[Danny.B.]

Hi folks, hope were all well!

But without looking (stupidly without looking when i changed air filter!) but can anyone tell me (or show me!) where the glow plug controller is on the 330d engine please?

Cheers!

[Dr Dave]

Whats wrong Dany?

[Danny.B.]

Well ive got the error codes (Nothing on the dash mind you) for all 6 of my glow plugs and i thought it might be a good idea to actually do something about it

Im trying the controller first as it seems a bit odd to have all 6 showing? Beside these should of been changed before i got the car anyway

Do you know if its easy to get to Dr Dave? IE not having to remove inlet manifold?

[SomeRandomer123]

All 6 glow plug failure means that it us your glowplug control unit that is faulty. Unless all 6 have infact failed, but I'd eat my hat if they have! So, I had this problem with my 330d too not so long ago, but I'm buggered if I can point you to its location! It gave me a "misfire" effect on cold starts which obviously, I got mildly flamed for in my thread at the time in the N57 board, especially as I didn't clearly state my knowledge of homogeneous charge compression ignition and the lack of spark plugs :P. So, have a look, hope it helps. What are your symptoms, if any?
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=559934

[Danny.B.]

Originally Posted by SomeRandomer123

All 6 glow plug failure means that it us your glowplug control unit that is faulty. Unless all 6 have infact failed, but I'd eat my hat if they have! So, I had this problem with my 330d too not so long ago, but I'm buggered if I can point you to its location! It gave me a "misfire" effect on cold starts which obviously, I got mildly flamed for in my thread at the time in the N57 board, especially as I didn't clearly state my knowledge of homogeneous charge compression ignition and the lack of spark plugs :P. So, have a look, hope it helps. What are your symptoms, if any?
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=559934

thanks for the heads up!

thankfully no symptons what so ever (that i can tell!!!)

its just that ive read the codes and found them there and they keep coming back after resetting so figured id best sort it out despite having no problems yet that i can tell, just figured the code keeps coming back for a reason so best to sort it now!

[Dr Dave]

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...97&hg=12&fg=15

It'll be in the engine bay or scuttle panel area I would say.

I don't have Autodata any more so can't be of any more help.

[Dr Dave]

I could be spouting shite but it could also be situated down by the starter motor.

[lemans 330d]

ive had mine replaced as i had the same error and i had the glowplugs replaced at the same time.
you have to remove the inlet manifold so whilst it was off i had the swirlflaps removed at the same time.

[Danny.B.]

thanks for the info mate, ill get some glow plugs ordered as well then so i can do it all at the same time!!

[Meshyo]

Should be located on the top right of the car's engine (looking front on). Have a look around that area under the plastics! Be careful about changing glow plugs if it's not 100% required, seen/heard some real horry stories! My advice is if it's all working fine, leave it!

[Dr Dave]

Danny - my advice, if you have error codes which don't display on the dash, the engine starts cleanly and runs well, I'd leave well alone.

[Danny.B.]

Originally Posted by Dr Dave

Danny - my advice, if you have error codes which don't display on the dash, the engine starts cleanly and runs well, I'd leave well alone.

All taken on board mate, thanks for your advice, i was thinking the very same thing to be honest, having a hesitation on high loads in 5/6th gear now though since i fitted a K+N so might have to get in there to adjust/replace with standard ait filter yet anyway

[raf555]

I'm in the same boat (have a E90 330d)...

A diagnostics check showed all 6 glow plugs are not working so the control unit will need replacing as well as all 6 plugs... NOT cheap!!

is it advisable to get it sorted asap or can it wait as I thought glow plugs are only really used in Winter when its colder??
But on other hand have heard if not sorted can effect the regen process leading to DPF failure??

Cheers

[Meshyo]

Originally Posted by raf555

I'm in the same boat (have a E90 330d)...

A diagnostics check showed all 6 glow plugs are not working so the control unit will need replacing as well as all 6 plugs... NOT cheap!!

is it advisable to get it sorted asap or can it wait as I thought glow plugs are only really used in Winter when its colder??
But on other hand have heard if not sorted can effect the regen process leading to DPF failure??

Cheers

I would assume that our weather is not cold enough to require an immediate change, but should really be sorted out as soon it is realistically possible. Again with regards to taking off the glow plugs unless they are 100% required, they can be prone to breaking off. Good tip is make sure the engine is a little warm and spray it with some shock and unlock to help it come off.

The controller should be under the manifold to the right of the engine loking at it from the front of the car

[raf555]

Well my local German specialist says you might as well replace the swirl flaps with blanking plates and change the breather while the manifold is off!

Should I get the lot done?

So what should I be expected to be paying for changing all 6 glow plugs, controller unit, blanking plates and breather?!?

[rsmallwo]

Apologies for reviving this thread.....

Since the cold mornings started I've had the engine somewhat pause before starting, its does start but flashes the glowplug symbol at me. Thought my battery was maybe on its way out but I remember my independant say there was an error for glow plugs back a few months ago.

Opinions chaps??

My car: 335d sept/2006, 95k. Still running original battery....

Thanks,

[sialdouk]

Hiya

I think I have a similar problem

Rough idle on first start up in the mornings.

Every now and again, a very slight hesitation from engine.

Although the car is in need of service, I suspect a control unit or glow plugs...

Here's a vid, listen 3-8 seconds in

[sialdouk]

BTW SomeRandomer123, your sig pic is Geo tagged so potentially can see where you may live.

Cheers

[rsmallwo]

Originally Posted by rsmallwo

Apologies for reviving this thread.....

Since the cold mornings started I've had the engine somewhat pause before starting, its does start but flashes the glowplug symbol at me. Thought my battery was maybe on its way out but I remember my independant say there was an error for glow plugs back a few months ago.

Opinions chaps??

My car: 335d sept/2006, 95k. Still running original battery....

Thanks,

Any ideas?

Thx

[doughboy]

rsmallow, get it on a machiine to check for errors, otherwise you're p##sing in the wind.....

any garage should do it for a few quid if you don't have a cable/software yourself.

Lots of errors don't show on the dash, only critical ones do that.

[coopersim]

I think I may have exactly the same problem

Originally Posted by sialdouk

Every now and again, a very slight hesitation from engine.

I've noticed this for a few months now, especially on cruise control, almost like this engine is blipping the accelerator

[Dr Dave]

Originally Posted by rsmallwo

Apologies for reviving this thread.....

Since the cold mornings started I've had the engine somewhat pause before starting, its does start but flashes the glowplug symbol at me. Thought my battery was maybe on its way out but I remember my independant say there was an error for glow plugs back a few months ago.

Opinions chaps??

My car: 335d sept/2006, 95k. Still running original battery....

Thanks,

That is totally normal operation while the glowplugs operate.