£1,512.00 to replace a single faulty glow plug in my Mercedes Hymer B580 !!

[sparkyvanman]

Should I spend the money ? . I took my 2019 Hymer to the Mercedes dealer as it had a factory recall (number 8). They asked if there was anything else I wanted them to look at while it was in the garage .

I told them that I had notice that occasionally the glow plug light on the dash stayed on for a few seconds after the engine had started , I didn't know if this was normal I haven't seen it before on other diesel vehicles that I own . It does not happen every time the engine is started . They said they would have a look at it.

When I went to pick the van up they told me that cylinder 2 glow plug was showing a fault and did I want it replacing? They said the cost of the glow plug was £61 but because the engine was so difficult to get to because of the hymer bodywork it was going to cost £1,200 in labour charges . I told them I didn't want to go ahead, and I would think about it. They charge VAT on top so the total cost would £1,512.00

Does anyone have any advice I have never had a problem starting the engine in cold weather and as I assumed that the glow plugs only ever work when the engine starts. Does anyone know that a faulty glow plug will cause a bigger problem with the engine that could cost me a lot more in the long run?

? Any thoughts

 

[TheBig1]

MOT Test of the Instrument Panel | What is checked - MOT Test Information

The glass of the instrument panel being cracked is not a reason for failure providing there is no possibility of misreading the speedometer, no possibility of the indicator needle being fouled or the cracked glass being a safety hazard.

www.motester.co.uk

 

[andysam]

Yes, any warning light is an issue. All the lights that come on need to go off when the engine is started

It appears that you CAN have some warning lamps displayed and still pass https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-ins...d-light-commercial-vehicles/7-other-equipment

 

[bobnick]

Sold my brother a Merc 320 CE some years ago.
A red warning light came on the dash (can't remember what it was for) anyway his answer was to cut a small piece of black insulation tape and stick it over the offending light. It stayed there for 4 years and was still on there when he sold the car. Job done.

 

[L' Hobo]

Sold my brother a Merc 320 CE some years ago.
A red warning light came on the dash (can't remember what it was for) anyway his answer was to cut a small piece of black insulation tape and stick it over the offending light. It stayed there for 4 years and was still on there when he sold the car. Job done.

To stop anyone doing this or removing / disconnecting an offending bulb, the MOT manual states that all warning lights must be working, I thought?

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[bobnick]

To stop anyone doing this or removing / disconnecting an offending bulb, the MOT manual states that all warning lights must be working, I thought?

Yes correct but if the tester don't see a light.........or the tape he is going to tick the box, which he did.

 

[L' Hobo]

Yes correct but if the tester don't see a light.........or the tape he is going to tick the box, which he did.

Always nice to have a friendly tester.

 

[L' Hobo]

By the way, there is a Sensor, 4 page article, in the February 2024 issue of the Car Mechanic magazine.
It covers the subject generally, but might be worth a look?

 

[Rustin]

The engine light popped up on the dash of my 2009 2.3 Ducato as we were heading for xmas getaway, so took it to local garage. 6.4m so limited to garages around us.

Mechanic sorted fuel control valve and said it was partly a glow plug issue and needed to change it, but due to the glow plugs location it would cost 'thousands'. Mechanic then said, don't bother, be an issue if you lived in north of Scotland on a particularly cold day but shouldn't be a bother in West Yorkshire.

Unfortunately it appears to be causing the engine to go into limp mode that can be a pain on motorway, going up ill. Needs sorting anyway.

Booked in for 08.02.24, fingers crossed, but I've bit the bullet and budgeted a few grand for the fix. picked up the van from the in-laws for mates rates, in great shape in general as its been babied, and only has 60k on it, so still winning.

As a side note, if anyone can recommend a reliable garage local to West Yorkshire, who has the lifts for a 6.4m, be very helpful. One I'm going to is a chain, and may be fine but would rather have a relationship with a local garage, like i had and miss in East Midlands. thanks

 

[L' Hobo]

The engine light popped up on the dash of my 2009 2.3 Ducato as we were heading for xmas getaway, so took it to local garage. 6.4m so limited to garages around us.

