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Subject: Glove box latch lock key switch..Very do-able Author: snitch as Snitch740i : member since June, 2007 : 1412 posts Posted on: 2009-06-05 06:24:20

new latch $25 at the local junkyard. For starters here is the w/u on the removal of it E38.org--->>>

PDEF1949 `s Write up glove box latch repair
He mentions he didnt want to buy the $120 latch and he didnt want to buy or carry 2 keys to open up the glove box..Now here is where I come in. Break down the latch of your old 1 1st...

Left New latch right old latch but with my key lock


top view



Top view remove the pin..slided outward

Now remeber this is your OLD latch so break it down . Remove the Black Plug/Cover- Pry it off.no biggie


Now locate this tab on the side of it. U will need a small flathead to open tab. This tab holds the Key assembly in.

Another shot with key lock out and tab exposed

Now for the Important part.....PLEASE INSERT YOUR MASTER KEY!!

Once u pull tab to release the Key assembly all the lil tabs that make ur specific key lock will fall out. I learned that the hard way.
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*** (read only if ur key metal tabs fall out. If u paid attention and inserted your key skip this next section)
- Note -Every key assembly has 6 metal tabs and 6 mini springs that make up your lock but these metal tabs will not work for all keys. I thought I could use the new latch metal tabs but they had different #`s than my latch. Each Metal tab is numbered....They hug 1 side of your key and the other side hugs the other when key is inserted.
One side is in teen #`s(11,12,13,14,15 etc) other side will be in the 20`s(20,21,22,23,24 etc)


Here u can see the # embeded in the metal tabs


u must inert the spring b4 u slide in the metal tab in the slot. Start on 1 side 1st.The side view of the cylinder

Notice there r slots for each tab and notice the small hole. Thats where the mini spring u see on the table goto

Start with Teen numbers tabs. Once u have the teen #`s in place insert the key. If the key goes in and the tabs are flushed with the cylinder your good. If NOT ? move 1 or 2 tabs and re insert key until the tabs r flushed.
now do the other side of the cylinder with the numbers in the 20`s
With ur thumb, hold the other 3 tabs in place(teen #`s). Carefully install the mini spring in the small hole and next the metal tab
Pictures of the tabs in place

1 metal tab in

top view with 1 metal tab in and 2 open slots with mini springs inserted

1 side of tabs in...Now I made sure the key goes in and the tabs go inward as well making a successful LOCK


With all the metal tabs flushed on the cylinder with your key inserted. It should look like this. Congrats!!

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** Next section if u inserted the key while removing the key lock assembly*********
Put your key and Lock together and move it to the side of table and not to knock it over,lol
Now start with New latch and repeat the process. Once u have the Lock assembly off the New 1 simply replace it with your Lock. Insert the lock and and Snap it in the tabs. Pull ur key out and the Lock assembly stays put. ..
Working latch and key works fine but I hav 1 problem. Any of u ever pull on the latch and it gets stuck in the Open position? well my new latch did and this is how I broke mine in the 1st place. I had to get to the bottom of this.
The flaw is inside. I JB weld and metal scrap onto a piece here.


This extra pice keeps the Big White arm from crossing over to the metal. When your glove box latch stays in the open pos. You tend to smak it back in. Thats where the trouble begins. Either u break the white arm or the Brass metal slider falls out of its postion..If the brass metal falls out u broke the tab inside which is unrepairable.






It is a great fix and No more JAMMED latches... All BMW had to do was extend that lil part outward more like I did......

2000 740i OEM Sport Pkg
20` Alpina Softlines, Pzero 255/35/20 285/30/20
Alpina Spoiler/ Alpina Stripes,H&R springs,
16:9 Navigation,Heated Seats,PDC,DSC,Vavona Wood

• Glove box latch lock key switch..Very do-able (pic) (url) - Snitch740i 2009-06-05 06:24:20 (2559 views)
  • thanks for the pics I am doing this for a friend next week (nt) - richards427 2009-06-07 21:11:31 (68 views)
  • i need to do that too - jpursell 2009-06-05 16:36:18 (67 views)
  • looks like a rear light plug pin in the pics...?? (nt) - carguy63 2009-06-05 13:04:34 (71 views)
    • God knows how that pic got in there....? It was 3 am my time when I did the post (nt) - Snitch740i 2009-06-05 16:10:19 (65 views)
  • Well done fab, now you can lock up your 9mm again..LOL (nt) - rg0115 2009-06-05 12:26:53 (69 views)
    • Lol shows u havent been there in a while either. its 10mm for the glovebox - Snitch740i 2009-06-05 16:41:50 (63 views)
      • I'm thinking he's talking about your Glock 9mm.....;o) (nt) - beechy 2009-06-05 18:10:51 (53 views)
        • Beechy knew what I meant, but eitherway. nice work. (nt) - rg0115 2009-06-06 00:30:19 (55 views)
          • Ty Rob...Cause Im Mexican doesnt mean i know Glocks.....:0 (nt) - Snitch740i 2009-06-06 00:32:27 (50 views)
        • Re: I'm thinking he's talking about your Glock 9mm.....;o) (pic) - absessler 2009-06-05 23:59:55 (120 views)
          • Re: I'm thinking he's talking about your Glock 9mm.....;o) - rex120 2009-06-07 01:25:07 (47 views)