BlackRider
Problem solution for constantly illuminated preheating light and black smoke on BMW Diesel
(Translated from German)
Summary of the thread
The conversation revolves around a problem with a 2008 BMW 1 Series Diesel, where the preglow light remains on, black smoke is emitted from the exhaust, and the engine warning light is on. The car also has difficulty starting, especially in cold conditions, and the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration is not functioning. The suspected cause is a faulty glow plug, which is responsible for heating the combustion chamber for fuel ignition during cold starts. The suggested solution is to replace the glow plugs, as they may have worn out. Another possible cause could be a defective glow control unit, which would also need replacement.
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27 comment(s)
BlackRider (community.author)
Hi, thanks for the answer! My car shows exactly this behavior. The glow plugs were changed about 50,000 km ago. It looks like it could actually be the glow plugs. I'll take your advice and take it to the garage to have them replaced. I'll get back to you as soon as I have any news. Thanks again!
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LeoLeo
Hey, I had exactly the same problem with my BMW 3 Series, although it's a different model, but also a diesel. Like yours, the preglow light also malfunctioned on mine and there was black smoke when accelerating. It was a really stupid fault. At the garage they told me that the glow plugs play a really important role, especially when it's cold outside. It actually didn't cost much, around 250 euros. Once that was done, the car ran like clockwork again. No more annoying lights, no more black smoke and the car starts much faster. Are you sure your glow plugs were only changed 50,000 km ago? In my experience, they couldn't achieve such a high mileage. At least that was the case with my old 3 Series.
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BlackRider (community.author)
Hi, thanks for sharing your experience! Yes, that really makes sense that the glow plugs could be the problem here. I was pretty sure the glow plugs were changed about 50,000 km ago. I should definitely check that when I visit the garage. I was afraid it might be something much bigger and more expensive. Thank you very much for your helpful advice!
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Fabrieg
Hello, I also had the same problem with my 520D. In my case, however, the glow control unit itself was defective. The control unit was replaced, and all the glow plugs were replaced at the same time. The master mechanic said that if everything had already been dismantled anyway, it was a good idea to do it at the same time. The whole thing cost me just under €400. However, I was also told that the glow plugs are also important for the regeneration of the DFP and that this can lead to expensive consequential damage. Since then, however, I have had no more faults and the car runs completely smoothly.
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Ralle
Hello, I have a problem with the glow plugs. Where is the glow plug control unit located on the Audi A6 4G 245 hp 3.l
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CarlyAdminBenny
community_quotation:
community_author_wrote_on
Hello, I have a problem with the glow plugs. Where is the glow plug control unit located on the Audi A6 4G 245 hp 3.l
Hello, in the so-called "water box" (between the bulkhead and the engine) there should be a screwed fuse box/relay holder on the driver's side. The relay/control unit for the glow plugs, more precisely the "J179" relay, should be located in the bolted box.
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Ralle
community_quotation:
community_author_wrote_on
Hello, in the so-called "water box" (between the bulkhead and the engine) there should be a screwed fuse box/relay holder on the driver's side. The relay/control unit for the glow plugs, more precisely the "J179" relay, should be located in the bolted box.
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Hansi
Hello for me it was the plug on the Estonian injection nozzle is a VW Turan is under the valve cover release the pins and press together until now it runs 😉
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CarlyAdminBenny
community_quotation:
community_author_wrote_on
Hello for me it was the plug on the Estonian injection nozzle is a VW Turan is under the valve cover release the pins and press together until now it runs 😉
Servus, thank you for sharing your experience ;)
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Ellaqt
Hey, I know the problem! I had this with my 2010 BMW 1 Series diesel, so it's similar in terms of year. But I'm not a mechanic, so I also had to go to the garage. In my case, the glow plug was actually defective. It had given up the ghost due to wear and tear. I had it replaced in the workshop myself at my own expense. It didn't cost much, only 200 euros. Maybe something similar is going on with your car? Do you know when the glow plugs were last changed? That could help shed more light on the problem. Keep us up to date!
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