W201 glove box won't close? Replace lid & lock
On the Mercedes 190 (W201), the glove box is a component that hardly anyone thinks about – until the lid pops open at every bump, rattles or can no longer be closed at all. On used vehicles the key is also often missing, so the compartment can no longer be locked. In this guide we show how you can narrow down the cause and when replacing the complete lid with lock is worthwhile.
Symptoms
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Lid pops open over bumps | Latch worn out or striker bent |
| Lid no longer latches | Locking mechanism gummed up, latch broken or lid warped |
| Glove box cannot be locked | Key missing or lock cylinder worn out |
| Lid rattles when closed | Wear on the lock or hinge area |
| Vehicle does not start, key turns in the ignition lock with difficulty or not at all | Different cause: ignition or steering lock – see Guide W124/W201 ignition lock defective |
| Door cannot be opened from the inside | Different cause: inside door handle – see Guide W201 inside door handle |
Causes
Even the youngest W201 cars now have several decades behind them. During this time the glove box is opened and closed thousands of times. The moving parts of the lock wear out in the process, lubricants gum up and plastic parts become brittle from heat and UV light behind the windshield.
Add to that the human factor: if the lid is overloaded or pushed shut with force, it warps or the locking mechanism breaks. On vehicles with several previous owners, the key for the glove box has also often been lost.
Testing it yourself
- Check the striker: With the lid open, check whether the counterpart on the dashboard carrier sits firmly and is not bent. Often careful realignment is enough.
- Clean and lubricate the mechanism: Clean the latch and apply a little resin-free lubricant to the moving parts. Operate it several times and test.
- Check the key: Does the lock turn cleanly with the existing key? If the cylinder catches or the key is missing, you can hardly avoid replacing it.
- Check the lid for warping: Close the lid slowly and watch whether it sits evenly. A warped or cracked lid permanently prevents clean latching.
- Read off the part number: Before you order a replacement, note the part number on your lid and compare it with the spare part.
Solution
If the mechanism is worn, the lid damaged or the key lost, replacing the complete lid with lock is the cleanest solution. We offer the genuine Mercedes glove box lid with the part number A 201 680 08 98 (2016800898) – as a personally tested used part, including lock and matching key, at a price of 79,00 €. You will find further parts for your 190 in our W201 collection and under Locks & door handles.
Glove box lid with lock + key – Mercedes W201
Part number: A 201 680 08 98 · tested genuine part
79,00 €
View productCompatible vehicles
| Model series | Models | Part number |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz W201 (190 series) | Gasoline and diesel models of the 201 series, including 190, 190E, 190D | A 201 680 08 98 |
Note: Equipment and color variants may differ. Before buying, compare the part number on your vehicle or ask us with your VIN (chassis number).
FAQ
What part number does the glove box lid on the W201 have?
The lid offered here carries the genuine part number A 201 680 08 98 (2016800898). Compare the number with the part in your vehicle before buying.
Is a key included with the glove box lid 2016800898?
Yes. The lid is delivered including lock and matching key. So you do not need to order a new lock cylinder separately.
Does the lid fit the 190D and the 190E?
According to the product data, the lid fits the gasoline and diesel models of the 201 series, including 190, 190E and 190D.
Can I replace just the lock in the glove box?
That is possible if you can get a matching individual lock. However, if the lid is also warped or cracked, or the key is missing, replacing the complete lid with lock is usually the quicker way.
Why does my W201 glove box no longer close?
Common causes are a worn or broken latch, a bent striker, a warped lid or a gummed-up locking mechanism. Check the striker and mechanism first before replacing parts.
KFZTeile-Thot is a specialist business for tested and refurbished Mercedes parts with its own test benches and over 1,000 positive eBay reviews. Not sure whether the lid fits your 190? Call us at +49 179 8991069 (Mon–Fri 8 am–6 pm) or use our contact form.