F30 genre diesel start message

[Dog Biscuit]

Just a quick one re a 335d touring I've recently viewed.

It's regarding the the 'engine preheat' message on a cold start.

Question - I'm aware of its purpose ie to use the glow plugs to pre heat the cylinders on a cold start in cold weather. However is it also a function for this message to be displayed when the engine has not been started for a week or so, but not necessarily 'cold' outside?

The one I viewed had been stood for a week maybe two and the message came up - for about a second or so. Engine started perfectly smoothly. But, the outside ambient temp was maybe 7deg.

I checked fault codes with carly and nothing re glow plugs nor engine for that matter

Many thanks

[rottenegg]

Quite possibly. Over the 50 odd thousand miles I've owned my 330d so far, I've seen the preheat light maybe 3 times.

If it starts and runs smoothly and with no heavy clattering from the rear of the engine (slack chain) then it's a good one.

[Dog Biscuit]

Thanks for the reply. No chain noise

Does anyone else have any thoughts on it?

[mmm-five]

In normal use / normal temps you shouldn't see that message...but if are seeing the regularly the usual culprits are the battery charge being a bit low from lack of use, or a glow plug (or the control module) on its way out.

At BMW prices:

• Glow plugs ~£45 each
• Pre-heat control module ~£150

Aftermarket prices (for the same Beru/Bosch/Denso/NGK items as OEM):

• Glow plugs ~£10-£20 each
• Pre-heat control module ~£60-75

In 4 years, I've seen it maybe 3 times on my F31 320D Touring - usually when below 10ºc and when it's been sat for a week. Not seen it at all in my F31 335D yet.

Edited by mmm-five on Friday 28th March 11:22

[Dog Biscuit]

Ah brilliant thanks for such a helpful and detailed reply

Its appreciated

[danb79]

Yup; we get it every so often when our F31 has been sat on the drive and not used; or if the temps have been very low like we had last Nov and then a few spells in Jan

Other than that it doesn't appear

[Pica-Pica]

I’ve seen the glow plug sign come on about maybe 6 times in 8 years, on my F30 335d. Two of those times there was a couple of seconds delay before starting. Normal situation, no other issues, and we rarely get minus temperatures. The car is outside all weathers. Still on its original AGM battery.

[rottenegg]

Plugs and modules are nowhere near the issue on F3x as they were on E9x, so don't worry about it.

Depending on age, i.e. LCI EU6, the plugs stay on for a substantial time after start up. They aren't just for cold starting anymore, but rather maintaining optimal burn conditions.

[Dog Biscuit]

Thanks again for all the replies chaps

All very reassuring