Broken Latches???

[Gwmckee]

Hello Everyone! Neither the ash tray nor the radio cover seem to be functioning properly in my Z8. When I push the ash tray down, I am correct in assuming it should lock into place and secure itself into the center console? Mine just pops up again. Any thoughts about how to repair? Similarly, when I close the cover for the radio, it fails to latch and just reopens. I'm willing to roll up my sleeves to fix these myself but was wondering if they are known failures and hoping someone has documented the repairs.

Thanks in advance!

[macfly]

Sounds like both are a case of the lock springs coming unattached and stopping locking them shut, but I have never had to deal with this so can't give you an exact repair instruction on it. You should be able to source some diagrams of what you're dealing with in either the repair or parts manuals here - http://www.bmwz8.us/forum/bmw-z8-his...icles-163.html

[Gwmckee]

Thanks Andrew. I had looked through the TIS and parts manuals prior to my original post but came up empty. I'll try again with a sharper eye

[dcona2]

I have the same problem with my Radio cover. Please let me know if you find the answer... I will have a look too.

[MauiMike]

For the ash tray, there is a little plastic hook on the bottom. That goes into a recess at the bottom of the ash tray holder. The recess has a spring loaded catch for the hook. The catch for the hook is released by the button in the ash tray holder. So, if either the button or the catch at the bottom has gotten gummed up, the catch might be stuck in the retracted position. And that would cause the ash tray to act just as you are describing (not catching in place when pressed in).

If you really are going to go after the radio cover, you will have to remove the center console. It's not too hard, just have to take your time and follow the TIS. Anyway, the ash tray receptacle will be out with the console and you will be able to figure out why the catch is not working.

[Gwmckee]

Yesterday, I finally got around to working on this. After removing the center console trim and the radio, and after looking again at the video and photos Mike sent me, I suspect the radio cover and ashtray issues originate from a sloppy prior repair. A few years ago, mice found their way into the car and munched through a bunch of wiring. I suspect that the dealer had to remove the center console when doing the repair. Upon inspection, it looks like the latching mechanism for the radio cover isn�t even present. The ashtray seems like a similar thing as the latch mechanism does not stay retracted. I bet you dollars to donuts that when I pull the entire center console out, I�ll see that the retention spring is missing, broken or disconnected. Since the prior owner only took the car to his local dealership for service and repair, I�m thinking they should make it right and give me the replacement parts. Maybe it�s a long shot but I�d rather try asking before shelling out 500 clams on a new module carrier and another 600 for the ashtray cubby!

As an aside... when I installed my Gromm Bluetooth in the car last year, I found a dead mouse under the CD carrier and last night when I pulled the radio, I found mouse droppings and what looked to be remnants of peanuts Now to figure out how to mouse proof my Z8!

[boomster]

I live in a heavily wooded area and fight an annual battle with mice, particularly in the fall when they decide it is time to move indoors. Have had good luck keeping them away from my stored cars by placing cotton balls impregnated with a few drops of peppermint oil in strategic locations around the vehicle. I place them on discs I fashion from tin foil to protect the car surfaces from the oil. Peppermint oil can be purchased from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/4oz-Bulk-Pepp...NsaWNrPXRydWU=

[Gwmckee]

That is a great idea! I was just pondering what to do to prevent further rodent issues. How many discs do you place in/around your Z8 and where do you put them for best effect?

[boomster]

I put four under the hood (one on either side just forward of the windshield, one on either side up front by the radiator), two inside the car (on the floor, both sides) and one in the trunk. I also use the old fashion wooden traps around the garage to try to eradicate them, I have found the baits that they sell at the hardware store such as D-Con no longer seem to be effective. In fact, I use little chunks of D-Con to bait the wooden traps as the mice seem to enjoy eating it. Thankfully, it seems that once I have killed off a number of them in the early fall, the population is eradicated until the next year.

[2112]

Mint is so much better than the Mothballs some use.

I have been using dryer sheets. My engine bay smells like fresh laundry.

[Gwmckee]

I put four under the hood (one on either side just forward of the windshield, one on either side up front by the radiator), two inside the car (on the floor, both sides) and one in the trunk. I also use the old fashion wooden traps around the garage to try to eradicate them, I have found the baits that they sell at the hardware store such as D-Con no longer seem to be effective. In fact, I use little chunks of D-Con to bait the wooden traps as the mice seem to enjoy eating it. Thankfully, it seems that once I have killed off a number of them in the early fall, the population is eradicated until the next year.

That's perfect. I like the added defense of the wooden traps. Thanks for the help.

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Mint is so much better than the Mothballs some use.

I have been using dryer sheets. My engine bay smells like fresh laundry.

Never thought about using dryer sheets. Either way, my ride will be smelling fine!

[keith1998]

My driver side door forward storage compartment won't stay shut so I resorted to Velcro.Does anyone have a part number and or solution for a fix. If done at dealership cost to repair?Thanks

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Also I my left turn signal indicator blinks rapidly but still works any thoughts?

[screenap]

Keith - that is the first sign of the turn signal going unfortunately. I am not aware of a fix, other than replacement and each side is about $4k. However, as I previously noted, I was able to work with the BMW store manager to negotiate with BMW Canada (which is different than BMW NA) and they helped out - I believe I landed at doing both lights for $5k but it has been a while.

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Also, if it helps, I can dig up the bills and send them to you for some backup... I will see if I can dig them up.

[keith1998]

I had a feeling that might be the case ugh. Would be great if you had copies you could e mail me. [email protected]

[screenap]

Haven't had a chance yet but should be able to look through the file later this aft... will email you when I find them.

[screenap]

Turns out my files are at my other place, so will locate them early next week.

[keith1998]

Great thank you

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Has anyone had the same issue with the forward door storage compartments not staying shut? Suggestions welcome.