2014 BMW X3 Peeling Glovebox Lid Repair

I noticed that the glovebox lid was starting to peel and over a few months it got worse, especially during hot spring months. Using only a torx #20 screwdriver, pliers, and JB Weld I was able to repair the lid. It looks like original and only took about 2 hours to repair (including leaving the epoxy for about 60 min to set).

[@CaliforniaKostLvr]

I am dealing with the exact same issue, only my cover is nearly completely separated. I have the same model car (2014 X3) and was told by the dealership that the only solution was to replace the entire glovebox at a cost of $749.00. Just ludicrous. I also found a site where hundreds of owners are experiencing the same thing and BMW will not address it. It should have been a recall item a long time ago. I am pretty handy, and your video is amazing! I will definitely give it a try.....even though I am a single mom/grandmother and 61. You are providing all the details that I hope will get me through it. Thank you for taking the time to post these amazing instructions!

[@barrybarnes4686]

Thank you! I have been annoyed for a few years and the only solution from the dealer was a $600+ labor replacement. Your video was perfect and my glove box now looks good as new. Shame on BMW for not addressing this well publicized issue, but appreciate your video. Once small note is if anyone has a USB connection in the glove box, that wire needs to be detached as well.

[@daviek5208]

Thank you, great help

[@ingridwiesenberg828]

By by​@@daviek5208

[@jaysea2470]

This was the best video ever-thank you for your contribution! We repaired our 2014 X3 glove box-finally! Hard to believe as you back engineer this situation that German engineering would ever design such an inadequate feature. We agree, this should have been part of a recall long, long ago.

[@Gamertrix117]

All BMW X cars are made in America in North Carolina

[@SuJo464]

Omg. I have a 2012 X3 (and its now 2023)... why on earth was this not recalled eons ago!?!? This video is utterly amazing. Huge TY so much for sharing your invaluable education (especially since, over many years, BMW refuses to fix this ever existing problem - shame on them. W TH?). TY again for posting.

[@markbenak]

Thank you so much for the video! Our local BMNW dealer wanted $1200 to replace the glovebox in my wife's 2014 BMW X3. Following your steps, I was able to repair for under $20 (which included a box of 14 clamps in addition to a 5-minute epoxy). I, too, am surprised that BMW hasn't issued a fix for this minor but annoying design error.

[@user-tq9wn8hh8d]

Did the repair hold up?

[@markbenak]

@@user-tq9wn8hh8d Quite well, yes. It looks like I might have applied enough glue on 1 corner - which I can easily address without removing the glovebox. Not to mention that it can get rather hot here in the Southwest. Thanks for asking!

[@user-tq9wn8hh8d]

@@markbenak I'm looking to do the same repair on mine... in south texas and I was worried how the repair would handle the heat. thank you for the response.

[@markbenak]

@@user-tq9wn8hh8d You're welcome. Just make sure you use a high quality epoxy or similar glue that can withstand the higher temperatures where you live. Good luck!

[@MarkMorgen]

I just did the box on my X3 today. Super easy to do thanks to your video pointing out exactly which screws to remove. Pulling the pins out wasn't obvious because the heads are knurled for rotation instead of for pulling. Removal took 10 - 15 minutes, expoxy and drying about 2 hours, and 5 minutes to reinstall. All I needed was a Torx20, a cordless drill, one tiny standard screwdriver (to disconnect the first lamp), epoxy, and 20 small clamps! Thank you!

[@wysiwyg2489]

I had to do pretty much the same thing in our 2015 X3. I use a hair dryer on the lid to warm up the material and make it pliable before glueing it. I also put a lot of epoxy in the flat surface of the substrate to help keep the lid secured. Forgot to add, before glueing the surfaces, I run a coarse sand paper thru the plastic substrate, to allow better adhesion of the epoxy

[@suemielock6920]

Video was fantastic. Thank you for this step by step process!!! Definitely a very doable DIY project. With these instructions…. Took 10 min to remove the entire glove box. 4 hr to allow the epoxy to dry. 15 min to replace the entire system. Costs less than $30 to purchase epoxy and clamps. My 2014 x3 did not use a #20 torx screwdriver…. Was a little smaller. Project was easy, looks perfect. None of the process was hard. Definitely do not pay for this to be done in the dealership. Thank you!!!

