replacing glow control unit + plugs

[AW8]

[quote=""x555""]................which reminds me is there a magnetic socket set available ? as something like this would be great on certain jobs [/quote]

Started another thread re this other topic for you.

[JF1980]

I know this is a very old thread but I'm wondering, was the fuel injection error your fuel filter needing replacement?  I bet it was.

[JF1980]

Thanks for the guide by the way, just replaced my plugs while servicing as 4 of the 6 were showing as dead via BMWScanner.  Was planning to leave the WD40 to soak overnight as suggested but I gave them a little twist and all 6 of them were workable so just got them done.  Think it might have helped that the engine block was still warm (got the engine up to temp this morning before changing the oil) and I also used a T bar to apply torque without sideways pressure as I was quite worried about them snapping off as less fortunate people have reported.

Need to reassemble tomorrow morning.  Should I clean up the intake ports or do I risk dislodging crud which will drop inside?

[JF1980]

Mmmm still get two glow plugs showing as errors.  Looks like I need to replace the control unit or leads  :'(  I can't see leads listed anywhere does the new control unit come with new leads?

[JF1980]

Glow Plug relay changed, all working well, no smoke on a cold start at all.  Excellent.

[TimX5]

[quote="JF1980"]
Glow Plug relay changed, all working well, no smoke on a cold start at all.  Excellent.
[/quote]
Mine is saying all 6 glow plugs faulty but im thinking changing the relay first , did you have white smoke on startup from cold.

[JF1980]

Yes big puff of grey/black smoke on first starting up from cold.  Totally gone.  Also notice that I get much less smoke when accelerating on the motorway.  I think I read somewhere (perhaps in TIS) that the glow plugs are used at times to ensure a clean burn, not just on cold starts.

The relay was easier to change than I thought thanks to this guide.  Take the round plug on the left hand side out first, that was the hardest bit, needs a bit of help from a narrow blade screwdriver.  Then remove the two retaining nuts (don't drop them) and wiggle the relay out of position.  Once it's free you can squeeze the rectangular connector release tabs between finger/thumb and it comes off quite easily.  I found doing it like this I was able to work around the coolant pipes without any trouble.

Thing is, while you have the intake manifold off you might as well change the plugs too so that you don't have to bother a second time?

As for the relay unit there were a few places selling them but the dealers was within ~£5 of the price and kept them in stock so I just went for that.

[TimX5]

[quote="JF1980"]
Yes big puff of grey/black smoke on first starting up from cold.  Totally gone.  Also notice that I get much less smoke when accelerating on the motorway.  I think I read somewhere (perhaps in TIS) that the glow plugs are used at times to ensure a clean burn, not just on cold starts.

The relay was easier to change than I thought thanks to this guide.  Take the round plug on the left hand side out first, that was the hardest bit, needs a bit of help from a narrow blade screwdriver.  Then remove the two retaining nuts (don't drop them) and wiggle the relay out of position.  Once it's free you can squeeze the rectangular connector release tabs between finger/thumb and it comes off quite easily.  I found doing it like this I was able to work around the coolant pipes without any trouble.

Thing is, while you have the intake manifold off you might as well change the plugs too so that you don't have to bother a second time?

As for the relay unit there were a few places selling them but the dealers was within ~£5 of the price and kept them in stock so I just went for that.
[/quote]

Thanks for the update,  glad your all sorted , what make glow plugs did you use I was looking at the bosh ones or beru.