2005 Locking Glove Box retrofit?

[azimmerm]

Does any one know if the locking glove box on the 2005 can be retrofitted? if so is it just the latch that needs to be replaced, or the whole glove box door?
Any information and/or part numbers would be much appreciated.

[MiniG]

Yeah! Second that request....
Of course, Mike the MINI is away... Paul? Anyone?

[paa100]

Me too!

[StevePSB]

Hmmmmm... Not at work to check, but as the lock will (I assume) work with your car key it all depends on whether MINI will actually supply the lock or lock & lid to a car with a pre facelift chassis number.

Best scenario - from experience they'd have to be ordered specifically to your car to match your key.

[azimmerm]

bump

[StevePSB]

Both glovebox and catch are different part numbers to the ordinary ones, but I see no reason why (with the correct new parts) you couldn't retrofit the new glovebox if you wanted to.

You also seem to be able to get random locks, so it would appear you don't need to have a facelift/convertible to begin with.

If anyone needs to know more specifics, please feel free ask. I can look further into this if required.

[Doctor Wha?]

So, you'd like the convenience and added security of an '05 locking glove box in your '04 or earlier MINI? No problem! Just order up the parts, and away you go.

The glove box and lock cylinder are separate parts, so be aware of that. The box is about $170 or so, and you can get a generic lock cylinder for around $35. Or, you can have one made specifically keyed to your ignition key for about $45.

Once you've got those, and an hour or so of free time, here's what you do:







Continued...

[Doctor Wha?]

Continued...

[Doctor Wha?]

Now, the only question that remains is...

Does anybody out there want a stock non-locking glove box?


DW

[rpM]

Quote: Originally Posted by Doctor Wha?

Now, the only question that remains is...

Does anybody out there want a stock non-locking glove box?


DW

Maybe, my 05 locking glovebox's handle broke with less that 2000 miles on the car. Don't know if the previous (pre 05) boxes had the same problem but I've heard others have had the handle break on their 05s.

[Doctor Wha?]

Quote: Originally Posted by rpM

Maybe, my 05 locking glovebox's handle broke with less that 2000 miles on the car. Don't know if the previous (pre 05) boxes had the same problem but I've heard others have had the handle break on their 05s.

Interesting. I don't know that I've ever heard of anybody's glove box handles breaking off. I've got just shy of 28k on mine, and had no problems out of the glove box at all. I'm not terribly surprised if there's an odd handle out there that would fail, though. They're only plastic parts, after all, and if there's a bubble inside the modled part that isn't readily apparent to the eye, it could certainly be weaker than its counterparts. But it's such a quick and easy thing to switch out, I doubt I'll fret over it too much.

If you do think you'd like the stock box, shoot me a PM, and we can discuss. For that matter, I've also still got the stock driver's side knee bolster left over from when I did the Euro parcel shelf switch! So if anybody wants one of those, sound off!

But whatever you decide, do be sure to hang on to your lock cylinder, though. It'll save you the time & trouble of getting another one.

Oh, and one further note on the different lock cylinders available: The "generic" sort isn't specifically keyed to anything, and comes with its own plastic key that you'd carry along with your regular key. But as I mentioned, for an extra 10 bucks, and a couple of weeks' worth of turnaround time from BMWNA in NJ, you can have a lock made to match your existing key. The process for that is the same as ordering any other keyed part, with the parts folks copying your driver's license and registration to verify that it's your car.

The lock cylinder itself is actually incredibly easy to install. The reason I don't have any pics of that is because I was doing a "test fit," and it just clicked into place. This will seem clearer once you have one in hand, but basically, with the key inserted, the flanges of the lock cylider draw flush into the sides of the cylinder body. There is an index mark on the cylider, showing you what is pretty much the only way it can go into the handle of the box. With the key in the cylinder to hold the flanges in, you insert key and lock into the handle (turned at about a 45 degree angle, if I recall correctly), until it seats itself just within the surface of the handle. It'll then turn fairly easily, and should engage/disengage the lock.

DW

[donjohnsson]

I think my problem is biggest.
I dont even have the glove box.
I dont know does swedish or danish mini owners have but havent seen even one in Finland
So the point is that where could I get glove box.
( not from UK cause streering is on wrong side for me )

Links to WebStores to Europe .. even links to States are ok if I cant find one from europe.
I dotn matter is there a lock or not. just the box.

Everytime I push pedal, all the CDs are in the passengers floor

Used boxes are fine as well ( is the condition is good )

[Doctor Wha?]

Quote: Originally Posted by donjohnsson

I think my problem is biggest.
I dont even have the glove box.

Wow... No glove box at all? How on Earth did that happen?

My used one is in outstanding condition.

[Doctor Wha?]

Dug up the part numbers, for those interested:

Glove Box: 51-16-6-959-970

Lock Cylinder: 51-16-6-133-604


DW

[DKmini]

Glove Box is not standard in Denmark