first unit gave up! (I have ordered new part).

This job should not be difficult if approached methodically, allow about half an hour to complete.

Tools required:

8mm socket
Flat blade screw driver
Philips screw driver
Patience

Method for Repair

1. first remove the three self-tapping brass bolts (8m head) underneath the glove box. watch out for the three small clips that these bolt tap into. The clips are similar to those used to reinforce speaker mounts. The glove box should now be able to hang by the latch mechanism now. remember the order of the glove box hinge/glove box/clips.

2.The next step is to locate the brass screws that hold up the catch for the glove box latch. These screws are located between the bottom lip of the dash and the top edge of the glove box lid. Gently pull the right-hand side (for left hand drive cars) of the lid down to reveal these (pull down the left hand side if right hand drive, just easier), they are just above the glove box handle. Unscrew these and remove from holes out of the way.

3. With the screws removed, the catch that the glove box latch slots into will now bend downwards when you pull down the glove box lid. It will not come down easily, a small amount of force is required, but be patient, do not pull it down too hard!

4. You only need make a 3~4 inch gap (7~8mm) between the lip of the dash and the glove box lid to be able to free the latch away from the catch.

5. To separate the latch form the metal catch frame (aside: glove box light switch is also mounted on this frame), you will need to press the blade of a flat blade screw driver against one of the claws of the latch. Choose to push against the right hand side (as you look at the glove box) claw as this will also push in the left hand claw, thus releasing the latch free away from the catch. If you don't choose the RHS claw you will need to push both claws in, so just choose the RHS claw!!!

6. This should leave the glove box hanging from the stop straps, just pop out the retainers/pins on these to make it easier to replace the broken latch mechanism.

7. You can now remove the broken latch . Two Philips screws hold this in place. with the latch removed you should be able to see the cause of the inoperative glove box latch. It is probably a broken arm that pushes out the claws, as indicated in the top picture.

8. Fit your new latch and screw it back together along with the glove box handle.

9. Re-attach the stop straps. Finally, with the glove box open, attach the glove box to the hinge with the three bolts.