[nobrakese28]

Hello,

I am hoping to get some input on my CEL issue. Does anyone have experience with replacing the glow plug module on their 335D? The CEL comes on and off on my 2009 335D, I scanned the code with my universal OBD2 scanner and came up with a glow plug module malfunction error.

The car starts and runs perfect.

The only information I could find was a poorly recorded video on youtube.

Is there step by step instruction any where (BMW TIS)? I really would like to be able to order all the parts ahead of time to avoid last minute issues. From I researched the intake manifold needs to be removed, so several gasket/o-rings will likely need to be replaced. Any input would be gladly appreciated.

Thanks,

Marco

[DozerDan82]

Originally Posted by nobrakese28

Hello,

I am hoping to get some input on my CEL issue. Does anyone have experience with replacing the glow plug module on their 335D? The CEL comes on and off on my 2009 335D, I scanned the code with my universal OBD2 scanner and came up with a glow plug module malfunction error.

The car starts and runs perfect.

The only information I could find was a poorly recorded video on youtube.

Is there step by step instruction any where (BMW TIS)? I really would like to be able to order all the parts ahead of time to avoid last minute issues. From I researched the intake manifold needs to be removed, so several gasket/o-rings will likely need to be replaced. Any input would be gladly appreciated.

Thanks,

Marco

The intake gaskets are nbd, have you had a CBU cleaning done. I pulled me egr to clean it and wound up doing the cbu cleaning. I have mine apart right now, I will take some pictures of the glow plug for you.

[nobrakese28]

Hello. I have not done a cleaning. This would probably be a great time though.

When I replace the plugs and module I will post pics and write up a summary.

The only service the car required was warranty work for the DEF system. They replaced the tank about a year ago.

Any photographs would be most appreciated.

Thanks,

Marco

[glitdi]

You are going to have to drain the coolant to access the glow plug control, module..
Pull the intake, drain coolant, pull the colant flange to access glow plug control module..
I recomend testing the glow plugs for resistance before throwing a module at it.. Seen a lot of people waste money by buying glow plugs and glow plug controller, but that what people do today...
If you want to be sure you are not replacing a perfectly good glow plug disconnect the wire from the glow plug. Use a digital multimeter and set to ohms, put positive lead on the top of the glow plug and put the negative lead next to the plug on bare metal any where on the block... You should read under or around 1 ohm of resistance. anything else and you have a bad glow plug... if you have more that one glow plug code stored in the ecu you most likely have a bad control plug module but its not a absolute..
This job is considered by some to be complicated but its not... just take your time and be smart!!!
When you take the intake off make sure you stuff a rag in each of the intake runners top and bottom... Its easy to drop a nut or dirt or whatever in the runners and destroy an engine. So dont skip this step!!!!! Oh and make sure you take them out just before putting the intake back on.
Some people here also replace the gaskets on the intake when doing this job, its a waste of money I have removed my intake over 4 times for various maintanance items and diagnosing and never have I had a leak... Torque intake from the centre bolts to the out side so start with cyl 3 and 4 and work in a pattern back and forth outwards to 1 and 6..
Good luck!!!

[Yozh]

^^^ someone give this guy some rep points, every post is full of useful info.

[Calluhan]

Take a look at my project thread in the UK Forum if you like. I tackled this a few months ago and took some pics. While I take glitdi's point about replacing good plugs, the cost of them here in UK makes them a consumable in my opinion so I found replacing everything worthwhile for the time and effort it takes to get in there. Hope that helps

[335dsleeper]

Maybe there was a configuration change at one point but, I changed my 09's glow plug module without draining coolant. I was actually able to swap it without pulling the manifold. It was a pita but I was able to get it done. You will have to pull the intake to reach the glow plugs though.

[glitdi]

Originally Posted by 335dsleeper

Maybe there was a configuration change at one point but, I changed my 09's glow plug module without draining coolant. I was actually able to swap it without pulling the manifold. It was a pita but I was able to get it done. You will have to pull the intake to reach the glow plugs though.

Interesting...I got in that far and figured it would jam... Congrats!
In my job I call this a dilemma.... Do you squeeze something out and twist and contort your body and part to avoid removing other parts? Or do you pull everything out of your way to make access easier? Its a fine line...Sometimes you cheat don't remove things and it costs you time due to the f-in around and you take more time than if you pulled the other parts.
Sometimes you pull everything to get at it and your colleague comes by and says why did you do it like that? You could have just cheated it....
Will try your method next time and see which is faster...

[335dsleeper]

Originally Posted by glitdi

Interesting...I got in that far and figured it would jam... Congrats!
In my job I call this a dilemma.... Do you squeeze something out and twist and contort your body and part to avoid removing other parts? Or do you pull everything out of your way to make access easier? Its a fine line...Sometimes you cheat don't remove things and it costs you time due to the f-in around and you take more time than if you pulled the other parts.
Sometimes you pull everything to get at it and your colleague comes by and says why did you do it like that? You could have just cheated it....
Will try your method next time and see which is faster...

