Henry's Dad

Hi guys

After a couple of weeks of poor starting when colder (sounds like it fires on 3 or 4 cylinders) I'm at a loss as to know what to check next.

Local independant has changed two heater plugs, checked the injection system for leaks etc. but still remains the same.

Would like to know how long the heater plug symbol on the dash lights up for as the temperature drops. At the moment, about minus 8 in the morning, lamp only lights for about 1 second and technician suspects a faulty sensor now?

Any thoughts please?

Chris

phelix

What diagnostics are they running to get to these conclusions?

Henry's Dad

Phelix, the car shows no fault codes. Injection system no leaks and all heater plugs have been re-tested after the initial two were changed and all seems OK.

The garage I use has always worked on our vehicles without problems in the past. I should point out that our nearest BMW dealers are at least an hour away and whilst working full time it's proving nearly impossible to make the trip.

I'm looking to find suggestions to help speed up the process of restoring my faith in this car :thumbsdown:

Henry's Dad

Anyone?

JasonH

Not all fault code readers can read all fault codes on E60's. A basic fault code reader may miss some so the first question is what sort of diagnostic equipment is your garage using - he really needs to be a BMW specialist.

Glow plug failures should generate fault codes.

At -8C normal diesel is probably getting near its freezing point so a tank of winter diesel might be a good idea if the local garages even sell it.

Low temperatures really hammer the car battery capacity so if that's not in great shape that could be your problem.

Finally slow starting can be a starter motor on the way out.

Regarding the glow plug light, at normal temperatures the E60 can start without using the glow plugs at all. At low temperatures (I've seen -6C when starting) the lamp only lights for a second or so on my 535d.

How slow is the starting? My friend's 525d can crank for a good few seconds before firing (at -5C). My 535d fires quickly but runs a little lumpy for a few seconds (at -6C).

tucalong

Have you checked the relay that controls the glow plugs?, a defective relay will give the 1 sec light during start, and no fault codes as for what I've found out.
I think the relay is located back in the boot...

bertolli

I have the same issue with my E61 525d when it's cold. Apparently one glowplug isn't working/heating up enough.
I can live with this as it does run fine after 5-10 seconds and as said it's only when the weather is cold.
Hope it helps

DLS

+1
and I live in north Norway..last week it was -25 everyday.. some days even -30
but anyway, need to buy/install an engine heater (220v) or build a garage

StreetPro

I would say it is the price for added ecological stuff in diesel that starts to separate at low temps... It has happened to me as well after a few days outside (engine starts normaly but dies, again on, dies... like 3-4 times, rough idle afterwards for like 30s)... So I bought and diesel additive and much better since then (just slightly rough idle for like 5s, I guess it is normal behaviour at these low temps)

Henry's Dad

Sounds like exactly the same symptoms, would be interested to know more about the additive you used if possible.

Thanks in advance

Chris