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.