Glow plugs / relay

[Debbie c123]

Hi can anyone help ? 😩 I brought a 12 plate bmw 118 sport a couple months ago -  I was sick for 2 weeks when it was really cold and didn’t drive it at all when I came to use it wouldn’t start , called AA said glow plug problem - booked into garage over road , to change all 4 ( 160 cost ) after 2 hours they called to say they changed no1 and no2 had broken - not touched 3/4 could have the car back - charged 16 pound for plug 1 ( no labour charge ) - a week later boss of garage back of hols told me to take car back he’d look at it - called same day to say changed relay ( 220 pound ) and not touched the plugs said would run coke without no2 as it only starts car -  I’m a girl with no one to ask advice but doesn’t seem right to me that it’s ok without gp 2 ..  car seems a bit jerky when first started ( barely noticeable) I’m just worried I’m causing more damage but can’t afford the 200 to drill out no2 ( even if they can get it out as can cause cracked head ?) any advice greatly received xx 

[Greydog]

Morning Deborah

Welcome to the Forum

First with the correct tools drilling out a stuck/damaged/broken glow plug is fiddly but not that difficult and shouldn't crack the head. Next as the garage broke it should they not share the cost at least of correct repair ? A conversation to be had with the garage me thinks.

Your car will start and run with out the No2 Glowplug as long as there isn't a compression leak. I have seen a 6 cylinder diesel that ran for a couple of years at least with only 1 Glowplug working. Where it gets a little complicated is with the type of journeys/driving you do. Your car has a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) which catches soot and many other bits that are generated by your engine. If the engine reaches a good high operating temperature such as a good run at motorway speeds (about an hour) the DPF can regenerate (burn off the soot and other bits) If thhe engine is used on short or low speed journeys (heavy traffic) then the cars brain uses the Glow Plugs to achieve high cylinder temperatures so it can regenerate the DPF. As you still have 3 out of 4 you may well not notice a difference.

There is a Register of BMW Specialists you can Google and find one local to you I am sure. It sounds as though the owner of your local garage is more clued up than his team.

Good Luck

Hope this helps not confuses 

Dave