[waybar17]

I've fixed the cold starting problem on my X3.

I started by replacing the glow plugs, which took a while for a first timer:

1) remove strut brace
2) remove engine covers
3) remove wire going to top of injectors
4) remove intercooler from inlet manifold
5) detach dip stick from inlet manifold
6) remove 2x electrical connectors to under side of inlet manifold
7) remove 2x vacuum pipes from under side of manifold
8) remove both rows of bolts holding manifold in place
9) lift of manifold (needs some wiggling and pulling)
10) CAUTION: the underside of the manifold has red rubber washer attached. One of mine fell off and went down INSIDE the cylinder head, out of sight around the corner. Make sure the red rubber washers are still attached and accounted for
11) Remove glow plugs leads by squeezing them at the top and pulling
12) Remove and replace glow plugs - CAUTION: the glow plugs can break, read the glow plug snap torque value, and use a torque wrench to ensure you don't exceed the maximum torque value when removing and refitting - mine didn't snap and came out quite easily
13) Before reconnecting the glow plug leads, put a multi-meter into the glow plug lead and turn on the ignition - you should see approx 7v reading. Mine didn't, it showed 0v - so it wasn't the glow plugs.

14) this worked for me: buy a new glow plug controller / relay (£70 ebay)
15) glow plug controller is not bolted to the engine block like on an E46, it's not bolted to the underside of the inlet manifold like the TIS says, it's located behind the alternator, bolted to the underside of the power steering pump. Remove 2 nuts and the cables just pop off quite easily once you lift it up for easy access
16) replace the glow plug controller, and test - should read 7v with ignition turned on
17) reassemble, reverse above steps, but be careful not to drop the red rubber washer inside the cylinder head - check with a torch once the inlet manifold is back in place

It took me 4 hours, but 2 hours was wasted looking for the glow plug control unit, as it's very difficult to find. No OBDII codes were being reported, so it was a case of replacing the cheapest items first.

Hope this helps someone

Thanks