BMW X3 Diesel Glow Plug Light Won't Turn Off

I had nearly identical issues with my 2016 BMW X5 35d last winter. The glow plug warning light stayed on and cold starts became a real pain. During my garage visit, they diagnosed two failed glow plugs and some wiring harness corrosion. The mechanic explained that failed glow plugs can cause excess battery drain as the system keeps trying to heat them. This was a serious repair since ignoring it could lead to starting failures and potential engine damage. They had to replace three glow plugs and the associated wiring harness. The job took about 4 hours since they needed to access the back of the engine. The car's been running perfectly since then, starts right up even in cold weather and no more warning lights. If you're seeing similar symptoms, I'd recommend getting it checked soon. The battery drain issue especially shouldn't be ignored as it can leave you stranded.

Thanks for sharing your experience! This sounds exactly like what I'm dealing with. My symptoms match yours perfectly, especially that battery drain issue. Did you remember roughly how much the whole repair ended up costing you? Also, has everything stayed working properly since the fix, or have you noticed any other issues popping up?

Hey there! Just wanted to follow up on your question about the repair costs. I got the glow plug issue fixed last month, and it came to 440 € total, not cheap, but definitely worth it to get the car running properly again. The good news is that since the repair, everything's been working perfectly! No more battery drain issues, and those horrible cold starts are completely gone. The car fires up instantly now, even on chilly mornings. It's such a relief not seeing that warning light anymore on my dashboard. I was actually worried there might be some lingering problems after the fix, but I'm happy to report it's been smooth sailing. The mechanic did a thorough job with both the glow plugs and wiring, and honestly, the car feels like new again. Haven't had a single problem since the repair. If you're experiencing the same problems I had, I'd definitely recommend getting it sorted sooner rather than later. Those battery drain issues can really leave you in a tight spot if left unchecked.

Thanks for the detailed response and cost breakdown! I actually just got back from the mechanic today, and I'm glad I took your advice about getting it fixed quickly. Turns out I had pretty much the same issue, faulty glow plugs and some corroded wiring. The repair came in a bit higher at 520 € because they found an additional electrical connection that needed replacing, but honestly, it was worth every penny. The difference is incredible! My X3 starts up instantly now, even this morning when it was pretty cold. No more warning lights on the dash, and that annoying battery drain is completely gone. The mechanic I found did great work, explained everything clearly and even showed me the old parts they replaced. Really appreciate everyone's help on this. If anyone else runs into similar issues with their diesel BMW, definitely don't wait around hoping it'll fix itself. Better to get it sorted before you end up stranded somewhere!