2012 X5D Glow Plug Job.... some minor questions

[Tominizer]

I have a 2012 X5D with #5 glow plug showing up as an engine check light. Based on all the research I've done here and elsewhere, it's a big job and may as well replace all the glow plugs, the module, the gaskets and toss in the coolant temp sensor as well. Nothing super crazy, just a lots of time from what I understand to "dig" out the area to work on the plugs.

Being up here in Toronto Canada, land of overpriced everything, I've decided to look south of the border for parts. Saw both Turner and ECS have kits. Up here in Toronto, looking an $100+ CAN for each glow plug . Turner and ECS have the whole kit for around $450 CAN plus shipping and border fees. That's a pile cheaper. Have any of you used the kits from Turner or ECS and not had any issues??? Any recommendations?


Lastly, seen the videos of NOT removing the coolant hose. I have big hands. Going to see how that goes BUT thinking likely will not work out for me. AND, any special trick tools I should know about to make this less bloody ?!?!?

Thanks in advance for any help here.......

[robinasu]

Also might want to consider changing the LP-EGR pressure converter for the big turbo. It's literally right below the intake and also swap in silicone vacuum as the OEM get cooked and break.

[Tominizer]

Thanks for that suggestion.


My Check Engine Light for this issue went off last night while driving and then it's back on this morning. Any thoughts on this ?? Was wondering if changing just the control module may be a quick solve before trying to get into the glow-plugs ?? Thoughts ??

[robinasu]

Without codes it’s hard to say. Odds are your thermostat is broken. Very common precursor to glow plug problems. Don’t skimp. Replace the thermostat, all glow plugs, and glow plug controller, at minimum. While the intake is off scrape off all the carbon you can from the intake track and rinse out the intake, and scrape carbon off the throttle valve and inlet from the HP EGR inlet to the throttle valve.

[Tominizer]

I have all the parts coming, including the coolant thermostat. Just waiting on the controller to arrive from the USA.

The crappy part is now weather has taken a turn for the worse up here in Toronto and it's nice and cold out. Going to see if I can find a way to pull this into the garage.

[robinasu]

When you take the intake off make sure to cover the intake tracks so nothing falls in there. That would be a bad day.

Also use a torque wrench for everything. If replacing vacuum lines be careful with the connections as they will be brittle, especially the EGR actuators. I’d probably just keep the original section attached to those and use a coupler.

Also, there is a specific tightening sequence for the HP EGR cooler rear the radiator. Follow that or it cracks eventually. If you will keep the car for a while you should really get ISTA+ off eBay if you don’t already. Also the Bimmergeeks is a reliable OBD to USB interface. It’s pretty much required and is very helpful. It has functions to test essentially all sensors and systems.