Jinxed Myself, x35d SES Code 4A6E (Cylinder 5 Plug Error)

[crystalworks]

Seems I jinxed myself saying the X5 finally had it's first issue with the oil level sensor but has otherwise been perfect.

Few days after noticing the oil level issue with the sensor got an SES light and hooked up Carly to it. Got 4A6E for cylinder 5 glow plug. I will be replacing all 6 glow plugs as well as the control module since I have to pull the intake to do the work. I know troubleshooting the plugs before ordering would be considerably cheaper, but can't afford the downtime... and I'd be kicking myself in the event a plug failed in the future after only replacing the controller module.

Just verifying this as the correct course of action before ordering the $313 worth of parts. As always, thanks for your input.

Edit: Vehicle is a 2010 x35d. I need to add it to the signature.

I've also been doing some reading and this being my first BMW diesel am reading about swirl flaps in the intake manifold. Some delete them, some clean them, some have had to replace. Is there a benefit to doing a delete vs. a clean? I'll keep reading but figured I'd ask since the manifold was going to come off to do the plugs and controller.

[Stockx5]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

Some delete them, some clean them, some have had to replace. Is there a benefit to doing a delete vs. a clean? I'll keep reading but figured I'd ask since the manifold was going to come off to do the plugs and controller.

They used to fail on older models that's where the delete bug came from. Some say it might affect low end torque if you block them off.

I left mine on. If you are deleted your tune probably turns them off so blocking them then makes more sense. the only advantage seems to be lower probability of a boost leak.


As far as your glow plug procedure..there might be other tests you can run in rheingold to further troubleshoot before removing the intake. I think you said you have Carly.

honestly rheingold is a must going forward.

[Mackskibum]

Check your operating temperature. You may have a failed thermostat causing glow plug activity for longer than designed. Could just be a bad plug, but .....

[blue dragon]

The module has likely failed. Change all the plugs and module, otherwise you'll be be removing the manifold again like I had to.

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...d-all-6-a.html

Be sure to have extra coolant, the module is underneath a coolant hose, I had to losen it to get to the module, and you'll have to add coolant and bleed the system if you can't get it out without removing the coolant hose

[crystalworks]

Thanks for the info all. And for confirming what I was pretty sure was the issue.

The thermostat sounded interesting but I think it was done not too long ago and I have not had any poor mileage issues that most report with that. I'll check temps anyway just to be 100% sure.

I agree, rheingold is looking like a must. I'll start trying to find a copy or pay them the $100 for it. I think my Carly cables will work with it... I hope anyway.

Thanks for the tips blue_dragon... I follow your posts in most of my research on the diesels (you've held on to and run yours longer than most tend to it seems) and came across your thread.

[BevMW]

I did my glow plug module without removing the coolant pipe, but it would make it much easier to get at. For the glow plugs I used a long 1/2" ratchet but with VERY gentle force, the longer handle is easier to control. Very steady and consistent force and they came out with no issues. Would think the life was probably shortened after the thermostats, my glow plugs went about a month after doing the thermostats.


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[FunfDreisig]

I would replace all 6 glow plugs AND the controller. You do NOT have to remove any coolant hoses. Here’s my story, with photos...

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...ol-module.html

Funf Dreisig

[daytonatrbo]

Originally Posted by BevMW

I did my glow plug module without removing the coolant pipe, but it would make it much easier to get at. For the glow plugs I used a long 1/2" ratchet but with VERY gentle force, the longer handle is easier to control. Very steady and consistent force and they came out with no issues. Would think the life was probably shortened after the thermostats, my glow plugs went about a month after doing the thermostats.


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This is very similar to my experience.

Carbon build up on the plugs makes them "sticky" when trying to remove them. Even once the threads are completely free, you have to pull them the rest of the way to due the carbon dragging in the bore.

[crystalworks]

Thanks all for the tips. The CEL has gone out for now but I'll be doing it all as preventative maintenance anyway as I'm sure the truck needs them @142,000 miles.

[BevMW]

I never had a CEL for the glow plugs, just a rough idle on cold days. Mind you, when I say cold it's not that cold here. Never really below 0c.


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