XSeries-forum

Evening All,
It's been a while since I posted here last but another X5 related issue has raised its head that requires the advice of the collective E53 experts.
Over the past week I have noticed that the beast has taken longer to start, especially when cold and finally belching a puff of black smoke when it eventually sparks into life. However this morning it refused to start no matter how long it was turning over for until the battery decided it had taken enough abuse.
The flaky beast is now stuck on the drive connected to a CTEK life support system so I took the opportunity to plug it into my BMW 1.4.0 scanner and found the error code "13573 glow plug system". Now I have searched this forum and the internet and what I find confusing is that most people find errors that relate to glow plugs by number i.e. plug 1,2 and 4 faulty whereas my error code seems to be more generic. The other thing I don't understand is that having owned diesel cars for years I have never seen faulty glow plugs stop a car from starting completely. Sure it can take a lot of cranking some times but they usually do start in the end, albeit with a puff of black smoke.
Based on the error code I have read what are your thoughts? The last thing I want to do is attempt to replace glow plugs when they aren't the problem and end up snapping one off in the cylinder head.

More and more reports of glow plug control units being faulty, people replace the glow plugs only to find out it's the controller. £75 ish, glow plugs £15 each.
You could test the glow plugs with a multi meter individually

Hmm, glow plug controller you say? I have just read similar elsewhere on the web. I didn't realise such a thing existed. I will try and dig out a part number and get one priced up.
When you say test the glow plugs with a multi meter do you mean check that they are receiving 12volts when the ignition is switched on or some sort of resistance test?

ECP sell them. All you need is your reg - call them up. I think you can type in your reg online on their site too

Just an example,  check first if correct.
This is a screen shot, not a link. From Ebay

That looks like it. I did a search on RealOEM and found the part number 12217801201 which I can see in your picture above.

I've ordered a module for delivery later this week. I'll probably wait until the weekend now but will update as to if it fixes the problem as soon as I'm done.

[quote="7builder"]
I've ordered a module for delivery later this week. I'll probably wait until the weekend now but will update as to if it fixes the problem as soon as I'm done.
[/quote]

There are how to videos on YouTube, possibly not E53 specific, but 3.0d engined ones, so may be a help.
Looks a bit tricky, but DIY able.
You may even have a little skin left on your hands afterwards .

[quote="Horizon"]
[quote="7builder"]
I've ordered a module for delivery later this week. I'll probably wait until the weekend now but will update as to if it fixes the problem as soon as I'm done.
[/quote]

There are how to videos on YouTube, possibly not E53 specific, but 3.0d engined ones, so may be a help.
Looks a bit tricky, but DIY able.
You may even have a little skin left on your hands afterwards .

I've just taken my inlet manifold off to get access to the old glow plug controller and I can't find it. :blink:
Now I'm confused.  :'(

It turns out I don't have one of those BERU type glow plug modules on my X5 as it has an M57 engine. Instead I have a 12212246919 relay module located under a cover next to the inner passenger wing up against the bulkhead.

It also turns out that the Missus ran the car dry so it was nothing more than air in the fuel line. I had the inlet manifold off and could see air being pumped through the clear plastic fuel line every time the ignition was switched on and the fuel pump kicked into life. I also checked power to the relay and each glowplug whilst it was apart and everything checked out OK.

In the end I put everything back together and tried to start the car. At first it was reluctant, just kept turning over but with a freshly recharged battery I was able to get it to start. It was a bit lumpy for a few seconds but it is now back to playing ball and starts first time, every time. I think it was down to a combination of air in the fuel line and a weak battery as to why it wouldn't start.

Time for a cup of tea.  ::)