[@RR-oe7op]

Thank you! I have followed your video to fix my 2011 X3. Save me at least $700. I am very unhandy, but your video gave me confidence and guidance to complete the project. Thank you! It’s people like you make me feel the world is wonderful. God bless you!

[@herbkmast8476]

Glad this helped you. Thanks for your kind words.

[@AndrewTachovsky]

I did this replacement on a 2016 X4, and while there were minor differences - this video was very helpful. I was able to complete the door replacement in about 45 minutes.Thank you HKM

[@jaygechter967]

Thanks so much for the helpful step by step video. I have a 2011 and the peeled facia has been driving me nuts for years. I used CLEAR Gorilla Glue ($7 bucks) and bought a bag of 24 spring clamps at Home Depot for $10. So less than $20 for the full repair vs. the cost of a new door or (Gulp) paying $500 to have it done at the dealer. Appreciate you taking the time to put this together - it was very reassuring to watch going through each step of the process. Job well done!

[@user-tq9wn8hh8d]

How long did the repair last?

[@peterneissa6019]

Thank you! I have a 2011 X3 and the cover of the glove box came off completely. BMW quoted me $1,000 to replace it. I said no thanks, but your video made it easy to repair. Thank you!

[@ferga]

Thanks a lot from México!! I recently aquire a BMW X3 2015. The car was on excellent conditions, however a couple of days ago i noticed just that kind of glove box cover separation. At the beginning i thougth that the part was ok in that way but sudenly i saw how the separation was growing more and more. I thougth jus the same: glue it, but the unconfortable position of the glove box made me think that i needed to remove it from the dashboard first for a nice work, however i was affraid that it could be a very risky job, because the air bag accidental explode or something else. You have took the risk for all of us with excellent results. Thank you very much!

[@VahidSorayaNowshiravan]

Thank you so much for this video. I followed your instructions and replaced the cover. My cover was so badly warped that I couldn’t repair it. So, I just got an after market cover, followed your video and fixed my problem. Thanks again.

[@0826adams]

How did the after market work out?

[@anthonymalanga6111]

Best you tube ever. With your help fixed this exact problem in 4 hrs with 2 hrs to let the epoxy set. Cannot believe i found the solution to a real PITA. Thanks so much

[@kimelliott147]

Great video. Only thing I would add is to go ahead and replace your cabin air filters while you have the box removed.

[@andysillars]

Thanks ! We have an F25 here in the UK and had the exact problem. With your help I've now fixed it. Great well detailed video. I suspect you are an engineer sir ! Many thanks Andy

[@josephnosofsky1413]

Thank you for sharing this. IMHO, bmw should be taking care of this obvious problem!

[@matthewfrancis699]

Great video! Thank you. I don't have a garage so there was a little...okay, a lot more cussing when I was disassembling and reattaching the glove compartment but this was really helpful.

[@rrl4245]

This just happened to my 2013 X3 ! (after another AZ summer.) Thanks for this...

[@tiffanyhamilton7388]

I join the rest of the folks in extending my gratitude for this tutorial! After an outrageous quote of more than $800 to fix. I watched your video and completed the repair for less than $30! Thank you so much!

[@0222Charlie]

I couldn’t have done my glove box without you. You video was so helpful. I so glad I found you.

[@anessalihovic2595]

Just fixed mine with the help from your video. Thank you so much for uploading 🙏

[@vjoshi2800]

Your video helped me fix my glove box cover. The video was detailed and was thorough, I did not have to look anywhere else. Well done and thank you for sharing.

[@dman2495]

Awesome video! I’m correcting the glovebox in my moms ‘14 x3 now. Would have totally missed those last two screws and the pins for the hinge if you didn’t point them out. It’s totally frustrating that something like this can happen but it’s not something the manufacturer will ever recall because it’s not a safety related issue. Recalls don’t have to be safety related but a brand like BMW is not going to spend extra money to go back on an older model to recall something like this if they don’t have to. They have their service department to profit off of customers that don’t like to get their hands dirty. Thanks for sharing this for the ones that like a project!

