[FaRKle!]

Originally Posted by Chukker

I've started watching your YouTube videos - if you're the same guy. Hope you turn out some more - they're great!

Maybe, my channel is "FaRKle0079" (link in sig). Thanks for the compliments. I'll have more to come as I (or friends) need work done, haha.

[Chukker]

Latest update: 2015 328D Touring. 61,000 miles. I've had it for 6K miles. Changed oil, air + filters. Flushed brakes. Windshield wipers and windshield. Did the EGR recall - it was needed and replaced. No cost. Replaced front & rear Nox sensors. No cost under extended warranty. Replaced giubo & transfer case under recall. No cost.

Today - first day since I brought it back home from the recall, threw a CEL for a P0670 code. I don't have Carly, but my Torque reader says likely Glow Plug Control Module. Have one ordered...

I'll be glad when I get all the gremlins shaken out of this otherwise beautiful looking, running wagon!

[Enabled]

Originally Posted by Chukker

Latest update: 2015 328D Touring. 61,000 miles. I've had it for 6K miles. Changed oil, air + filters. Flushed brakes. Windshield wipers and windshield. Did the EGR recall - it was needed and replaced. No cost. Replaced front & rear Nox sensors. No cost under extended warranty. Replaced giubo & transfer case under recall. No cost.

Today - first day since I brought it back home from the recall, threw a CEL for a P0670 code. I don't have Carly, but my Torque reader says likely Glow Plug Control Module. Have one ordered...

I'll be glad when I get all the gremlins shaken out of this otherwise beautiful looking, running wagon!

I posted in the other thread, but here may be better:



Check the wire running right by the Left side engine cover tab by the back of the engine. Is it damaged? It runs to the glow plug control module.

Sometimes the wire gets crushed by the engine cover and it can be stripped of the insulation.

[Chukker]

Originally Posted by Enabled

I posted in the other thread, but here may be better:



Check the wire running right by the Left side engine cover tab by the back of the engine. Is it damaged? It runs to the glow plug control module.

Sometimes the wire gets crushed by the engine cover and it can be stripped of the insulation.

This is why it's important to use this forum. I'll check that tonight. I've already ordered the module, but if it is just a matter of securing the wire, that would be great. I know the engine cover has been on and off for the recall work on the EGR. Possible they could have nicked the wire insulation. I'm keeping my fingers crossed it's that simple...

[Chukker]

Ah, the saga continues. Driving home the CEL was on (for the P0670) but after a couple of minutes, the battery light came on. Not charging...a new battery.

Time to find out what all has to come off the engine before the alternator!

[Enabled]

Originally Posted by Chukker

Ah, the saga continues. Driving home the CEL was on (for the P0670) but after a couple of minutes, the battery light came on. Not charging...a new battery.

Time to find out what all has to come off the engine before the alternator!

Well that's suspicious of their work on the battery install......

[Chukker]

Originally Posted by Enabled

Well that's suspicious of their work on the battery install......

I'd like to give them the benefit of doubt but looking at the alternator, it does look like it took an "arc" to the case at some point. When I thought all I was dealing with was a glow plug control module, I examined the wiring and that all seems to be fine - nothing crimped, no insulation crushed, etc.

Starting the car yesterday morning, first time I had started the vehicle after the 280 mile trip home from the dealership and all the recall work and new battery installation, I immediately got the check engine light. Ran Torque and pulled up the P0670 which pointed to the glow plug control module. So if the alternator took a hit during all the work done on it, but we had a new battery for the 280 mile trip home, the battery was probably discharging all the while I was driving home. The first component the cpu probably looks at when starting is the glow plugs (for a start) and if the voltage at that point, yesterday morning, wasn't high enough, I guess that would explain that code it threw. But the engine started fine and I was able to drive it another 25 miles to work without a problem. Only when I started it to return home did I start getting the battery lights.

I haven't seen much in this forum on alternator issues but know that when one goes out (and they do, for brushes, etc.) they create all kinds of weird symptoms as the car begins to shut down electrical systems to preserve power. I'm told that the last system that gets shut down are the lights.

We'll see what today brings. BMW alternators are a little pricey. The alternator is on top of the engine but at least in my model (2015 328d) it is shrouded by lots of pieces and parts. I've replaced the alternator in my F350 but it's a 2002 and there's very little between the alternator and the mechanic!

[Enabled]

When it's running, what volts do you see at the post under the hood?

These typically run around 14.4-14.8V with engine running. It does have variable control via the engine computer. Engine off would have to be 12.6-12.7V for a full battery.

These alternators haven't been a common item, I'd be questioning it.

[Chukker]

Originally Posted by Enabled

When it's running, what volts do you see at the post under the hood?

These typically run around 14.4-14.8V with engine running. It does have variable control via the engine computer. Engine off would have to be 12.6-12.7V for a full battery.

These alternators haven't been a common item, I'd be questioning it.

I'm questioning my sanity for buying another car when I live 250+ miles from the nearest dealership - 70 miles from the nearest independent import shop!

For some of the forum's readers, I have no doubt they would troubleshoot the car in their own garage, order the parts, double-check their Bentley manual and dive in. I'm comfortable changing my own oil, filters, tires. Beyond that, I just get myself into deeper trouble. I traded a 2002 Mini Cooper to get this 328D Touring because the Mini was becoming more of an adventure, in terms of reliability. Totally fun to drive but we're way too far from parts and knowledgeable mechanics.

