2001 E320 glove box rattle
 

It should't happen on a car so new. I'm 50 miles round trip away from the main dealer so hoping someone can advise and I can fix it myself.

Problem: A rattle from the glove box when riding over slightly uneven roads. Problem goes away if glove box lid left open(!)

Observation: Lid stays are rattling only when lid is closed and not under the weight of the lid.

Conclusion: Lid stays need to be tightened within their guides.

Question: How? What is procedure for removing the glove box as a complete assembly?

I have tried removing all screws (including the hidden ones) but the glove box seem stubbornly fixed under the top of the dash, below the airbag position. Any help from a techy out there would be most graciously accepted. Thanks. PeteS

Pete:
I'd try backing out the rubber bumpers on the top corners first, to see if a little extra bumper pressure will stop the noise.
To remove the glovebox assm, remove the screws (there are 6!!) then just jerk it out. It''ll come out kind of hard, I've done this alot to replace the dust filters, it will work fine, don't worry about breaking anything, just a good clean jerk will do it, just grab the sides of the lid.
Gilly

Thanks, Gillybenztech
 

Thanks for your advice, Gilly. I'll try what you suggest. Just didn't fancy the airbag doing a number on me while I poked, prodded and pulled!

I did back off the bumpers (forgot to say that in my post) but it didn't stop the rattle.

Could you also please help me with this?... the top of the lid out of line with the the adjacent dash, very slightly, but I notice it. Is there an adjustment point or is packing used to do cure this? (I haven't yet removed the assembly).

Thanks again.
PeteS

Pete:
There is no alignment for the lid in the dimension you need to go, that I am aware of anyways.
I would suggest bringing it to the dealers attention and possibly they will replace the whole glove box/lid assembly. Maybe you could talk them into having it ordered so the next time you're in for service they can attend to it.
Gilly

I had the same problem in my C43 AMG -- the dealer just took out the owner's manual (which I had in there) and the noise stopped. I guess that the manual pressing against the glove compartment door made it more suscepitible to a rattle.

This is, of course, a much lower impact solution than pulling out the glovebox.

another tip:
i believe the glove box slides out. if you try to yank it straight out, it may not work.