1st Gen R52 Cooper Convertible Most liked posts in thread: Glove box stuck

I don't know how to put that part back on but it looks like that extrusion is the part that allows the lock on the door handle to work. Otherwise the glove box handle does not lock.

Here's a video on how to open your glove box of the handle no longer works.




If you don't need the lock, then a carefully bent paper clip or a long staple for a staple gun can work.

 

Welcome to MotoringAlliance, John.
I did not try to reinsert the plastic piece that fell off as it would simply fall off again soon in the future. I cut off a piece of metal from thick paper clip and bent it into a U shape and the ends out. then I hooked it around the latch and the ends of the bent to fit back into the holes on the handle that previously held the plastic piece that fell off. Pulling on the handle would pull the latch down.

Being metal, it is less likely to fall off again in the future, but I lose the ability to lock the glove box.

 

The convertible MINI comes with a lock on the glove box door for obvious reasons. If you want to also put a glove box lock on your hardtop, the locking mechanism fits the same hole.

 

I bet this thing fell off.

 

Brilliant regarding the finger in the Mini's hole, beken! Made my day, and also opened the glove box.

 

My 05 glove box got stuck closed as well. I found a way to open it by pulling the handle and with another finger wiggling in the hole (geez) you can get the latch inside open. Took me about 30 minutes of cursing the first time, now its like 3 seconds. I call it an extra locking safety measure now since i'm the only one that can open it.

The handle and latch connection or whatever somehow broke. Instead of buying a whole new glovebox i just use my finger method.

- andrew

 

I didn't know you could lock the glove compartment.

Jim

 

Thanks MM. I did not know that.

Jim

 

Which way is unlocked?

I held up the handle and felt around the hole for a little while last night (and now I feel like I should buy her dinner) but I'm not sure what exactly I'm looking for.

Also, it's been stuck for so long I can't remember which position is locked and which position is unlocked. Should the slot for the key be horizontal or vertical as I'm trying this?

Thanks!

 

Good info !!

 

Hi Beken

I've just registered here in the hope that you can help me.

I have broken my wife's glove box but now can get into it thanks to the videos you posted.

I too have that little thing which did fall off!

Can you advise how to reinsert it?

From the inside I can see two holes on the handle where the lugs likely fit and I could maybe clip it back in with needle nose pliers but which way round does it fit? Is there anything else I need to beware of?

Hoping you can help.

Many thanks

John