Diesel Glow Plugs - How long should they last?

[cfleck]

Any thoughts on how long glowplugs will last?

I had mine in for 46K miles (C250 TD) , and today three of them have packed up. Reading around seems to suggest that typical life is circa 70 - 90K miles, so mine seem to have given up the ghost a bit early. Car has always been serviced on or before Assyst schedule.

What causes them to pack up more quickly, and is there anything that can be done to help extend their life (or are they like lightbulbs, and just break when its inconvenient?)

Anyone else had this experience of short lifespan plugs?

MB made a goodwill offer based on the short life, and so have picked up 1/2 of the bill (£250 to replace all 5).

At three years old, the car suddenly seems to have become a cash pit.

cheers

 

[simon]

Diesel Glow Plugs

Hi Chris,
            Thats spoilt my New Year! I am heading for 50+K on my 250TD & new glow plugs at that price doesnt exactly cheer me up. Perhaps Andy can enlighten us?
By the way,I believed that I was the only person moaning about problems with C class.I would be most interested to hear of yours...or were you just referring to "Normal" running costs?

regards
Ernest

 

[dave elcome]

Diesel Glow Plugs

It is my experience that you cannot accurately predict the life of a glow plug, after all they are a "service item", that is to say, if you use them then they will wear out, rather like brakes!!

If you cover lets say 70000 miles of mainly motorway driving, then the glow plugs will last longer than 50000miles of short journeys, with repeated starting.

On a previous vehicle, (not Mercedes Diesel) i had problems with it eating glow plugs, they didn't even last 12000miles, eventually the head gasket failed in monumental fashion, upon seeking advice from a specialist in this particular brand of vehicle, it was obvious when looking at things retrospectivly, that the head gasket was the villain all the time.

I am not saying that this is the reason for your current predicament, but it certainly enlightened me.

I do feel that you have had a bit of a raw deal here though, 46000 miles isnt very far, and £250!! which area of the German jewellery trade hand craft these??
surely one of the double act can come up with a better price.

 

[Andy]

Diesel Glow Plugs

Hi all,

I agree with Dave with regards to the varying life of glow plugs. The problem we have here is the labour charge. You are probably looking at 1-1.5hrs or so @ £70.00\hr plus vat, this is when its gets expensive. The rear ones arn't exactly easy to get at. Do not skimp on the plugs either. Use bosch. There original manufacturer and tend in my experience to cause less problems.

I must admit, I think you were lucky to get a contribution from MB at this sort of millage.

Dave H, wheres the prices for the plugs? Your audience awaits.

Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

PS. For those who have glow plug problems. I have found it best to replace all at the same time. Too often I have tried to save my customers money by replacing just whats necessary only to find that a month of so down the line another two or three have given up.

 

[dave elcome]

Diesel Glow Plugs

Andy.

My oh my how times have changed, when i started as an apprentice i only took home £9.43 a week, labour charges were £4 hr, and an Mot was £2.75!!

I wonder, were we better off then or now??

 

[Andy]

Diesel Glow Plugs

Hi Dave,

I wonder myself. Every thing seem so much easier then. Although I like to think I am not too old. But they tell me this trade is getting easier.  To the point where anybody could do it?!?!?!?! Trouble is the goal posts keep changing. Hence why I am in business. As for the labour rate. Huh! If there stupid enough to keep putting them up. Then I am stupid enough to stay here in business and take advantage of it.

Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

PS. Just how long ago are we talking. Labour rates £4.00\hr and MOT £2.75, would I be right in thinking two world wars have transpired since?!?!?!

Sorry to be cheaky!!!

 

[dave elcome]

Diesel Glow Plugs

Andy.

As Micheal Caine said, "Where did all thoses Zulu's come from"

That should give you a clue as to how long ago it was, if you still need a clue, i was an apprentice in a Ford main dealers, and i can remember the first mk2 Escort being delivered, as for the Fiesta, well that was still a twinkle in dear old Henrys eye!!

Thats enough lamp swinging for one night, time for my cocoa, and bed socks!

 

[cfleck]

Diesel Glow Plugs

looking around a bit more, it seems this is a known issue.

Have a look at http://www.honestjohn.co.uk, who say "Glow plugs of C250TD can fail after about 3 years and 50,000 miles. Cost £300 - £400 to replace due to amount of dismantling involved. "

In my case, the mileage and timing were spot on.

I had to pay £16 for each plug. As Andy says, I think replacing all of them at the same time makes sense.

cheers.

 

[Andy]

Diesel Glow Plugs

Hi,

Where are you people who are paying £300-£400 to have the glow plugs replaced?

Come and see me, I know we can beat those sort of prices.

Come on take the Andy Gayle challenge!!!!

Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

Don't all rush you may clog up the lines!!!!!!!

 

[Anonymous]

Diesel Glow Plugs

I replaced one of my glowplugs recently on my 98 E300 TD.  Start to finish, ie getting changed at both ends, took three hours including a visit to the dealer for the correct plug, having been sold the wrong plugs from a factors.
Next time I think I could do the job in an hour all in now I know what to take off.

Will
1998 E300 TD 66K

 

[Hopin]

Diesel Glow Plugs

Glow plugs for my  `94 250 D cost £7.50 each.

 

[fuzzer]

Diesel Glow Plugs

Dad had his replaced under warranty at 46k and 18 months...