[@ericortiz6893]

Thanks for the video I was able to Fix this problem in no time!!!

[@jumsted]

Thanks! You saved me hours of frustration. Did this to dad’s x3 today.

[@pbstrickland]

Great video thank you, tackling this today, Gotta to say you’re pretty brave glueing that on the kitchen counter. My wife would be yelling at me the whole time. :)

[@SuJo464]

Ha! I too was thinking the same thing!! " where is this being done?!" LOL. Love this so much tho! TY!! Huge!

[@shirleedonnan5367]

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this. I am experiencing the exact problem on my X3. At least I'm not alone. Should be a recall.

[@firstlast4874]

or a class action

[@JoeyPittSteelers]

I can't believe so many people with this issue!! I am in the process of fixing mine right now sheeesh!!!! BMW get it together!!!

[@marcmckenzie5110]

Thank you so much for making this video. The exact same issue, in the exact same spot, has happened on my beloved 2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i which has under 50,000 miles on it. Yesterday our dealer service rep said: 1) it was impossible to repair at home, and 2) quoted me $524.00 for a new glovebox door and labor. Thieves! I used to be able to trust them. 😠 Anyway, this is very achievable thanks to you. Let us know if the epoxy held up!

[@tylerhyten]

In the middle of this repair now. I am thinking of adding 3M adhesive behind the leather pad as well as doing the epoxy method around the sides. Ours has peeled a little more than yours. Thanks for the great vid and catching screws 9 & 10!

[@Baileydb1]

Just did this for mine as well...thank you so much for the step by step. It helped alot...especially the hidden screws. On the bottom cover, there is also a guide slot on the left hand side that is easy to miss. I did apply some epoxy to the exposed flat area as well to help prevent curling in the future. I used JB Weld clear with an automixer tube that allowed for a precised bead and long reach into the edge slot.

[@vizh7526]

Thank you so much for sharing this step by step repair tutorial. I’ve found so many people are having the exact problem with BMW. Can’t believe it’s that difficult for BMW to fix this defective part. They need to change a supplier!

[@user-xx3gk6cx8e]

Fabulous video! Been looking at my wife’s 2014 X3 glove box slowly peel away. Typical BMW over engineered solution that ties you to the dealership and a $500-700 charge for 1 hour job. As all of us shade tree mechanics know, the second time you do this process it is 40% less time than the first. Thanks for sharing and I will be doing this job shortly.

[@efyscotland]

I had the same issue and ignored it until I saw your video. Thank you so much for such a detailed step by step video. I managed to fix mines for next to nothing. You've helped countless people with this.

[@mikeadams3258]

Excellent video! I followed your tips and repaired mine very easily. I especially appreciate the detail on removing the lid hinge pins or "clips". That made clamping the lid much more accessible. Well done!

[@geoffreybillows1868]

Very informative video. I repaired mine yesterday after viewing this video- it was super easy. It took only about 10 - 15 minutes to remove the glove box, and about 20 to glue it (I was very careful!) I used contact cement on the flat surface, and JB Weld Plastic Bonder around the edges. I first cleaned the surfaces with isopropyl alcohol, then applied the contact cement to both surfaces. While the contact cement was getting tacky I mixed the Plastic Bonder (it's a 2 part epoxy product) and applied it in the groove around the edge with narrow stiff bristled artist brush. I then pressed the flat areas together, tucked the edge into the edge groove and clamped- it worked perfectly!! The Plastic Bonder cures in only 30 minutes, but I left clamps on the door for about 4 hours before reinstalling it. Replacing the door and re-installing the glove box was even easier than taking it out! Thanks for saving me a lot of money!! The end result looks a new glove box door!

[@joshrobinson5284]

I have a 2014 as well. Thanks to your video, it was fairly easy.

[@vpulice8027]

Thank YOU! 2013 X3 had the same issue. Been annoying me for a couple years. Well done on the video - not sure why BMW hasn't addressed this issue, but what a service you have provided to all owners. Exactly as represented - easily fixed. Well done sir!