I think I may have made a mistake. "This is why we can't have nice things, honey..." We live in the styxx!

[Enabled]

Originally Posted by Chukker

I'm questioning my sanity for buying another car when I live 250+ miles from the nearest dealership - 70 miles from the nearest independent import shop!

For some of the forum's readers, I have no doubt they would troubleshoot the car in their own garage, order the parts, double-check their Bentley manual and dive in. I'm comfortable changing my own oil, filters, tires. Beyond that, I just get myself into deeper trouble. I traded a 2002 Mini Cooper to get this 328D Touring because the Mini was becoming more of an adventure, in terms of reliability. Totally fun to drive but we're way too far from parts and knowledgeable mechanics.

I think I may have made a mistake. "This is why we can't have nice things, honey..." We live in the styxx!

How good are you with computers?

[Chukker]

Originally Posted by Enabled

How good are you with computers?

Really good, although that's a biased opinion. I'd have to say I'm more mechanically inclined. I rebuilt the engine in my first car, a '67 Chevy Impala and that made me cocky about cars. You could slop together an old GM V8 engine and it would still run, fairly well.

The trouble now is that we have become so dependent upon computer diagnostics and the systems are so complicated and wrapped in proprietary code that it's hard to figure these things out correctly.

Why? Tell me where you were headed with your question!

[Chukker]

Originally Posted by Enabled

When it's running, what volts do you see at the post under the hood?

These typically run around 14.4-14.8V with engine running. It does have variable control via the engine computer. Engine off would have to be 12.6-12.7V for a full battery.

These alternators haven't been a common item, I'd be questioning it.

I was barely getting 12.5 with the engine running. No real change with engine off. Sounds like I can't wait to get that new alternator. I just hope it clears the P0670 code when I finally get enough juice!

[jbaby]

Just picked up a 2014 328d with 150k on it. Going to start with all the filters and fluids, go from there. Will be posting pictures soon...

Updates: Ordered Spyder LEDs, matte black grill 😁

[Chukker]

Originally Posted by jbaby

Just picked up a 2014 328d with 150k on it. Going to start with all the filters and fluids, go from there. Will be posting pictures soon...

Congrats! I should get my alternator tomorrow and once I get it in, am hoping to put the ear-to-ear grin back on my face!

[n00bkiller944]

Originally Posted by jbaby

Just picked up a 2014 328d with 150k on it. Going to start with all the filters and fluids, go from there. Will be posting pictures soon...

Post some pics! Excited to see it!

[n00bkiller944]

Originally Posted by Chukker

Congrats! I should get my alternator tomorrow and once I get it in, am hoping to put the ear-to-ear grin back on my face!

Let us know how that alternator install goes. Haven't had to replace one on these yet.

[Chukker]

Originally Posted by n00bkiller944

Let us know how that alternator install goes. Haven't had to replace one on these yet.

I'll keep you all posted. The P0670 code cleared when I started the car while the battery charger was attached. This makes me believe that it's the low voltage (caused by no alternator charging the electrical system) that kicked it off in the first place. Hoping that the alternator shows up today so I can get it done over the weekend.

The car is otherwise in beautiful condition. Interior is pristine, paint is pretty good for a daily driver. I've attended to all the other service interval maintenance - maybe a transmission flush is all that is needed. I bought some spare 18" BMW rims to be ready for snow season and Blizzaks. I'm really planning on enjoying this car in the years to come. I love the torque of the diesel, especially pulling up mountain grades!

[Chukker]

The alternator is installed!!!

Old one was definitely shot and not putting out any voltage/charge into the battery. The P0670 "Glow Plug Control Module" error is cleared and I'm about to put the old alternator back into shipping to recoup my $210 core charge. That's more than the last new Ford alternator I put into the F350! They must really want it back!

[Enabled]

Originally Posted by Chukker

The alternator is installed!!!

Old one was definitely shot and not putting out any voltage/charge into the battery. The P0670 "Glow Plug Control Module" error is cleared and I'm about to put the old alternator back into shipping to recoup my $210 core charge. That's more than the last new Ford alternator I put into the F350! They must really want it back!

Soo suspicious of it going out with a battery change. But I am glad it is solved! It wasn't a hard job was it?

[Chukker]

Originally Posted by Enabled

Soo suspicious of it going out with a battery change. But I am glad it is solved! It wasn't a hard job was it?

I've already shipped it back ($210 core charge!) but I definitely see what looks like an "arc" mark on the case of the alternator. I'm guessing the brushes got crisped somehow and since remove and replace tends to be the limit of my abilities anymore, it'll be for someone else to pull it apart and rehabilitate it.

It's not a bad job. Next time will go faster! Really appreciate the supportive comments I got from others. I find myself tensing up when I start the car as I wait to see if I'm going to get a clean "no CELs" startup or not. About the same time I bought this car, my wife bought a 2015 MINI Countryman. She hasn't had any trouble, whatsoever and just smirks at me as I reach for my credit card...

[Sparky01]

So, here mine new to me and first bimmer diesel. 85K.
Working on changing all fluids and working stereo upgrades.

[n00bkiller944]

Looks good! Congrats!