Change Car Glow Plugs BMW 1-Series

Change Car Glow Plugs

Intermediate 1h30–2h30 ~150–250£
Estimated time 1h30–2h30
Estimated labour cost ~150–250£
Difficulty Intermediate
Vehicles
1-Series 2004-2013 12
  • 116d Diesel (N47D20A)
  • 116d Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 118d Diesel (M47D20TU2)
  • 118d Diesel (N47D20A)
  • 118d Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 120d Diesel (M47D20TU2OL)
  • 120d Diesel (N47D20A)
  • 120d Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 120d M Performance Diesel (N47D20A)
  • 120d M Performance Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 123d Diesel (N47D20B)
  • 123d Diesel (N47D20D)
1-Series 2011-2019 18
  • 114d Diesel (B37D15A)
  • 114d Diesel (N47D16A)
  • 116d Diesel (B37D15A)
  • 116d Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 116d EfficientDynamics Diesel (B37D15A)
  • 116d EfficientDynamics Diesel (N47D16A)
  • 118d Diesel (B47D20A)
  • 118d Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 118d, -xDrive Diesel (B47D20A)
  • 118d, -xDrive Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 120d Diesel (B47D20A)
  • 120d Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 120d, -xDrive Diesel (B47D20A)
  • 120d, -xDrive Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 120d, -xDrive M Performance Diesel (B47D20A)
  • 120d, -xDrive M Performance Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 125d Diesel (B47D20B)
  • 125d Diesel (N47D20D)

What is the role of BMW 1-Series glow plugs?

Glow plugs are used in diesel engines to preheat the combustion chamber before starting, particularly in cold weather. Unlike petrol engines that use spark plugs to ignite the fuel, diesel engines rely on compression ignition. Modern glow plugs also remain active after starting to reduce emissions and noise during the warm-up phase.

When should you change your BMW 1-Series glow plugs?

Generally, glow plugs last between 80,000 and 160,000 km. Symptoms of failing glow plugs include: difficulty starting in cold weather, white or grey exhaust smoke on start-up, rough idle during warm-up, the glow plug warning light remaining illuminated, and increased fuel consumption.

How do I know if the BMW 1-Series glow plugs need changing?

Via the EOBD diagnostic system, faulty glow plugs will trigger fault codes (typically P0380–P0384 for glow plug circuit faults). Individual glow plug resistance can be measured with a multimeter (typically 0.5–2 ohms for a good plug).

Is it difficult to change BMW 1-Series glow plugs?

Difficulty level 3/5: intermediate. Glow plugs can seize in the cylinder head over time due to heat and corrosion, making removal difficult and risking breakage. Key steps: warm the engine first, apply penetrating oil, use the correct glow plug socket, unscrew carefully (do not force — a broken glow plug requires specialist extraction).

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3 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
1-Series 2004-2013 2004-2013 116d Diesel (N47D20A), 116d Diesel (N47D20C), 116i Petrol (N43B16A), 116i Petrol (N43B20A), 116i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N45B16A), 118d Diesel (M47D20TU2), 118d Diesel (N47D20A), 118d Diesel (N47D20C), 118i Petrol (N43B20A), 118i Petrol (N46B20B), 118i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N46B20B), 120d… Diesel, LPG, Petrol
1-Series 2011-2019 2011-2019 114d Diesel (B37D15A), 114d Diesel (N47D16A), 114i Petrol (N13B16A), 116d Diesel (B37D15A), 116d Diesel (N47D20C), 116d EfficientDynamics Diesel (B37D15A), 116d EfficientDynamics Diesel (N47D16A), 116i Petrol (B38B15A), 116i Petrol (N13B16A), 118d Diesel (B47D20A), 118d Diesel (… Diesel, Petrol
1-Series 2019-2025 2019-2025 116d Diesel (B37C15A), 116i Petrol (B38A15A), 118d Diesel (B47C20B), 118i Petrol (B38A15A), 118i Petrol (B38A15F), 120d xDrive Diesel (B47C20B), 120i Petrol (B48A20A), 128ti Petrol (B48A20E), M135i xDrive Petrol (B48A20E) Diesel, Petrol

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