[@user-xf3es5yk7y]

Thank you for the video! I had To do the same repair on my X3, and it was extremely helpful. I appreciate You've taken the time to point out the detail each step of the way. It was a complete success, and I don't think I could have done it without you. Thank you for sharing and May God bless you.

[@DaveIngs]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. I have exactly the same problem, on a 2013 X3, and just received a quote from BMW Toronto of approximately $1,000 (CAD) to replace the lid. The dealer cost on the part alone was $554! Needless to say, I'm going to purchase a Torx T20, some epoxy, and do it myself following your video!

[@jdurer8470]

Thank you very much for your video! Thanks to you, we saved $1k that our BMW store in Sterling N. Virginia wanted to charge us to fix the exact same problem. Thanks to your video, my husband was able to do the whole repair himself exactly as you showed and the results were perfect!

[@Heliosviewer]

This is a systemic manufacturing defect caused by bad preventive maintenance or low levels quality check. If you notice, the lid is hold in place by pressing the cover and foam in plastic groove. BMW should cover this repair as a courtesy because a large number of cars are affected by this defect. All this cars are manufactured in SC, I believe.

[@marissatuazon4858]

Happy to found you…this will be the second time it happens but unfortunately it’s out of warranty..I will try to do it since you clearly show how to do it…Thank you for doing this.

[@theodoreharada1265]

Thank you for this informative repair film. I watched it several times, going back and forth to the garage. It took me 5 hours to your 2 hours but I just finished. You saved me an expensive and time-consuming visit to the dealership. Aloha from Hawaii

[@MoserFamily007]

Not only did mine peel off but the door wouldn't open as the area around the latch peeled off enough to prevent it from fully opening. Both problems resolved now thanks to your video.

[@akeskeg8641]

Excellent video! Followed these steps and repaired the lid with araldite glue. Used plastic spring clamps and plenty of cable ties to hold the lid down for the glue to set. 24 hours later took all the clamps and cable ties off and it was nice and flush. There were some clamping marks but they disappeared over the next 24 hours. Very easy job and saved $200-$300 on a replacement lid.

[@jodymbmw3460]

This video saved so much of my money! SLAY

[@KevinToppenberg]

This was a very helpful video. I have exactly the same problem. Online research shows many others with similar problems. My car is past warranty, so I'll be following your guidance and fixing it on my own. Thanks again!

[@stevedietrich8936]

Very helpful video as I repaired our 2013 X3. $34.81 at Home Depot to get the necessary Torx 20, J-B epoxy, and 7 (I wish I had got 8) clamps. I imagine I spent about 4 hours not counting epoxy curing time, although I am certain it would go a lot faster if I ever had to do it again. One thing I would add is that I left my clamps on for 24 hours to allow the epoxy to fully cure. You will have TEMPORARY dents in the glove box cover no matter how long you leave the clamps on, but they will be gone within an hour or two. Looks perfect! Thanks.

[@leiflillandt1488]

Yesterday I bought an X3 F25 30d 2011 with 246150 km on the clock with exactly the same problem! I appreciate the video very much. It will come in handy eventually! I don't know if I have enough many clamps on the shelf... More than 50,000 views... Seems like a quite common issue!!! 🤔 Interesting then to see what kind of problems will arise during the net 100,000 km/60,000 miles!!! 🙄😉👍

[@georgelamacka8125]

Hi there and thank you for time spending and posting how to fix this common problem. I like to add bit of advice: you should replace the Polen (Cabin) filter as well when you got that far as removing the glove box.

[@jerryhunter5020]

Thanks! Worked well. One suggestion: I use paint mixing sticks under my clamps which distributed the pressure evenly so there was little or no dimpling in the padded cover.

[@michaeladley]

I join in on the praises - I have had the same issue as all of you, and I was going crazy on how to fix it...i'm going to attempt it this weekend, fingers crossed, and after seeing this, feel super confident in getting it done. thank you again!

[@TheTiretekman]

Thank you! Your video made the disassemble and repair of my wife’s BMW X3 glove box a snap.

[@pdkaltnbach]

TY so much for working out the procedure. I’m doing mine tomorrow so that I no longer have to listen to my buds going “WTF is that? “ thanks again👍👍

[@mikehogan9728]

Thanks! I'd never have found those last two screws without your demo 👍🏽. You also took the stress out of removing those 3 pins without worry of breakage. Great job 🙏🏼.

