Glow plug life span

[lowdrag]

I was only thinking of this the other day. In the 11 years - and 130,000 miles - of the life of my old W202 I've only changed three of the four glow plugs. Is this exceptional or normal?

[steve_amv8]

Just had all glowplugs replaced on the 320CDI engine in our GL, after warning lamp came on at approx 50k miles (just short of 3 years) - done under warranty so I guess they are expected to last longer!

[jshell]

ML270, 7yrs old, 61k, none changed yet.

[Dog Star]

hmmmmm.... dunno when the OHs were last done.... 2002 C220CDi 143K....
It was very hard to start a couple of times when it was cold,