Mechanic sorted fuel control valve and said it was partly a glow plug issue and needed to change it, but due to the glow plugs location it would cost 'thousands'. Mechanic then said, don't bother, be an issue if you lived in north of Scotland on a particularly cold day but shouldn't be a bother in West Yorkshire.

Unfortunately it appears to be causing the engine to go into limp mode that can be a pain on motorway, going up ill. Needs sorting anyway.

Booked in for 08.02.24, fingers crossed, but I've bit the bullet and budgeted a few grand for the fix. picked up the van from the in-laws for mates rates, in great shape in general as its been babied, and only has 60k on it, so still winning.

As a side note, if anyone can recommend a reliable garage local to West Yorkshire, who has the lifts for a 6.4m, be very helpful. One I'm going to is a chain, and may be fine but would rather have a relationship with a local garage, like i had and miss in East Midlands. thanks

Please keep us posted, did you scan it to look for faults before contacting the garage, if so, what faults were shown?

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Rustin]

Please keep us posted, did you scan it to look for faults before contacting the garage, if so, what faults were shown?

Yeah garage identified glow plugs as an issue, also a mate with a reader. I'll update after the 8th.

 

[poisondwarf]

It’s been service by Mercedes since new (5 years and 25k on the clock now) I have never been told about the warranty extension, i guess this is something I should have paid for a couple of years back

In this case, because it has only been serviced by Mercedes, I would ask them to contact Mercedes Head Office direct, and ask for a substantial contribution to the cost.

If your dealer doesn't have any luck, then I would follow it up myself with Mercedes Head Office, threatening to go to the motoring press if you don't get any financial assistance.

You never know the outcome until you try something, and this could certainly be worth a try

 

[h8ten]

If it was me and my van I would be considering having all glow plugs replaced whilst the access was available. Also, any other stuff that was a serviceable item and would need the engine in the same state for access to replace them. In saying that, if it was only the one plug I might wait until it became troublesome or the same access needed to sort another issue.

 

[Towat101]

Should I spend the money ? . I took my 2019 Hymer to the Mercedes dealer as it had a factory recall (number 8). They asked if there was anything else I wanted them to look at while it was in the garage .

I told them that I had notice that occasionally the glow plug light on the dash stayed on for a few seconds after the engine had started , I didn't know if this was normal I haven't seen it before on other diesel vehicles that I own . It does not happen every time the engine is started . They said they would have a look at it.

When I went to pick the van up they told me that cylinder 2 glow plug was showing a fault and did I want it replacing? They said the cost of the glow plug was £61 but because the engine was so difficult to get to because of the hymer bodywork it was going to cost £1,200 in labour charges . I told them I didn't want to go ahead, and I would think about it. They charge VAT on top so the total cost would £1,512.00

Does anyone have any advice I have never had a problem starting the engine in cold weather and as I assumed that the glow plugs only ever work when the engine starts. Does anyone know that a faulty glow plug will cause a bigger problem with the engine that could cost me a lot more in the long run?

? Any thoughts

Should I spend the money ? . I took my 2019 Hymer to the Mercedes dealer as it had a factory recall (number 8). They asked if there was anything else I wanted them to look at while it was in the garage .

I told them that I had notice that occasionally the glow plug light on the dash stayed on for a few seconds after the engine had started , I didn't know if this was normal I haven't seen it before on other diesel vehicles that I own . It does not happen every time the engine is started . They said they would have a look at it.

When I went to pick the van up they told me that cylinder 2 glow plug was showing a fault and did I want it replacing? They said the cost of the glow plug was £61 but because the engine was so difficult to get to because of the hymer bodywork it was going to cost £1,200 in labour charges . I told them I didn't want to go ahead, and I would think about it. They charge VAT on top so the total cost would £1,512.00

Does anyone have any advice I have never had a problem starting the engine in cold weather and as I assumed that the glow plugs only ever work when the engine starts. Does anyone know that a faulty glow plug will cause a bigger problem with the engine that could cost me a lot more in the long run?

? Any thoughts

Sounds like an engine out job, leave it until something else needs doing like the cam belt maybe then get everything done at the same time.