[@taxidrive63]

Thank you so much for your time to upload this video. Even though I'm a mechanic, this is not a regular job for me. But since the x3 I just work on is my sister's, I wanted to save her some expense on it and you took all the doubts out of it, especially with tose little pins. It all went really easy, thak you so much again.

[@bighirsch80]

Great video! I had the exact same problem in my 2016 X4 and this video made fixing it way easier than I expected it to be. Thank you!!!

[@stevantempesta2430]

Worked like a charm. I opted to replace the door. Super simple. Directions were spot on.

[@user-nw5gz7pc4y]

Thank you from me too! It took me less time to finish actual repair than you because I have watched your video few times! It is most informative and very easy to follow. Good job!

[@jimaspinwall7814]

Thank you! Saved me about an hour figuring this out. Lid pieces epoxied and clamped now - waiting for the adhesive to set on 3 sides, then may pull up the un-curled side and epoxy it as well.

[@christinas4]

I have this same issue on my 2013 X3 after living in the South for a few years 😩 thanks for this!!

[@kasimserifovic1]

I thank you sir your video helped me greatly as I've had the same issue with my 2012 X3 also shame on BMW there should've been a recall for this problem I'm sure there are many others with this problem!

[@altasmith276]

Thank you for this video!!!! I drive a 2011 BMW X3 and followed your instructions completely....fixed my glovebox in less than 2 hours!! I already had everything on had so it basically cost me nothing more than my time. Appreciate you! 🙂

[@MrGyan23]

have the same car but my glovebox is leather, would it work? also i need to change my headlights (high and low) can please recommend some bulbs, need brighter ones this time. i think i have 3 bulbs and blinker in one lampset?

[@eddiejones5127]

Great vid brother sorted my wife’s glovebox yesterday. Tried to get it out previously with no luck until I watched your video. Good work dude 👍🏽

[@eddard1]

Thanks for this. These things have been on backorder for quite some time, per my friends at the local dealer. So even if you want to shell out the bucks, they can't get one. I don't want to shell out the bucks so this video is great. Thanks again.

[@horseman62]

thank you! I've talked to four shops, including the dealer, that keep referring me on, and saying they did not do that. just what I needed!

[@lindasweigart7547]

Thank you for this video! I just purchased a used 2011 bmw x3 with the same issue and also thought I would have to buy a new glove box....not cheap!! Even the used ones on Ebay are priced outrageous! Now I have an easy Sun project to fix it! Great job!

[@michelle_aka_knitsisterknit]

This is amazing, my daughter has the same issue with her glove box. It's unfortunate that BMW knows of the issue and doesn't do a recall. Paying to replace the entire glove box is ridiculous.

[@hannamusgrave82]

Thank you for this video!! We were avoiding fixing our glove box for some time and it had nearly peeled completely off. Your video made it super easy to fix it ourselves for just $33.49. It would have been tremendously difficult for me to do without your guidance. Thanks a bunch! We used a clear epoxy mix from the hardware store called J-B Weld Clear Weld (0.85 fl oz). It worked great and had plenty left over.

[@herbkmast8476]

That's great news! I'm glad the video was helpful. Thanks for letting me know.

[@tomrountree6266]

It's always comforting to share good things with those who share my misery! Thanks to you and your video- my peeling glove box problem has been also solved! As my 2015 X3 ages with me, it has had a number of similar problems that the dealer wanted many $$$'s to fix. You have saved me from that anguish this time! Thanks! Thanks! thanks!

[@malezorba]

Thank you so much !! Have had the same issue with my 2014 x3 for some time now and was given the same the quote from the dealer - 750/800 to replace the whole glove box. Glad that I came about your video. Thanks again 🙏🏻

[@FaiyazQuadri]

Thank you so much! It took me 20 min removing and putting back. Rest was just drying the glue time. Looks just like new 👌 Supper helpful videos. I appreciate! 🙏

[@thomasfriel9607]

Dido👍 Yes that video made the repair very straight forward. I was able to take it out, fix it and reinstall no problem. Thx for taking the time to make that video

[@jonathanszynalski4765]

Thanks for the Vid...made for a quick fix. Couldn't have done it without you. I have 2 young kids running around and not much time to tinker. Much appreciated. Hope the epoxy holds up.

