W164 ML280 Glow plug light

[Ian_Mac]

Afternoon all

Early today I viewed a 2006 ML with the V6 Diesel engine. On start up the glow plug light remained illuminated for a good 20+ seconds. I'm guessing this isn't good and even if it is just replacing the glow plugs this won't be cheap. Mileage wise the car was on circa 83k.

Could the glow plug light just be the tip of the iceberg?

 

[xp2500]

Won't be cheap? 6x NGK Glow Plugs MERCEDES BENZ ML350 CDI 3.0 164 Series 224bhp 09-- #6286 | eBay

They don't seem to be that expensive.

But saying that, I don't know if this is the exact part for your car.

Also make sure that its not producing smoke from the exhaust as this could indicate other issues. Have you seen the service history?

 

[Ian_Mac]

Won't be cheap? 6x NGK Glow Plugs MERCEDES BENZ ML350 CDI 3.0 164 Series 224bhp 09-- #6286 | eBay

They don't seem to be that expensive.

But saying that, I don't know if this is the exact part for your car.

Also make sure that its not producing smoke from the exhaust as this could indicate other issues. Have you seen the service history?

Yep service book is there, from memory it's had 4 (maybe 5) main dealer services and the last one was an indie approximately 10k ago.

 

[xp2500]

The last MOT might give some indication to the health of the engine from the emissions test(and car from advisories).
If it was recently done and it passed first time then that would be more positive to the health of the engine if it passed recently.
My w203 cdi has the glow plug light on but seems to be working ok. The codes from obd stated glowplug failure in cylinders 1-4 though the light disappears after driving for a short period. I just intend to replace them in my next service.
Perhaps we can wait for a ML owner to provide some more advise as I am going down the generic path?

 

[Benza750]

The glow plug light staying on indicates there is a problem with the glow plugs or glow plug circuit.
Mercedes star diagnostics can pin point faulty glow plugs to the correct cylinder.
If it indicates more thsn 1 at fault would advise the set.
They are a common problem on the v6 Diesel engine.
They are prone to seizing in the cylinder head.
If buying from a garage get them to change them first, if they use genuine mercedes glow plugs you will get 2 years warranty with them

 

[Terry_]

It will probably just be a duff plug. If she is hard to start then the control unit has probably died

 

[Ian_Mac]

Thanks guys, the ML started on the turn of the key and I'm guessing it's been stood on the forecourt a while.

Good advice re the 2 year warranty if genuine parts are used. Going to have a look at another one tomorrow which looks nicer in the ad online.