I thought I would ask the forum this question. I have a '82 240D and my usual routine before every start is to engage the starter within 5 seconds after I activate the glow plugs. The car starts up every time...except when outside temperatures are in the 30s or 40s and then I wait for about 10 seconds before starting. Anyway, when I do start the car, I know that the glow plugs haven't finished their "glowing" cycle because I have used an electronic multimeter to check for current going to the glowplugs, and sure enough they still have power going to them for about 30-40 seconds after I start the car then the glow plugs shut off. I was told sometime back that once you activate the starter, the glowplug relay is supposed to shut the power off to the glow plugs...is this true?

Herb
'82 240D
'87 300SDL
'92 300D 2.5 Turbo

Your's sound like they are operating perfectly.

They are supposed to continue to glow for around 45 seconds.

Not a problem.

Jim