[robnitro]

Just got the 4A2E code for glow plug #5 on my x5 35d with approx 115k miles. Not sure if last owner had the plugs/controller ever replaced. Thermostat has been ok since I got the car and replaced it.

Is it still advised to just replace the controller first? I don't think it's possible to test the glow plug with intake manifold on, so I might as well change all the plugs at 28 each, and the controller too while I'm down there? BTW what is the torque for these glow plugs?

Or do these plugs last very long and it's best not to change them until they are dead?

[cm335d]

Originally Posted by robnitro

Just got the 4A2E code for glow plug #5 on my x5 35d with approx 115k miles. Not sure if last owner had the plugs/controller ever replaced. Thermostat has been ok since I got the car and replaced it.

Is it still advised to just replace the controller first? I don't think it's possible to test the glow plug with intake manifold on, so I might as well change all the plugs at 28 each, and the controller too while I'm down there? BTW what is the torque for these glow plugs?

Or do these plugs last very long and it's best not to change them until they are dead?

When I changed mine, I had #2 and #5 plugs showing as bad. I replaced them both and had the feeling to replace the controller as well (but didn't). Sure as heck, shortly after I replaced the glow plugs, the controller went. You can change out the controller without removing the intake. If you look on youtube, there is a video that shows you how. Its tight clearance, but doable. The biggest pain in doing it this way is removing the connector plugs. Other than that, its fairly straightforward. Not sure on the torque of the plugs. Careful when removing these and use some penetrating oil first and let them sit for an hour before trying to remove. If you snap one, it won't be a good thing.

[335stoner]

I had a code for number 5.... While I had the co teller out I ohmed out the glow plugs from the wiring harness. Everything was was the same except for #5 which was a few ohms off, wasn't much off and didn't alarm me. I changed the controller and issue has been gone since...

[jjbaldasano]

What controller part number are folks using on their 335D?

[335stoner]

https://www.idparts.com/x5-335d-glow...ru-p-6637.html

[Spyro235]

Just found this thread... I stupidly made another. Looks like I'll try the controller first, and at the same time maybe check the resistances of the plugs. if one's dead, I suspect I'll be able to figure it out.

[Robimplicit]

Reviving this discussion.
Recently had the Service Engine Soon light and the 4A2E fault code (glow plug, cylinder 5) during cold weather. I replaced the thermostat within a week. The SES light disappeared but the weather has been unusually warm, so I assume demand on the glow plugs has been minimal.
I have monitored the coolant temperature twice since replacing the thermostat. Once on a 20 mile drive mostly on secondary roads and again on a 25-30 mile drive including highway and secondary roads. Both times the coolant temp was relatively steady at 84 C with brief climb to 85 under load. The car is a 2011 335d that has been tuned so no EGR, etc.
One question: should I still expect coolant temps in the 88 to 90 C range with the EGR delete because the thermostat is designed to hold in that range? If so, is 84 C unacceptable and I should replace the thermostat again?
Also, given the earlier discussion in this thread, I assume I should change the glow plug controller also because that problem will return with colder ambient temperatures.
Thanks!

[Spyro235]

Originally Posted by Robimplicit

Reviving this discussion.
Recently had the Service Engine Soon light and the 4A2E fault code (glow plug, cylinder 5) during cold weather. I replaced the thermostat within a week. The SES light disappeared but the weather has been unusually warm, so I assume demand on the glow plugs has been minimal.
I have monitored the coolant temperature twice since replacing the thermostat. Once on a 20 mile drive mostly on secondary roads and again on a 25-30 mile drive including highway and secondary roads. Both times the coolant temp was relatively steady at 84 C with brief climb to 85 under load. The car is a 2011 335d that has been tuned so no EGR, etc.
One question: should I still expect coolant temps in the 88 to 90 C range with the EGR delete because the thermostat is designed to hold in that range? If so, is 84 C unacceptable and I should replace the thermostat again?
Also, given the earlier discussion in this thread, I assume I should change the glow plug controller also because that problem will return with colder ambient temperatures.
Thanks!

What are your ambient temperatures right now? I can check my X5, as I really don't know what my X5 is running at currently. Manufacturing error in the thermostat would easily explain the difference between 84 and 88, especially when it's cold out. So long as it's not under 82 consistently, I wouldnt worry much about it. Is your mpg normal for your driving? I've read that a lot of people don't hit 88c in the winter.

As far as the GPM, if there's no code, certainly don't spend the money. When it gets cold again, if it comes back up, pop a new one in there.

Also, I want to throw it out there that my issues were solved with just the module.

[Robimplicit]

The ambient daytime temperatures have been in the upper 40s and 50s (sometimes into low 60s) during the last month when I measured the coolant temps after replacing the thermostat. But, weather forecast for the near term is for lower temps.
Immediately after installing the new thermostat I noticed improved throttle response and slightly better mpg. I took a long highway trip (more than 1000 miles) last spring and got 42 mpg overall and another long trip in August and got 39.2 mpg. In retrospect, I think that 6% drop in mpg reflected the defect in the old thermostat, and I should have replaced it at that time.
What's the basis for 82 C as a threshold for replacing the thermostat?
Thanks for your help!

Originally Posted by Spyro235

What are your ambient temperatures right now? I can check my X5, as I really don't know what my X5 is running at currently. Manufacturing error in the thermostat would easily explain the difference between 84 and 88, especially when it's cold out. So long as it's not under 82 consistently, I wouldnt worry much about it. Is your mpg normal for your driving? I've read that a lot of people don't hit 88c in the winter.

As far as the GPM, if there's no code, certainly don't spend the money. When it gets cold again, if it comes back up, pop a new one in there.

Also, I want to throw it out there that my issues were solved with just the module.

[Spyro235]

Originally Posted by Robimplicit

The ambient daytime temperatures have been in the upper 40s and 50s (sometimes into low 60s) during the last month when I measured the coolant temps after replacing the thermostat. But, weather forecast for the near term is for lower temps.
Immediately after installing the new thermostat I noticed improved throttle response and slightly better mpg. I took a long highway trip (more than 1000 miles) last spring and got 42 mpg overall and another long trip in August and got 39.2 mpg. In retrospect, I think that 6% drop in mpg reflected the defect in the old thermostat, and I should have replaced it at that time.
What's the basis for 82 C as a threshold for replacing the thermostat?
Thanks for your help!

Imo, 82 is far enough from the target that I'd start to be concerned and monitor it more often. once into the 70's under load I'd consider swapping it. Mine went pretty wild when it went, I rarely saw above 59C. I could see 60 is I was WOT, towing up a hill.

[Richneerd]

Thanks to this thread, I got my controller replaced, no longer having 4A2E fault code.

Very easy and fast! FCPEURO!

Thanks!

[9mmkungfu]

Glad to hear! Almost 3 years now on my replacement and all is still well.

[Robimplicit]

Update. The SES light returned with some colder ambient temperatures. Replaced the glow plug controller without removing the intake. It should have been easy but not so. Undoing the connectors was (literally) a large pain. My right wrist, elbow and bicep still hurt a bit but are getting better. The good news is SES light has not returned despite some continued cold temps. Coolant temp remains at 84 C, which I am assuming is acceptable. I plan to monitor coolant temp once a month and replace as soon as it drops.
Thanks for the help.

[mhd]

controller +1

I had the same error code in May, 2018. After I replaced all the plugs, the code is still there. Have to re-dissemble all the parts from beginning and replace the controller. Vola... the code were gon.

[Based335d]

shortly after my thermostat failed i started getting glow plug activation codes. replaced both and the errors (4A5E) are gone.