[kbsilver]

I've gone nearly 2 years without an SES. My basic code reader indicates P067F. Best I can tell it's either #6 cylinder glow plug or the controller. As I thought the glow plugs themselves were pretty bullet proof, and I also believe you need to remove the intake to get #6, hoping it's the controller. 108K miles. Car starts/runs fine.

Anyone have experience with this?

[335dlci]

Pretty common.

[robnitro]

I didn't know you could do some of the glow plugs with the manifold on?
It looked very tight to me.

I had 5 reported as bad but plug was good. Pretty stupid idea for them to mount the controller on the hot engine block

[kbsilver]

Originally Posted by robnitro

I didn't know you could do some of the glow plugs with the manifold on?
It looked very tight to me.

I had 5 reported as bad but plug was good. Pretty stupid idea for them to mount the controller on the hot engine block

I think you can only get #1 without removing the manifold.

If I am interpreting the responses correctly, it's almost surely the controller. Looks tight to get that out too and I'm sure someone with experience can do it much easier than me. I'll see if I can get the dealer to quote a straight replacement without the diagnostic charge. Very few independents, if any, will have experience with this.

Has anyone had a glow plug actually fail?

Thanks!

[335stoner]

the controller can be changed with the manifold on in 10 minutes or less...

here is my video

[grotto]

I just had my controller changed 2 weeks ago by my mechanic. $75 took him less than 45 minutes. My car has 96k on it.

[kbsilver]

When it gets a little warmer I will see if this is something I can tackle. It looks like the exact same glow plug controller is used on most diesels, including Ford and even a Cummings engine. It appears the failures are not from temperature, but vibration as the aluminum wires used from the PCB to the connectors crack over time.

[335stoner]

Originally Posted by kbsilver

It looks like the exact same glow plug controller is used on most diesels, including Ford and even a Cummings engine. It appears the failures are not from temperature, but vibration as the aluminum wires used from the PCB to the connectors crack over time.

correct statement

[kbsilver]

Thanks for the very helpful video. Without it I would not even try to change it. So far I've done very few repairs on my D. It actually has been very reliable and anything needed so far (except brakes which I did myself), has been covered under warranty.

[kbsilver]

Originally Posted by 335stoner

the controller can be changed with the manifold on in 10 minutes or less...

here is my video

The video is very clear, and looks easy enough. I gave it the college try but no go. Small connector was easy, but I am just not strong enough to get the big connector off with one hand. Before I broke something, decided to just call it a fail and find someone to do it. I'm eventually going to have to admit my age is catching up to me.

[faz]

Originally Posted by kbsilver

The video is very clear, and looks easy enough. I gave it the college try but no go. Small connector was easy, but I am just not strong enough to get the big connector off with one hand. Before I broke something, decided to just call it a fail and find someone to do it. I'm eventually going to have to admit my age is catching up to me.

FYI... I went through the same a little while ago, and had a local indy shop do the replacement for half hour of labor.

(quoting my reply to the other related thread below

Originally Posted by faz

Just an update, to help others who might come across this thread in future:

Bought the BMW original module (part no. 12218591724) from ECS tuning for $120 (https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...e/12218591724/), free shipping took a little while but the car was working fine and it didn't bother me.

Found a local BMW indy shop who has high rating on yelp, called them and they said they will charge 1/2 hour to change the part ($75). FYI, this was the book time so whatever system they use to estimate the time involved in changing this module recommends only 1/2 hour of labor.

They changed the module and cleared the codes, all is good.

Thank you all for contributing to this site and keeping it a fantastic place to learn from.

[kbsilver]

Originally Posted by kbsilver

The video is very clear, and looks easy enough. I gave it the college try but no go. Small connector was easy, but I am just not strong enough to get the big connector off with one hand...

Seeing how a local indi shop wanted to charge me $175 labor to change the controller, I decided gave it another try, this time wearing a mechanics glove. Gave me the extra grip needed to get that large connector off. Took about 15 minutes. (Hmm $175 x 4 = $700 per hour. I did not ask for the brain surgeon.) Around me seems the most reliable and inexpensive repair is from the dealer - go figure.

I did not reset the SES which is still on, but expect it to go out on it's own after a few drive cycles. UPDATE - SES Went out on it's own confirming it was the module and not a really hard to change glow plug.

I sourced the part (BMW branded and boxed) from FCPEuro. $122.45 with the (slow) free shipping. Got it in 2 days.

[robnitro]

You might have to reset the codes for it to redetect, but if you're coming up on obd inspection, don't reset because then you have to drive quite a bit for the readiness to pass!

The mechanics would have taken longer going by the book to ensure not breaking things. That includes removing the intake manifold and possibly the coolant pipe nearby. On the x5 it's impossible to do it the way you guys can. I left the coolant pipe on however.

[Spyro235]

Wait- It's impossible to do the controller without removing the intake manifold on the X5?

[335stoner]

Originally Posted by Spyro235

Wait- It's impossible to do the controller without removing the intake manifold on the X5?

NO it is not... i did it intake on! it is harder than the 335 but i can be done

[Spyro235]

Originally Posted by 335stoner

NO it is not... i did it intake on! it is harder than the 335 but i can be done

I will spend 2 hours cursing my cut up hands to replace the module, before I pull the intake and make all kinds of leaks, knowing me. I've pulled the entire driveline out of my e46 drift car before, I've swapped multiple clutches on jack stands, but right now I'm about to put my intake manifold back on my drift car, after having it off. I look at that mess of wires and connections and think "I'll be lucky if I ever hear this thing run again"
I'm sure I'll figure it out, but what a pain in the ass. I Think I'd rather do another clutch on jack stands than pull an intake manifold again.