 

[Apacheman]

Glow plugs are generally fairly cheap and not difficult to replace, if you can get access. One issue is if they snap off but again if you can get access a spray with WD40 or similar a few times over a couple of weeks before changing can help. If you’re replacing one, probably best to do them all. Might be £60+ at the dealers but you will get them much cheaper elsewhere and they’ll probably be a Bosch or similar make. In this instance I’d ditch the dealer and look for an alternate mechanic or put up with it until engine starting becomes more of a problem.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[8250]

Should I spend the money ? . I took my 2019 Hymer to the Mercedes dealer as it had a factory recall (number 8). They asked if there was anything else I wanted them to look at while it was in the garage .

I told them that I had notice that occasionally the glow plug light on the dash stayed on for a few seconds after the engine had started , I didn't know if this was normal I haven't seen it before on other diesel vehicles that I own . It does not happen every time the engine is started . They said they would have a look at it.

When I went to pick the van up they told me that cylinder 2 glow plug was showing a fault and did I want it replacing? They said the cost of the glow plug was £61 but because the engine was so difficult to get to because of the hymer bodywork it was going to cost £1,200 in labour charges . I told them I didn't want to go ahead, and I would think about it. They charge VAT on top so the total cost would £1,512.00

Does anyone have any advice I have never had a problem starting the engine in cold weather and as I assumed that the glow plugs only ever work when the engine starts. Does anyone know that a faulty glow plug will cause a bigger problem with the engine that could cost me a lot more in the long run?

? Any thoughts

I have driven Mercedes cars for a living for about 14 years Mercedes dealers are about 3 times the price of an independent garage. I would ask around for recommendations of a local independent garage. A good starting point is local chauffeurs as we rely on our cars and most will only use a good mechanic. And yes ask about breakage as it does happen.
Last one I had done was about £400 but that was a few years ago.

 

[Crazylegs]

We had two glow plugs fail on a Mercedes diesel car some years ago. The quote from Mercedes was similar to the op’s, they explained that the price took into account that all four plugs would be replaced and that they assume one or more will snap during removal.
We sold the car.

 

[drmartinwhite]

Should I spend the money ? . I took my 2019 Hymer to the Mercedes dealer as it had a factory recall (number 8). They asked if there was anything else I wanted them to look at while it was in the garage .

I told them that I had notice that occasionally the glow plug light on the dash stayed on for a few seconds after the engine had started , I didn't know if this was normal I haven't seen it before on other diesel vehicles that I own . It does not happen every time the engine is started . They said they would have a look at it.

When I went to pick the van up they told me that cylinder 2 glow plug was showing a fault and did I want it replacing? They said the cost of the glow plug was £61 but because the engine was so difficult to get to because of the hymer bodywork it was going to cost £1,200 in labour charges . I told them I didn't want to go ahead, and I would think about it. They charge VAT on top so the total cost would £1,512.00

Does anyone have any advice I have never had a problem starting the engine in cold weather and as I assumed that the glow plugs only ever work when the engine starts. Does anyone know that a faulty glow plug will cause a bigger problem with the engine that could cost me a lot more in the long run?

? Any thoughts

Appreciate you might have an A class, but people can do it themselves, would have thought a competent mechanic could do it for far less, and for many people maybe a diy job:

 

[Brian Thompson]

Should I spend the money ? . I took my 2019 Hymer to the Mercedes dealer as it had a factory recall (number 8). They asked if there was anything else I wanted them to look at while it was in the garage .

I told them that I had notice that occasionally the glow plug light on the dash stayed on for a few seconds after the engine had started , I didn't know if this was normal I haven't seen it before on other diesel vehicles that I own . It does not happen every time the engine is started . They said they would have a look at it.

When I went to pick the van up they told me that cylinder 2 glow plug was showing a fault and did I want it replacing? They said the cost of the glow plug was £61 but because the engine was so difficult to get to because of the hymer bodywork it was going to cost £1,200 in labour charges . I told them I didn't want to go ahead, and I would think about it. They charge VAT on top so the total cost would £1,512.00

Does anyone have any advice I have never had a problem starting the engine in cold weather and as I assumed that the glow plugs only ever work when the engine starts. Does anyone know that a faulty glow plug will cause a bigger problem with the engine that could cost me a lot more in the long run?

