How to access fuse panel? Glove box will not release

[BMWBig6]

The manual says:

Access to fuse box:
1. Open the glove compartment.

2. Release the damper from the bottom holder by applying pressure toward the front, arrow 1.

3. Unlock the glove compartment by pressing on both tabs, arrows 2, and fold down.

I've found the damper and that comes off easily. I've released the right (outboard) tab on the side of the glove box. But where is the tab on the left (inboard) side of the glove box? And which direction do you push it to release and swing the glove box down and out of the way?

I checked the archives already and came across the following about the 1-series glove box, is ours similar?

a) opening the glove box isn't terribly complicated... once you know what to do. I just went out and did it again and it took me less than 30 sec. It did take me literally 20 mins the first time.

b) There are 2 catches, one on each side. The problem is, while similar in design (you push a plastic tab in until the stop releases, they have completely different feel (at least in my car). The left one comes out easily, while the right one you have to push in A LOT. Obviously, the concern is how far to you push and when will the tab break? If you are a first timer, you won't know that until you've spent 20 mins thinking there must be something else holding it, and are desperate or frustrated enough to say "F it. I'm going to break this tab!"

Since I can't see the fuse panel yet, can anyone tell me what kind of fuses I should expect to see? (Mini, micro, low-profile-mini?)

[NumberSix]

A pretty good description of the process is on page 256 of the manual:

Access to fuse box:
1. Open the glove compartment.
2. Release the damper from the bottom
holder by applying pressure toward the
front, arrow 1.
3. Unlock the glove compartment by pressing
on both tabs, arrows 2, and fold down.
A pair of plastic tweezers is found on the current
distributor.
Information on the fuses can be found on the
back of the cover.

Arrow 1 is on the right side

I believe you'll end up finding Mini fuses

[Carlin/14/E84]

The damper was easy.

Next, check the left tab and familiarize where if push gives out easy.

Next, move the glove box lid up-fwd about 1/2" and stick your right hand between the glove box and tab, because you have to pry both at the same time to clear the right tab retainer, and while you are doing that push inbd the left tab the lid should drop.

[BMWBig6]

Thanks! I found this excellent video that shows EXACTLY how to properly remove the glove box (or at least swing it down out of the way) at 00:20 seconds into the video. It even shows the plastic tabs and the direction they need to be pushed to release the glove box.

The Car Care Kiosk site has a lot of other helpful videos for common maintenance procedures on the BMW X1 too.

[themishmosh]

Originally Posted by BMWBig6

Thanks! I found this excellent video that shows EXACTLY how to properly remove the glove box (or at least swing it down out of the way) at 00:20 seconds into the video. It even shows the plastic tabs and the direction they need to be pushed to release the glove box.

The Car Care Kiosk site has a lot of other helpful videos for common maintenance procedures on the BMW X1 too.

Thanks for the post!

[Shredjim]

Excellent video series - thanks for posting it!

[alexx22]

Hi guys! Any idea if the E84 has another fuse box located elsewhere? I ask this because my X1`s boot outlet it`s not working anymore, and i have checked the interior fuse box and the fuse is ok...any ideas?? Thanks!

[X135iM]

All of the outlets work on the same fuse. It is a 20AMP fuse in the glove box fuse block. Look on the paper in the glove box to find the correct fuse. It will have the same symbol as the boot outlet has on it a "+" with an arrow and I think a minus. If only one outlet does not work, it may be a faulty outlet or not making complete connection.

[alexx22]

Thx for answer. I checked the fuse, it`s ok, i`ll take another look on the outlet when i`ll have more time available. Thanks.

[alexx22]

Hi guys, i just found out that the fuse for the 12v boot outlet is not the one (shared with the other outlets) in the glovebox, but the one located just above the car`s battery in the boot. It seems that the 7.5 fuse was shot. Hope this helps someone out there...