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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Powertrain and Drivetrain Discussions > N57 / M57 Turbo Diesel Discussions - 335d > Need glow plug removal advice



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      08-13-2018, 08:34 AM   #1
thebeezle
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Need glow plug removal advice

Ok, newbie here. My 2011 335d is fully out of CPO warranty (57k miles) and time to start doing my own work.

I've been reading and reading and watching videos. I have a couple of glow plug codes for #2 and #5. #2 was first, #5 was a few weeks later. I've successfully removed intake (first time of many I'm sure) and I have 6 new plugs and a new module on the way. I'm going to guess the module is going bad since two plugs in short succession but I figured I would just replace everything since I have it apart.

My question is this... My engine is cold since I'm taking my time on this job (DC Summer so 80+ degrees) and the #2 plug came out with fairly little effort. THEN I started reading about the horror of snapping these plugs or bitching up the threads and how it should be done with a hot engine. Well, I can't run my motor at the moment since it's disassembled.

Any advice on how to proceed? I've tried the others and they are not coming out as easy so I've stopped. I don't have a meat fist and always err on the side of caution with potentially seized things. Can I heat the block somehow or freeze the plug to help?

Or should I just replace module and put it back together and see if the codes go away and then try later with a hot engine?

Also, what is the consensus on using anti-seize on the glow plug threads?

Thanks much!
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      08-13-2018, 08:54 AM   #2
montr
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At 87K miles, I had few fault codes for glow plugs. I bough 6 glow plugs and a glow plug controller. I replaced only the glow plug controller and the fault codes disappeared. I now at 110K miles and it is all OK with the original glow plugs. I have 6 new glow plugs in my toolbox just in case.
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      08-13-2018, 09:12 AM   #3
thebeezle
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Thank you, good to know. I'm not going to risk snapping them. Will try controller first. Now that I've done the intake once, the next time will be much faster :-)
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      08-13-2018, 10:56 AM   #4
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Just hit the block with a blow torch.
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      08-13-2018, 12:26 PM   #5
thebeezle
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Thanks. I thought about a torch but wasn't sure if it would have enough heat to make a difference or if I would damage anything delicate.
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      08-13-2018, 01:22 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thebeezle View Post
Thanks. I thought about a torch but wasn't sure if it would have enough heat to make a difference or if I would damage anything delicate.
I would start with a heat gun and go to the torch only if the heat gun is not enough.
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      08-13-2018, 09:06 PM   #7
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Hmmm, interesting issue. I hadn't heard of the glow plugs snapping. I removed all 6 from two separate engines when cold without any issues.

I'm curious if the snapping has more to do with the previous plugs being overtightened rather than the block not being at a correct temperature. Either that or the multiple heat cycles on the aluminum block cause the plugs to really set in there (in which case a warmed block may or may not help with disassembly).
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      08-14-2018, 08:24 AM   #8
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I think snapping happens more in winter when people notice gps are bad. spray some wd40 to soak a day before doing the plugs. Wd40 tested better than the expensive special sprays on a few videos I saw on YouTube.
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      08-14-2018, 08:45 AM   #9
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My two cents but I’ll say up front that I’ve never messed with the glow plugs.

Don’t go buy one but consider a heat gun for heat shrink installs. If you have one great or borrow one from a buddy. I thawed out neighbor’s frozen faucet with it one time. DONT melt any plastic with it though. Point is to warm them up not get them so hot to damage them.
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      08-14-2018, 12:51 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by robnitro View Post
I think snapping happens more in winter when people notice gps are bad. spray some wd40 to soak a day before doing the plugs. Wd40 tested better than the expensive special sprays on a few videos I saw on YouTube.
this video says otherwise on the WD40.. I have always been a huge fan of acetone and ATF.. I haven't heard of people breaking the GP's. I would start with the GPM before touching the Gplugs.


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      08-14-2018, 01:29 PM   #11
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PB blaster came to mind for me. I have this stuff for my old 67 Plymouth though.

Don't think this applies for the glow plugs. I've watched the parts pullers at junk yard. They squirt brake fluid onto ancient threading needing a nut pulled off it. They also use a wire brush on an exposed stud.
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      08-14-2018, 01:30 PM   #12
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From the repair manual:

Special tools required:

11 6 050
12 2 300

Note:
Read out fault memory of DDE control unit (DDE = Digital Diesel Electronics).

Switch off ignition.

Sec 12 23 505 Replacing all glow plugs (M57 / M57TU / M47TU / M47T2 / M57T2)

If malfunctions occur at the glow elements, it is absolutely essential to check the safety fuses behind the glove box.

For further troubleshooting information refer to the BMW diagnosis system.

Note:
It is recommended to warm the engine up to operating temperature for easy removal of glow elements. In addition, spray glow element with Disassembly agent 5.1 and let it take effect for approx. 2 minutes. Removing glow elements from a cold engine may cause damage to the thread in the cylinder head.
Attention!
Risk of burning! The use of gloves is mandatory!

Necessary preliminary tasks:
Disconnect battery earth lead.
Remove intake plenum.

* Release connector (1) with special tool 12 2 300 and remove.

* Release glow elements (1) with special tool 11 6 050 .

Tightening torque 12 23 2AZ.

Note:
If applicable, drill out the special tool 11 6 050 with a twist drill ∅ 9.5 mm approximately 20 mm deep
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      08-14-2018, 01:42 PM   #13
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As mentioned in the previous post, disconnect the battery.

I made the mistake of not disconnecting the battery when changing the glow plug controller. I got some spark when my wrench touched the starter motor connections that is nearby. Luckily, no damage was done.
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      08-14-2018, 03:37 PM   #14
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Yeah why doesn't bmw cover that terminal up? I've seen covers on other cars... Bmw cheapens out!
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      08-15-2018, 08:01 AM   #15
thebeezle
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Thanks for all of the input. I will give some penetrating oil a shot today and slight twist of the plugs (and maybe heat) tomorrow, if they come out easy, I'll replace them. If not, I'll just swap module first.
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      08-15-2018, 04:00 PM   #16
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Let your engine run for a while then remove per repair instructions.
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      08-15-2018, 04:42 PM   #17
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I wouldn't touch them or pull the intake and just do the module..
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      08-15-2018, 05:42 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 335stoner View Post
I wouldn't touch them or pull the intake and just do the module..
Agreed
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      08-15-2018, 07:23 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 335dlci View Post
Agreed
I also agree. You can test your glow plug with an ohmmeter. It is likely that your glow plugs are fine and the glow plug controller is defective.
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      08-16-2018, 09:06 AM   #20
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Read the post, he's already dismantled the inlet manifold off! Good luck with the mission, hope it goes smoothly.
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      08-16-2018, 03:33 PM   #21
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Ok.. what's preventing him from letting it run for a bit??
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      08-16-2018, 03:36 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MooLard View Post
Read the post, he's already dismantled the inlet manifold off! Good luck with the mission, hope it goes smoothly.
Yeah I read it... what's preventing him from letting it run for a bit?
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