Change Car Glow Plugs BMW 2-Series Active Tourer
Change Car Glow Plugs
| Estimated time | 1h00–2h00 |
|---|---|
| Estimated labour cost | ~100–200£ |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Vehicles |
2-Series Active Tourer 2014-2022 8
|
What is the role of BMW 2-Series Active Tourer 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 2-Series Active Tourer 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 2-Series Active Tourer 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 2-Series Active Tourer 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).
2 models covered
| Model | Year Range | Engines covered | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Series Active Tourer 2014-2022 | 2014-2022 | 214d Diesel (B37C15A), 216d Diesel (B37C15A), 216i Petrol (B38A15A), 216i Petrol (B38A15A), 218d Diesel (B47C20B), 218d, -xDrive Diesel (B47C20A), 218d, -xDrive Diesel (B47C20A), 218d, -xDrive Diesel (B47C20A), 218d, -xDrive Diesel (B47C20B), 218i Petrol (B38A15A), 218i Petrol (… | Diesel, Electricity, Petrol |
| 2-Series Active Tourer 2022-2025 | 2022-2025 | 216i Petrol (B38A15P), 218d Diesel (B47C20B), 218i Petrol (B38A15P), 220i mHEV 48V (MHEV),Petrol (B38A15P), 223d xDrive 48V (MHEV),Diesel (B47C20B), 223i, -xDrive 48V (MHEV),Petrol (B48A20P), 225e xDrive Electricity,Petrol (B38A15P), 230e xDrive Electricity,Petrol (B38A15P) | 48V (MHEV), Diesel, Electricity, Petrol |