[@caliguladonnerstag5106]

Thank you so much for shareing with me your experience and finding a solution for fixing this problem. After nearly forty years of driving a BMW I am so fed up with this company and this car. Had many more problems and after fixing this problem I am going to get rid of this sh********ty car and by mysef a good reliable japanese car.

[@johnkachelmuss4590]

Good description saved me a lot of time. Thank you. 👍

[@jambo072]

Thansk so much. Just fixed mine and it was super easy all thanks to you. Cost $10 in clips and glue 🙌 🙌 🙌

[@dr.jackkhorram4129]

Thank you for your video.I had this problem but I did exactly what you did and never taken anything off,it’s been several months and still strongly attached.l used several small vis grips pointed ones since room was an issue for me .i also used a heating gun and had the piece very flexible.

[@BTWM]

Thanks for this! this summer my lid peeled on both sides. Will be performing this same treatment whenever it gets warm enough to wrench outside.

[@jmarcgolan8882]

Fantastic video! Just finished repairing my 2014 X3 glovebox and your video was indispensable! Thank you so much.

[@hycitrux4275]

Wow!! We hv the same issue and you help us to repair the peeling lid. Thank you for all your hard work!

[@mikezerker6925]

Thank you for this video! I had this happen to my 2012 X3 (F25) … it first peeled back from the bottom left like yours did about 3 yrs ago, which I fixed using Liquid nails without removing the glove box but now it has peeled away from the bottom right of the lid. I tried the same method but it didn’t stick this time, so I’m following your directions.

[@pooyanahmadiasl5046]

Thank you so much, I have the same issue on my wife’s BMW X3, 2015 and shall go to repair it as soon as possible🙏🙏🙏

[@k9m42]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. It really helped.

[@Beachgaltravelergal]

Thanks for this video!! My BMW dealer quoted me 2500 to repair 😫

[@frantisekmotl4888]

Also very big thanks👍 And for BMW its a big shame, this may be solved with recall repair...

[@SimpleMeFPV]

Thx 4 taking the time to make this video 👍. After seeing all the work it takes to remove the glovebox lid I’m definitely going to try and epoxy it while still in the car.

[@taxidrive63]

Hey there, I just did all the job and want to let you know in case you have not done it yet. You won't belleive how easy the 3 pins come out, no effort since they just slide out. And once you have that lid out it's a piece of cake to freely work on it. Just wanted to let you and anybody that's worried about doing this and gets the chance to read this reply.

[@nevrcm3261]

good refresher video on how to get box out and detach door for replacment

[@corey5109]

Barge contact cement. It will work much better, and is much more compatible with plastics and vinyls. When I worked in a prop shop we used it for everything.

[@lupuloscastanos]

Muchas gracias llevaba tiempo pensando como reparar la misma falla, saludos desde Chile!!!! 🤝👌😉

[@geneambrosio29]

Most appreciated!! I had limited success with clamps and contact cement w/o removal but it never stayed put, re-peeling and being a visual annoyance. You would think BMW would automatically take care of this; my friends with Chevys and Fords call it the "POS".....no wonder......(they do like the ride though) . Nice repair, thanks.

[@BrianMichel-o2g]

Great tutorial! Followed to a T and mine came out great.

[@NickAcevedomusic]

Already had all the supplies so this was free. Thanks so much.

[@rodrigopalacios2652]

Excellent video. I'm going to fix the glove box cover on my x3 following you tips. Thanks

[@PhilipMondello]

Need to do this on my wife's X3. Thank you.

[@denislajoie63]

Thank you! Now I know what I'm going to do this weekend! And how I'm going to do it. 2015 X3

[@peteadams2068]

Excellent and informative video which will help me fix the same problem on my X3. Thank you.

[@johnstampler6264]

Redundant but I still have to say this was super helpful. Shame on BMW for such a poor defect but hallelujah to this kind souls revelations!