Glow plugs - Which ones
 

I searched and tried a few different ideas. Some proved helpful but do not directly answer my question. That is how can I truly tell if I have an M57N engine in my car.
I found a 15yr old topic about what oil to use, but it did not really identify the answer except that it gave me a link to "RealOEM", which I have used before, but this time I plunged in and entered my last set of letters and numbers. The result as per attached image.
However, because of the build date of the car which is stamped 11/2006 on the plate on the vehicle, I have major problems when using the VIN to purchase parts. Sometimes I get E70 parts that wont fit and other times I get E53 parts that wont fit.

I queried this which was investigated by the local Stealership and their answer was...my vehicle is not only a facelift E53, but also fitted with some E70 parts that will only be found when and if they need replacing. GREAT!
Rumour has it a true M57N has an alloy block, timing chain at the rear (assumed), because the M57 has a cast block and timing chain at the front.
Are these sufficient to identify the engine as one or the other? I cannot trust my VIN anymore, I have been caught out three times on parts by using it, leaving me high and dry while I wait for exchange to the correct part.
The example I will use today, I want to buy six glow plugs, the company asks for the VIN and says these are only 5v he can supply me six @$30 each. I almost bought them, but then remembered something about my car and M57N. They require 12v, so today I search and end up on RealOEM and it says exactly that "Engine...M57N.
Both used the VIN to identify the car and two different results. WTF :wow:


Any help visually identifying this engine will be most greatly and deeply appreciated. I feel the walls closing in on this car. It seems that glow plugs can also cause the exact same symptoms as the water I removed from the transfer case. At $180 to fit a set, it would be worthwhile to do it.

Jeff



https://xoutpost.com/<a href=https:/...Os066RvU_t.jpg

Pretty sure you have the M57N.

The M57 is the early 3.0l I6 diesel, with a cast iron block and exhaust manifold and uses a smaller GT2556V turbo. 135kW (in the E53).

https://shop.peninsulabm.com/cdn/sho...g?v=1619143263

The M57N has a cast iron block with a stainless exhaust manifold and a GT2260V turbocharger. 160kW (in the E53).

https://shop.peninsulabm.com/cdn/sho...g?v=1590107449

The M57N2 has a cast alloy block (but still has the cam-chain at the front). 173kW (in the E70).

https://cdn.izap24.ru/images/prodact...hine-m57n2.jpg

The name M57N and M57N2 aren't the correct names - just commonly used alias' - the actual designation is M57D30TÜ and M57D30TÜ2.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_M57

Assuming you DO actually have the M57D30TÜ (M57N) then you need the 5v glow plugs and not the 12v ones used in the earlier M57 engines.

The OE glow plugs are Beru but I've used Bosch replacments without any issue.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/392253325028

I changed the glow controller at the same since most often it is the controller at fault and not the actual glow plugs.

https://cdn.pkwteile.de/thumb?id=701...n&ccf=94077849

https://xoutpost.com/1142332-post39.html

Beru GE102 glow plugs and Beru GSE102 module.

The actual manufacturing date of the vehicle as E53 can't be later than 9/2006. That was the last month they were produced and I have one example of that patch.

My thanks to your in depth explanation Wayne, most informative :popcorn: and worth taking note of. Don't mind the emoticon, I was eating brekky at the time LoL.
I am sure you are aware of the plethora of BMW repairers on YT in the UK. It was interesting that you mentioned the control module...they say the opposite for the 5v and advise the the people with 12 volt to change as it has more intricate and delicate circuitry's.
My reading shows glow one and two are working, 3-6 are failed. As you say it could be both and it is worth it to change the lot while it is off.
Something else that does have me baffled, a little off the track...Swirl flaps. I have always been informed that the E53 has never had them fitted, now I read on other forums that they are fitted dependent on which motor variant is installed in the car (Diesel)! Have you heard anything like this?




@Clavurion, I do not know what to tell you, I have a compliance plate fitted and it is stamped 11/2006. I cannot disagree with you, but I can only tell you what is under the bonnet.:dunno:
Maybe it was a parts leftover build LoL

Most likely BMW Australia has their own plates fitted after the factory. Hence the date of import after the actual manufacturing.

