Glow plugs?

[Peterbrake]

Over the year’s I’ve had lots of dirty diesel vehicles mainly vans but a few cars as well.
My present 2013 CLS 250 CDI AMG LINE shooting brake doesn’t have a glow plug light on the dash, does that mean it doesn’t have glow plugs because even on the coldest of mornings i just turn the key and hey presto it starts!!!

 

[mioba]

How does it warm the chamber then if no glow plugs.
I would assume the plugs are hot very quick, hence no light.
Must be some plugs in there somewhere.

 

[Noddy 99]

My glowplug light just flashes for a second then goes out - it would be easy to miss.

 

[Peterbrake]

Yeah I’m no expert but I do understand how both petrol and Diesel engines work which is why I questioned if Mercedes (Benz) who basically invented the car had now come up with some brilliant idea of heating the fuel before combustion.
Years ago I would have to wait between 30 seconds and a minute before I could start the engine.

 

[Taffy7hfa]

Warning lights that are invisible unless lit, another stupid idea from the car designers (kids ).
Feel free to kick me in the shins, but have you had a look in the handbook.

 

[Peterbrake]

Must admit I haven’t but I never needed to cos cold start isn’t a problem, it was just something that crossed my mind however I will have a look

 

[Peterbrake]

Just checked and there is a light but if you blinked you’d have missed it like I did( maybe I blink too much)
Wow that is some heater to heat the fuel in less than a second

 

[Blobcat]

Just checked and there is a light but if you blinked you’d have missed it like I did( maybe I blink too much)
Wow that is some heater to heat the fuel in less than a second

It doesn’t heat the fuel, it heats the combustion chamber so that the fuel ignites when it is compressed

 

[mioba]

Just checked and there is a light but if you blinked you’d have missed it like I did( maybe I blink too much)

Wow that is some heater to heat the fuel in less than a second

the light on my oil burners is only on shorty. when it stays on then its telling you there is a problem.

Now enjoy your car.

 

[Peterbrake]

Thanks everyone

 

[supernoodle]

There's little thermal mass in a plug, it would struggle to heat the chamber.

The glow plug is positioned between two of the fuel flumes so there is no direct impingement. The turbulent and swirling air carries one of those plumes onto the plug and boom.