BMW E38 Glove Box Removal Guide: Step-by-Step Removal & Installation
For BMW E38 owners seeking to customize or access the glove box more efficiently, understanding how to safely remove and reinstall the glove box is essential—whether for storage upgrades or repairs.
BMW E38 Glove Box Removal Process
Removing the glove box in the BMW E38 requires precision and the right technique. Begin by releasing the latch lever located inside the cockpit—typically hidden under a plastic cover. Gently pull the front panel straight back to disengage the locking mechanism. Carefully lift the compartment upward, ensuring no tools catch on straps or fasteners. Note the orientation and positioning of clips for easy reinstallation.
Tools and Safety Precautions
Success depends on using appropriate tools: a flathead screwdriver or pry tool for gentle leverage, and a soft cloth to protect interior surfaces. Before removal, ensure the vehicle is in Park, the ignition is off, and no loose items are in the cabin. Avoid excessive force to prevent damage to plastic components or fasteners.
Reinstallation Tips
To reinsert the glove box, align the front edge precisely with the mounting groove, then press firmly while sliding it forward until all latches click securely. Test the latch engagement and check for smooth movement. Secure any visible clips to prevent shifting. Proper reassembly ensures optimal functionality and prevents future misalignment.
Mastering BMW E38 glove box removal enhances vehicle usability and DIY maintenance. Follow these steps for a clean, safe process—elevate your E38 experience with confidence and precision.
Getting Started Does your E38's over-engineered glovebox fail to open after you pull the handle? When pulled forward, does it fail to remain extended? (Yes, the glovebox has two-way action: it opens and extends outward, for easy access to its contents from the driver seat.) If your glovebox does not smoothly operate as in the brief video below, it's time to replace both glovebox struts. Correct operation of a BMW E38 7. Forum BMW Models 7 Series (E23, E32, E38, E65, E66, F01, F02) 1995 - 2001 (E38) Glove box removal.
I'm trying to remove my Glove box so I can access the fuses behind it. But the 2 screws on the hinge at the bottom with washer and plastic clamp just keep spinning on both sides. Am I missing.
Removing and installing right glove box Open glovebox. Unfasten screws and remove cover for glovebox lock. Remove Bowden cable and place to one side.
Unclip shock absorber and catch band. Fold glovebox forwards and remove caps. RA Removing and installing right glove box BMW AG - TIS 12.02.2013 21:51 Issue status (12/2007) Valid only until next.
To remove the center console or to service anything in it like the flip-down wood trim or the cupholder assembly, you must first work on the glovebox. The basic procedure is to open the glovebox, remove the outer beige (or whatever interior color you have) trim below the wood, then remove the wood trim. BMW e38 glovebox has two-way action: Glovebox opens and extends outward for easy access from the driver seat.
If the Glove box does not work as described above, then it's time to replace both. If you had to remove the glovebox, a quick /glovebox F3 in the bestlinks nets this: - Center air blend wheel control vent removal DIY (includes bowden cable, fglovebox lashlight connector, glove box, fsu access, etc.). Removing the wood trim above the glove box to the right of the dashboard.
- BMW Serie 7 (E38, MK 3) Car BMW Serie 7. Here's what I found: First things first.open the glove box and you will see a black plastic cover over the latch area. Remove the three retaining screws and then the latch cover.
You will also need to remove the Bowden cable that fits into the white plastic arm. Pictures of the latch cover removed, with the screws and spacers.