On M57N engines there are Euro 3 and Euro 4 variants all the way thru E53 manufacturing. I don't know if Australia was limited to either version. If it's Euro 4, it has swirl flaps, EGR cooler, DPF and throttle valve. Many of those visible by just looking under the hood. Euro 3 version has none of those.

The earlier 12v glow plugs don't use a controller like the 5v glow plugs - they use a simple relay (on-off). If you can see the glow module on the left side of the block under the intake manifold, you have the 5v glow plugs.

https://i.ibb.co/kGqZmD4/glow-controller.jpg

It seems that swirl flaps were only fitted to the M57D30TÜ fitted to the E53 in markets requiring Euro 4 emission specs at the time (I think that is right - Clavurion will know more! ;) ) - i.e. Switzerland and some other Euro markets. Pretty sure that the UK, Australia and NZ markets got the Euro 3 spec cars, with no DPF or swirl flaps - but it's easy to check for them. Use a small inspection mirror to check for the swirl flap actuator rod on the underside of the intake manifold.

https://i.imgur.com/GO3HyWU.jpeg

I doubt you will find them to be fitted but from what you have said about your particular car, I guess it's possible. :rolleyes:

What he said! ;)

Yes, that might be correct re the Plates fitted, I'll look closer to see if anything is a gimme on them :thumbup:


I have had the manifold off just recently, there definitely wasn't any rod for swirl flaps :D and I definitely do not have a DPF or EGR cooler, so I can guess I have Euro 3 then.


Thank you for the interesting and helpful information.


@wpoll, Wayne, I will have a look this week asap to see if the controller box is situated there. I honestly cannot remember seeing it last time. There again, that doesn't mean it is not there, I just wasn't looking for that. I was looking for vacuum hoses and holes. :rofl:

@wpoll The M57N has a cast iron block with a stainless exhaust manifold and a GT2260V turbocharger. 160kW (in the E53).

https://shop.peninsulabm.com/cdn/sho...g?v=1590107449


Well Wayne, this is the motor in my Car. Some very distinct differences in the appearances and layouts that's for sure.


The earlier 12v glow plugs don't use a controller like the 5v glow plugs - they use a simple relay (on-off). If you can see the glow module on the left side of the block under the intake manifold, you have the 5v glow plugs.

https://i.ibb.co/kGqZmD4/glow-controller.jpg


Yes, this is exactly where I found it :thumbup: Boy, you know the duck guts of these diesels down under mate.


So, if these are the same motors and I am guessing this is your cars motor also. Do you know what the part number for the Module is? I have been given two, one matches the OEM parts number when I use my VIN for ID ... 12217801201, the other one they asked me about was this number 12217788327. I can get the part new for around $100 AUD + or - $10 depending on supplier. eBay Plus discount is paying big dividends this time around. :rofl:
The glow plugs are costing $30.21 ea and a new seal kit is about $40. Just the ceramic grease to go, and that is coming from a pushbike shop.


A quick edit, my vacuum tank is mounted at an angle, almost on the inner guard, that wouldn't cause any problems...could it? I see this one is perfectly horizontal :confused:

Hey Spartan - glad you're getting to the bottom of this. ;)

I see lots of sites list both the BMW numbers you quote as being the same thing but I cannot confirm this.

What I can do is check at home tonight - I have the box the new Beru controller came in plus I still have the old Beru controller - so I can check the numbers on both the old and the new.

I can clearly see 5v written on the old Beru glow plugs and I know the new Bosch glow plugs were also 5v - which fits with this engine using a 5v glow system rather than 12v.

Re. the vacuum reservoir for the turbo boost controller - I'm sure the angle won't make any difference to it's operation (unless it has water in it!) but yeah, they are normally level. Check the mount on the wheel arch - I'm betting someone has removed it at some point and re-fitted it incorrectly.

And while you are there, check the vacuum line connections - you would know if it was disconnected but a visual check can't hurt.

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/x5-...sport-hose.jpg