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  #11  
Old 12-28-2009, 07:14 AM
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Originally Posted by ianglasgow View Post
Having taken another look for the glow plugs I can just about see the cap of the plug on No.1 cylinder - the inlet manifold must have to be removed to access the glow plugs! Although the inlet manifold does not look overly difficult to remove I can't help wondering how, on a BMW that is less than 4 years old (with 50K and full history) the glow plugs should need replaced. Is it not more likely that there is a problem with the feed to the plugs - as Lawrence said, perhaps the control unit or some relay / fuse? However, to counter my own arguement, would this not bring up a warning light or problem code?

Any ideas how I could check the electrics before removing the inlet manifold?

Thanks again.
Yes, you would need to remove intake manifold to access glow plugs but it isn't very difficult job. Control unit is on the same side of the engine under some coolant pipes. You should be able to follow the cables to find it. Changing the control unit is quite difficult (but possible...) to change without removing the coolant pipes since there is quite a little space.

You should have error codes for glow plugs though. Mine had error codes for all six of them so I ended up changing the control unit, although I changed the glow plugs at the same.
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  #12  
Old 12-28-2009, 01:11 PM
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Originally Posted by ianglasgow View Post
Hello Powers1.
I do get a fair amount of white smoke from the exhaust but, as it is so cold at the moment, I would expect that anyway.

Unfortunately, I can't get the rubber boot off any of the glow plugs (I can see No.1 but don't have sufficient access to remove it). Interesting what you say about diesel and indeed, the problems have only started in the last few days!!

I have a number of BMW technicians in my area and will contact them tomorrow to discuss my problem - today is still a holiday here.

I will let you know how I get on.
It is normal to get white condensation smoke with this weather(I am in Gloucester ,UK ,at the moment) but glow plugs problems generate a raw diesel smell which you will be able to distinguish.
Shame you are too far way,otherwise you could contact us Turner race developments south west UK car tuning company
Rgds
Fernando
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  #13  
Old 12-29-2009, 12:18 PM
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Did you get any joy finding the problem, I have the exact same issue for the last 2 mornings, temp has been -12.5 and -3.5.

Cranking the engine multiple times before it catches, does yours catch first turn after multiple cranking attempts, mine does.

I read the manual and it says that in very cold climates you may need to crank the engine for 40 seconds before it will start but I would assume they mean much colder than -12.5C!

I too have no errors on the screen, I used to have a 530D saloon and it never failed to start first turn of the key even in very cold weather. This makes me think the X5 should be the same.

Cheers

Gordon
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  #14  
Old 12-29-2009, 03:54 PM
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Hi Gordon.

It sounds like we may both have the same problem. After speaking to a BMW technician it sounds likely that the control unit may be faulty. As Chris says, this is located under the inlet manifold. With the holidays it is difficult getting anyone to look at the car but it seems probable that I will have to replace the control unit and glow plugs.
I will keep you up-to-date with developments.

Everyone, many thanks for your input!

Ian
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  #15  
Old 12-29-2009, 04:06 PM
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Hi Ian

I wonder if this explains why when mine eventually starts it does so on first turn whereas during prolonged cranking it doesn't seem to get anywhere near starting.

Is that the same with yours?

I'll get my mechanic to look at it probably on Thursday as I need the X5 tomorrow, assuming I can get it started! Should at least be able to check for power going to the glow plugs which might highlight a problem with the control unit. I'll get him to check the relay as well.

I'll post what we find.

I do find it very odd that if either the control unit or glow plugs are faulty we don't get an error on the dash.

Cheers

Gordon
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  #16  
Old 12-29-2009, 04:42 PM
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Originally Posted by ruraldev View Post
I do find it very odd that if either the control unit or glow plugs are faulty we don't get an error on the dash.

Cheers

Gordon
Dash shows only most critical errors, so you would need error code reader for common faults. This includes glow plugs and their control unit. In your case I would certainly read the codes since there are plenty of possible reasons for not starting. Could be low fuel pressure or some sensor malfunctioning.
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  #17  
Old 12-29-2009, 05:22 PM
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Thanks Chris

I'll perhaps run it into the dealer who sold it to me as BMW approved used as it's within the warranty period and they owe me as they forgot to connect the battery correctly when I bought it and it broke down after 1 day!

They were after me to test drive the new GT5 as I have another car to change, I'll ask for that as a courtesy car while they check mine out.

Cheers

Gordon
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  #18  
Old 12-30-2009, 08:28 AM
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Today my X5 was hard to start even when warm so I put the car on another scanner (more up-to-date than mine) and low and behold we now have a problem code - it reads "4B90 - rail pressure monitoring on engine start". I am assuming that this relates to the sensor at the end of the injector rail.

Has anyone any advice? Thanks
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  #19  
Old 12-30-2009, 10:18 AM
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Thats right.Its the fuel pressure sensor on the rail.Quite common failure on early 3.0Ds,surprised that yours is failing.
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  #20  
Old 12-30-2009, 12:17 PM
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Mine started first turn this morning although the temp is now only -1C.

I had a pressure issue on my X5 when I got it and it turned out that the fuel filter had never been changed and it had done over 20K miles, changed it and the problem has never returned.

Worth checking the filter I suppose.
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