After lurking around on this board for some time and after searching the archives, I’ve run across information that indicates that the later model Mercedes diesels had a glowplug system that continued to heat the plugs after the engine was started. From what I understand this is now a common feature in modern diesels in order to speed engine warm-up.

Just wondering if anyone has anymore info about this system and if this system can be retrofitted to older Mercedes diesels? Also wondering why Mercedes didn’t include this system (assuming it does exist) on earlier models of diesels. Seems like a no-brainer to me. Are there disadvantages, technical hurdles?

Thanks
-N

On the old manual swtiched series GP the GP stayed energized when the starter was cranking the engine even though the dash indicator would dim and eventually go out because it was shunted to make up for the voltage drop caused by the high starter current.

You could keep the GP hot after the engine was running by pulling the manual GP/start/run/shutoff pull knob to the GP position but I found it made little difference after the engine was running.

P E H

Beru makes a retrofit kit. It replaces the glow-plugs and the relay.

http://www.beru.com/english/produkte/gluehkerzen/nachruest.php

I should have added that Fastlane and Rusty sell them:

http://parts.catalog.mbz.org

You may have to call him, since I'm not sure they're in the on-line catalog.

The kit is under $100, so if your glow-plug relay fails, it's almost cheaper to buy the kit than to replace the old relay, especially if you need a couple glow-plugs as well.

The kit has only 4 glow plugs, so you have to buy an additional plug for the 5 cylinder.