Where do you put valuables in your X5?
 

My X5 4.8 is the first vehicle I have owned that doesn't have a glovebox or armrest compartment that locks. I know the cargo area in the trunk locks but that is a hassle to put things in eveytime you exit the vehicle especially if it is raining and having to get out and open the trunk everytime. So where does everyone store their radar detector? mp3 players? and other valuables since nowhere upfront in the cabin can be locked inside or does everyone just assume the BMW alarm is enough protection? Also what the hell was BMW thinking in making the glovebox so small that you can barely fit the black leather BMW manual/guide binder in that you cant put cd's in or out without having to take the big BMW binder out everytime and on top of that it wont fit into the arm console unless you take half off the guides out of the BMW binder to make it less bulky. Those are my only two complaints other than that the X5 is perfect in my opinion now if only gas prices will go down I have had my X5 since Thursday and have almost 250 miles on her I just cant seem to let her sit in the garage always looking for an excuse to go somewhere and run up the miles!

I never was too concerned about misc items in the car. I'd be more worried about the damage done by the person trying to get in the car.

I know the cargo area in the trunk QUOTE]

How do you do that? Mine does not. Do you have third row?

No third row seats here.

I just checked the UK spec on the X5 and it says that "Glove compartment, centrally-locked and illuminated"

I have not been able to test it yet to see if it is actually locked when the central locking is engaged.

Most glovebox and armrest locks are cosmetic only, can can be broken in seconds with a good yank or a simple screwdriver pry. As such, they are really rather pointless if you lock your vehicle, as anyone who breaks into a locked vehicle will not be deterred at all by these flimsy locks, it simply will ensure that they do more damage, increasing repair costs.

As a result, automobile makers have been going away from glovebox and armrest locks for years.

The one time I might consider them useful might be with valet parking or such, where it might deter a casual theft.

I usually don't leave valuables anywhere in the X. But when i travel i put my small Knaak box with a lock in the back.

I don't leave valuables but if I do the glove box or arm rest compartment is plenty safe. I agree with Wagner that damage to get in is more of a concern than missing an item.

I can see it being important for convertibles or people with large moonroofs who leave them open a bit while picking up a pizza, etc.

Looks like the bean counters strike again. Geez, first, the locks for the passenger door, tailgate, and ignition, now the glovebox? When will the last mechanical lock on the driver's door get designed out?