How long should glow plugs and glow plug controller module last?

Tambohamilton · 03-16-2021, 07:48 PM

I hope I'm wrong...I should dig into the wiring diagrams to find out!

POBEP · 05-16-2021, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanMZe90

Hi,

Back in 2016 I replaced my glow plug controller in my 2005 E90 330D with an OEM part from Cotswold BMW, and a month later had my local indie replace all 6 glow plugs. That was 4 and a bit years ago and about 60k of mileage done since then.

Carly is telling me all 6 plugs are faulty which would normally point to the controller unit (which is why I ended up replacing controller and plugs back in 2016). I doubt the plugs are all shot but I would also have thought the controller would have lasted longer...so how long should each last or is 4 years/60k miles normal?

Thanks

Dan

Glow Plug module
Factory unit: 117K mi / 10 years
1st OEM replacement: 14K mi / 1 year
2nd OE replacement: time will tell

Glow Plugs
117K mi / 10 years

History
I just got myself 335d with CEL on and glow plug module related codes.
Thermostat works as designed.

The factory glow plug module and plugs were replaced in Jan-2020 at 117K miles with Beru unit (from Germany).

Contact cleaner and new OE glow plug module (from Portugal) solved the CEL issue at 131K miles yesterday.

It took some time to disconnect right connector.
Turns out that previous mechanic broke clip release lever.
Both connectors had some liquid (oil or fuel?) in them.

POBEP · 05-16-2021, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tambohamilton

Learned something the other day, which may relate to this... The glow plug controller is on the BSD line. So potentially if your alternator or IBS are faulty, they could be causing the glow plug faults.

I may be wrong...

I am leaning towards the alternator/IBS/battery theory too.

It appears that factory AGM battery was replaced earlier this year with aftermarket non-AGM unit. On occasion, IBS reports fully discharged battery while it had solid change and no sizable voltage drop.

The only cure so far was to unplug both battery terminals, fully charge it and reconnect it back.

Sarah000 · 08-09-2023, 05:52 AM

I have a 530D, replaced Glow plug module and glugs, the module stopped working just outside warranty of 2 years. I was wondering if anyone else has had this issue with the module, I only doe 14K in the 2 years.

please reply if you are one of these people as i want to look into this.

Thank you

03-16-2021, 07:48 PM	#23
Tambohamilton Brigadier General 3169 Rep 4,047 Posts Drives: E91 330d Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Herefordshire iTrader: (0)	I hope I'm wrong...I should dig into the wiring diagrams to find out!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-09-2023, 05:52 AM	#26
Sarah000 Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 530D Join Date: Aug 2023 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	BMW Glow plug module I have a 530D, replaced Glow plug module and glugs, the module stopped working just outside warranty of 2 years. I was wondering if anyone else has had this issue with the module, I only doe 14K in the 2 years. please reply if you are one of these people as i want to look into this. Thank you
	Appreciate 0 Quote