'05 Locking Glove Box Retrofit (56k, Tread Carefully)

[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:

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Continued...

[Doctor Wha]

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Continued...

[Doctor Wha]

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Now, the only question that remains is...

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

:D
DW

[///MINI]

Sweet work. You should host a glove compartment upgrade party. :)

[Doctor Wha]

Thanks much! :thumbup:

One 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

[Kyle K.]

Nice write up. :thumbup:

[Doctor Wha]

Thanks, Kyle! :wave