[1 AKY]

Afternoon All

Carly is showing issues with glow plugs 2, 3 & 5.

- is it the plugs, the module or a combination of both?
- if it's the module and assuming I can't source a Beru (which seems to be the preferred), any other manufacturers you'd recommend? (main dealer wants ~£250 for the part).

Thinking of attempting replacing myself and the module will be fiddly, but with patience & perseverance should get there. It's the glow plugs I'm wary of snapping and would rather not touch if I can get away with it.


Any advice also very welcome.

[Tambohamilton]

In my experience, it could be plugs and controller. You can get beru controllers on eBay for about £170. Pricey compared with what they once cost!

So long as you don't mind potentially taking the intake manifold off and on twice, you may as well try just doing the controller and see if that helps. Even if it doesn't help, it's unlikely to be a complete waste - call it preventative maintenance and carry on.

If you do have to replace the glow plugs, just be super careful not to to lever/bend them at all as you undo them. Be as gentle as you can. I'm sure I've been lucky with the ones I've done so far, but I do think you make your own luck too

[1 AKY]

Beru seem to be a bit thin on the ground, hence was also looking for suggestions for a reliable alternative.

[Rich_D]

I've had 4 330d's over the years and only ever had to replace a controller, so I would try that first.

If you can't source a Beru one for a decent price, then the Hitachi one is a good alternative and addresses a design flaw.

[Tambohamilton]

What design flaw is that?

[1 AKY]

Originally Posted by Rich_D

I've had 4 330d's over the years and only ever had to replace a controller, so I would try that first.

If you can't source a Beru one for a decent price, then the Hitachi one is a good alternative and addresses a design flaw.

Design flaw?

There’s 2 available from Hitachi (taken from Autodoc) with the following part numbers:
132197
2502197

Any preferences?

[Tambohamilton]

Do they both match the BMW part number from realoem?

[1 AKY]

Originally Posted by Tambohamilton

Do they both match the BMW part number from realoem?

Yes (OEM 12217801201 - as taken from BMWFans.info using my chassis code)....and they're both at the same price.

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/hitachi/13965135

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/hitachi/12991243

[Tambohamilton]

I think they are likely identical parts, but one is huco branded. Huco is owned by Hitachi.

[Rich_D]

Originally Posted by Tambohamilton

What design flaw is that?

I don't know the exact details, but it stops whatever fails, thicker terminals / connections inside I believe, will see if I can find more information.

I re-fitted a Beru one in mine in late 2019 and it's been fine.

[Rich_D]

Originally Posted by 1 AKY

Yes (OEM 12217801201 - as taken from BMWFans.info using my chassis code)....and they're both at the same price.

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/hitachi/13965135

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/hitachi/12991243

As long as they cross reference to the BMW part number, you could go with either, as stated above Hitachi own Huco anyway, but you may as well get the Hitachi branded one (2502197) as they are the same price and both in stock.