? Any thoughts

I would firmly park that one under " Isn't broke don't fix it " deal with it when it becomes a "have to " job . Then find a local garage/ mechanic . I would never use a main dealer if i can avoid it

 

[ian and zak]

I had a Hymer 580 Mercedes 3ltr 2016 plate
I stopped using the franchise dealer because of the labour costs.
Take it to a commercial van centre it will be half the cost.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Oldwindsurfer]

Should I spend the money ? . I took my 2019 Hymer to the Mercedes dealer as it had a factory recall (number 8). They asked if there was anything else I wanted them to look at while it was in the garage .

I told them that I had notice that occasionally the glow plug light on the dash stayed on for a few seconds after the engine had started , I didn't know if this was normal I haven't seen it before on other diesel vehicles that I own . It does not happen every time the engine is started . They said they would have a look at it.

When I went to pick the van up they told me that cylinder 2 glow plug was showing a fault and did I want it replacing? They said the cost of the glow plug was £61 but because the engine was so difficult to get to because of the hymer bodywork it was going to cost £1,200 in labour charges . I told them I didn't want to go ahead, and I would think about it. They charge VAT on top so the total cost would £1,512.00

Does anyone have any advice I have never had a problem starting the engine in cold weather and as I assumed that the glow plugs only ever work when the engine starts. Does anyone know that a faulty glow plug will cause a bigger problem with the engine that could cost me a lot more in the long run?

? Any thoughts

Some years ago, my son had a Citroen C8 which needed an injector replacing, no local garage wanted to do it and eventually found a place in Scotland, my son lives on Hayling. They had to remove the head etc to gain access etc, cost including recovery was about £1500!.

 

[Wools]

Our 2009 3 litre V6 merc hymer went to our local MB commercial garage to diagnose a loss of power issue. The technician said this was due to a temperature sensor which I told him to replace. It cost £19 for the sensor. Sorted. He also told me 5 of the 6 glow plugs had failed. I never even suspected. It always starts well enough. No engine warning light. Further research found the OM642 engine does not use glow plugs for DPF regen. I will be leaving the glow plugs alone. BTW the dealership labour rate is £164 an hour.

 

[dunnah01]

The dealers want at least £1500 to sort a problem that doesn't exist - wow what a great scam

 

[Mr A]

Most modern diesels use the glow plugs to regenerate the DPF. I don’t know if it’s the case on this engine.

 

[jockaneezer]

I know some (Fords ?) have a "glow plug" in the exhaust system to run the dpf's regen, but I don't understand how standard glow plugs in the head would have any affect on a regen, happy to be educated on it though ?

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Silver-Fox]

I know some (Fords ?) have a "glow plug" in the exhaust system to run the dpf's regen, but I don't understand how standard glow plugs in the head would have any affect on a regen, happy to be educated on it though ?

That’s what I was thinking given we are talking about diesel and the way it combusts.

Happy to be educated though

 

[L' Hobo]

I know some (Fords ?) have a "glow plug" in the exhaust system to run the dpf's regen, but I don't understand how standard glow plugs in the head would have any affect on a regen, happy to be educated on it though ?

From what I understand, regen takes about 15mins once the vehicle has got up to full temperature and travelling at over 40mph.
There are slightly different ways that this happens, so best to read your vehicle handbook, this will usually tell you what sort of driving is required.

 

[IRHP]

Our boat diesel engine has no glow plugs and starts fine ( eventually). If it's not causing a problem I'd leave it.

Direct injection, Yanmar by any chance?

 

[The Wino]

Direct injection, Yanmar by any chance?

Penta 2002

 

[sparkyvanman]

Thanks all , this is an amazing place to get advice

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[jongood]

Sounds like an engine out job, leave it until something else needs doing like the cam belt maybe then get everything done at the same time.

Do modern merc engines have belts? They always used to be chaindriven.