BMW 4 Series Parking Heater Failure Fix & Cost Guide

I had a similar issue with my 2016 BMW 3 Series diesel last winter. The glow plug in the auxiliary heater was defective, causing the whole system to shut down. The error codes were pointing to the heater unit, just like yours. Got it fixed at a garage specializing in German cars. They had to replace the glow plug and clean the fuel lines to the auxiliary heater. It wasn't a quick fix, kept my car for two days as they needed to run multiple tests to ensure everything was working correctly. The auxiliary heater is quite complex and needs proper diagnosis. It was worth fixing though, as a faulty auxiliary heater can lead to starting problems in cold weather and increased fuel consumption. I'd suggest finding a specialist who has experience with BMW diesel systems, as these auxiliary heaters are different from standard petrol models. Quick tip: They also checked my fuel filter during the repair, which turned out to be partially clogged and was contributing to the problem. So maybe ask them to inspect that too.

Thanks for sharing your experience! Glad you got it sorted out. I'm facing the exact same symptoms with my auxiliary heater. Knowing about the glow plug issue really helps narrow things down. If you don't mind me asking, what did the total repair cost you in the end? And has everything been running smoothly since, or have you noticed any other issues pop up?

Hi again! Just wanted to update you on my repair costs since you asked. The total bill came to 440 € for fixing the glow plug issue. I'm actually really happy I went ahead with the repair, the auxiliary heater has been working perfectly since then. No more error codes, no more silent treatment when I try to turn it on! It's been about 8 months now since I got it fixed, and honestly, everything's running like clockwork. Haven't had a single problem with the heating system. The mechanic did a thorough job, and it really shows in how well it's performing now. The morning starts are so much more comfortable, and the heater kicks in exactly like it should. I know you mentioned being hesitant about mechanics, but getting this fixed properly was definitely worth it. When you find someone who knows what they're doing with these systems, it makes all the difference. Hope this helps with your decision!

Thanks so much for all that detail! I actually took my car to a mechanic yesterday. Similar to your case, it was indeed the glow plug that needed replacing. The repair cost me about 500 €, a bit more than yours but still reasonable considering how crucial this system is. The mechanic I found was really thorough and professional. They took their time explaining everything, which was refreshing after my previous bad experience. Just like you mentioned, they also checked the fuel filter and found it needed cleaning. Got my car back today and the heater's working perfectly now, no more error codes or silent treatment! Really glad I decided to get it fixed rather than putting it off. The whole experience wasn't nearly as stressful as I'd feared. Thanks again for helping me understand what I was dealing with, your advice really helped me make an informed decision!