BMW F10 glow plugs and glow control unit
F10 diesel: is a glow fault the plugs or the control unit?
The glow plugs rarely fail; the more common cause is a dead glow control unit. Codes 243100 and 243C00 mean the control unit is not getting voltage. A failed unit can prevent starting below -20C.
Why do I get fault code 241A00 or 2AB900 after replacing the glow plugs?
The control unit detects the plug type automatically and does not accept mixed types or a different manufacturer than the one in its settings. The plug type is printed on the side of the plug. Fitting the original Bosch plugs cleared the code. A change of manufacturer has to be reported to the car.
What harm do faulty glow plugs do and how are they removed?
Starting gets worse in cold weather, and faults can soot up the injectors. F-series plugs are longer and thinner than in the E-series, so they break more easily. Remove them with a torque wrench without using too much force, and apply paste to the threads on installation.
Do I have to remove the intake manifold to replace the glow control unit?
It depends on the car. On the F10 the unit is usually easier to reach than on older models, and removing the intake pipes and air filter is often enough. In some cars the intake manifold has to come off.