I had just put the intake back on and was adament about not removing it again. It would be easier to pull the intake. Either way, there's still no reason to drain coolant.

[335dlci]

I did not have to drain coolant for the module either. On multiple vehicles for same issue.

[Yozh]

Originally Posted by 335dsleeper

Maybe there was a configuration change at one point but, I changed my 09's glow plug module without draining coolant. I was actually able to swap it without pulling the manifold. It was a pita but I was able to get it done. You will have to pull the intake to reach the glow plugs though.

Probably to do with an aux water pump that 2009s have. But you did it without pulling any water hoses, may be there is a way.

[BB_cuda]

Originally Posted by glitdi

You are going to have to drain the coolant to access the glow plug control, module..
Pull the intake, drain coolant, pull the colant flange to access glow plug control module..
I recomend testing the glow plugs for resistance before throwing a module at it.. Seen a lot of people waste money by buying glow plugs and glow plug controller, but that what people do today...
If you want to be sure you are not replacing a perfectly good glow plug disconnect the wire from the glow plug. Use a digital multimeter and set to ohms, put positive lead on the top of the glow plug and put the negative lead next to the plug on bare metal any where on the block... You should read under or around 1 ohm of resistance. anything else and you have a bad glow plug... if you have more that one glow plug code stored in the ecu you most likely have a bad control plug module but its not a absolute..
This job is considered by some to be complicated but its not... just take your time and be smart!!!
When you take the intake off make sure you stuff a rag in each of the intake runners top and bottom... Its easy to drop a nut or dirt or whatever in the runners and destroy an engine. So dont skip this step!!!!! Oh and make sure you take them out just before putting the intake back on.
Some people here also replace the gaskets on the intake when doing this job, its a waste of money I have removed my intake over 4 times for various maintanance items and diagnosing and never have I had a leak... Torque intake from the centre bolts to the out side so start with cyl 3 and 4 and work in a pattern back and forth outwards to 1 and 6..
Good luck!!!

Yes, rep points are in order here. I'm a big believer in a good diagnosis too instead of throwing parts at it. To add to his thought on the glow plugs, make sure the meter is behaving right by doing same ohms check on a good glow plug versus bad one so that you CLEARLY see the difference on your meter. I use my multimeter all of the time. When I thought I bricked my fuel lifting pump, I ohmed across the pins.

[DozerDan82]

Once the intake is off the glow plugs are very easy to get to, they are literally staring you in the face.

[335dlci]

NOTE: Always remove glow plugs at operating temp! per repair instructions. Threads of cylinder head can be damaged.

[335dsleeper]

Originally Posted by Yozh

Probably to do with an aux water pump that 2009s have. But you did it without pulling any water hoses, may be there is a way.

Possibly. Not sure of the difference between MY's.

[nobrakese28]

Awesome. Thanks for the information guys!

[frenchtony]

Hi
I successfully changed the glow plugs and the module. Now I have a slight leak at the coolant flange. I didn't replace the gasket at the time. Can anyone tell me the part number for the gasket and maybe the torque settings for the bolts. TIA

Tony

[Owen81]

Originally Posted by frenchtony

Hi
I successfully changed the glow plugs and the module. Now I have a slight leak at the coolant flange. I didn't replace the gasket at the time. Can anyone tell me the part number for the gasket and maybe the torque settings for the bolts. TIA

Tony

Looks like the gasket part number is 11122247745

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=11_3465

I can't find the exact tightening torques for the M57 but the N57 says it should be 9-10Nm.

[remlemasi]

Originally Posted by frenchtony

Hi
I successfully changed the glow plugs and the module. Now I have a slight leak at the coolant flange. I didn't replace the gasket at the time. Can anyone tell me the part number for the gasket and maybe the torque settings for the bolts. TIA

Tony

Originally Posted by Owen81

Looks like the gasket part number is 11122247745

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=11_3465

I can't find the exact tightening torques for the M57 but the N57 says it should be 9-10Nm.

Few months ago, successfully changed the glow plug module (only) without removing the intake. Was a major PITA and got some cuts and scrapes on my hands, but got it to work eventually.

Noticed this week a slow coolant leak, likely coming from this same gasket after a thorough inspection. Do you all think it could be related, like I damaged it when doing the module? Or is it just age related and everyone eventually deals with this? Hit 111k miles no too long ago.

Anyway, that's really besides the point... Do I need to remove the intake manifold to access this gasket? Is it a simple fix? I'm pretty experienced with working Otis car (replaced fluidamper, thermostat, driveshaft, etc.) but just also feeling lazy recently. Perhaps I should just leave car with someone who does CBU cleaning and ask them to do this swap while they're at it?

[335dlci]

Yeah you probably made the flange leak. Pretty common leak

[335dlci]

Depends where you live.

[who is this noob]

Glow Plug Controller Module sits on a metal bracket. What is underneath the bracket? Any sensitive electrical connectors?

Part number 12527801765. Item #3 in this diagram:

Source:
realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=PN73-USA-03-2009-E90N-BMW-335d&diagId=12_1197