We accidentally broke one of the plastic hinges on the glove box of our '98 W210 E320.

I had a look at it and it is not clear just how to remove the hinges. Anyone have access to the MB instructions (We are away from home, so don't have access to our manuals)?

A few questions:

Has anyone else had a hinge break ?

Are hinges available from dealers as a separate part?

Any help appreciated!

Graham

PS- This is what it looks like:

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5

Generally, if the 'exploded' diagram doesn't show the glove box liner and the door frame as two pieces with the hinges and screws shown separately, then it is a one piece assembly as shown in your diagram. You will have to buy Part No. 56 and exchange the other parts from your old one. Or you may find a complete assembly from a salvage yard or someone parting out a E320 of the right color interior. Prices for all three options will probably be about the same.

Thanks for the reply Richard. I am sure you are right that item 56 is the complete glove box with hinges and door.

What is confusing, is that the parts list includes item
65 - Glove box lid - inside and
86 - Glove box lid - outside

Perhaps item 65 attaches to the hinged lid?

I will check with dealer on Monday and see what the box costs.

Regards

Graham

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5

Well, Graham, I may be mistaken. Part No. 65 is the plastic inside w/cup holders and is shown as part of Part 56. Part No. 86 is the vinyl covered outside. Perhaps the hinges are fastened with something like a pop rivet instead of a conventional fastener. In order to change the cabin filters, one must pull rather firmly on the glove box door as a handle to remove the glove box.

Richard,

The hinges don't have fasteners on the door side - they slide into a slot and are locked in place with a plastic piece - If you have a W210, you will see this part as a square piece of plastic inside the door - prying this out releases the hinge. BUT, I could not get it to release completely - seems to have some sort of ratchet. I will remove the whole box and have a better look.

If the hinges are not available, I MAY be able to use an adhesive to repair the hinge.

Finding a used one would be a plus, but hopefully not too many of these cars would have hit the wreckers yards yet!

Graham

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5

Richard,
I have taken the glovebox apart. The hinges slide into a slot in the lid and are held there with a black plastic clip.

Dealer cost for lid is $49 and for whole unit $129. Too bad they don't sell the hinge half that is prone to breakage - it is removable. It seems that the hinges only come with the complete assembly, not with the lid. But the dealer was not 100% sure of this.

I will attempt an epoxy repair before ordering the replacement.

Graham

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5