P0380 – Glow Plug Circuit – BMW N47/N57 diesel (BMW N47 2.0d)
Fault code P0380 means "Glow Plug Circuit – BMW N47/N57 diesel". It is common on N47 2.0d, N57 3.0d, M47/M57 (older diesels) engines. Below are the real-world causes, step-by-step tests and OEM part numbers.
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P0380 quick summary
| Fault code | P0380 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Glow Plug Circuit – BMW N47/N57 diesel |
| System | Powertrain (Engine & Transmission) |
| Vehicles | BMW |
| Common on | N47 2.0d, N57 3.0d, M47/M57 (older diesels), B47/B57 |
| Severity | Low |
| Can I drive? | Yes. In mild weather the engine usually starts normally; in cold weather starting gets hard and it smokes white. |
| Repair cost | €60 – €600 |
Symptoms of P0380
- Hard starting when cold
- White smoke and rough running after a cold start
- Check engine light or 'Drivetrain malfunction'
- Fault code points to a specific cylinder's glow plug
- No symptoms in summer
Most common causes of P0380 (most likely first)
Mechanic's Pro Tip
Find out which cylinder is affected first – BMW stores the cylinder number in the glow plug control unit fault memory. Remove glow plugs only with the engine warm, using penetrating oil and the correct torque; a snapped glow plug in an aluminium head is an expensive job. If several cylinders show faults at once, suspect the glow plug control unit or its supply rather than all plugs.
1.Burned-out glow plug
Most likely2.Faulty glow plug control unit
3.Damaged connector or wiring to a glow plug
4.Corroded supply connection or blown fuse for the glow plug control unit
5.Wrong glow plugs fitted (wrong resistance/type)
Step-by-step diagnostic guide
- 1
Read the engine and glow plug control unit fault memory and note the affected cylinder.
- 2
Measure the resistance of each glow plug (usually below about 1–2 Ω) or check current draw with a clamp meter.
- 3
Inspect connectors and wiring on top of the engine for damage or corrosion.
- 4
Check the glow plug control unit supply and ground.
- 5
Replace faulty plugs (ideally as a set) or the control unit, clear codes and test on a cold start.
Frequently asked questions
Should I replace all glow plugs at once?
It is recommended – they age at the same rate and removing them repeatedly increases the risk of snapping one.
Is there a glow plug light on a BMW?
Most modern BMW diesels have no separate glow light; the fault appears as a drivetrain or check engine warning.
Related fault codes
This guide is for information only. Working on vehicles can be dangerous — if you are unsure, have the car checked by a qualified mechanic. Values can differ between model years; always check the manufacturer's repair information.