The Quick Answer above is the generic definition. What follows is what is documented for the BMW models that log P0673, checked against manufacturer data and owner reports.
DTC/P0673·BMW
P0673 on BMW: Causes, Symptoms and Fix Cost
Quick Answer
Moderate SeveritySafe to drive (short-term)BMW
P0673 on a BMW is a diesel-only code meaning the engine control unit detected an electrical fault in the glow plug circuit for cylinder 3. Glow plugs preheat each combustion chamber so a cold diesel can ignite. The code identifies the cylinder 3 circuit specifically, usually pointing to a failed plug, its wiring, or its connection rather than the whole system. Repairs typically run 30-180 EUR for a single plug and circuit fix.
Repair cost on BMW€5 - €420
Connect any standard Bluetooth OBD2 adapter to your BMW and Skanyx tells you what P0673 means on that engine, whether it is safe to keep driving, and what the fix should cost. Free on iPhone and Android.
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BMW 320d
2005-2019On the 320d the cylinder 3 plug is monitored by the glow plug control module and reported to the DDE controller. Access on the N47 is tight and plugs seize easily, raising labor. Per-cylinder plug status on BMW is Mode $22 extended data needing a tool such as Carly; generic OBD2 shows only the P0673 circuit code, so bench-test the plug to confirm.
What causes P0673 on a BMW?
Beyond the generic causes listed on the main P0673 page, these are the documented BMW-specific patterns:
BMW 320dFailed cylinder 3 plug on M47/N47/B47 engines
BMW 320dSeized plug increasing labor on tight N47 head access
How to diagnose P0673 on a BMW with OBD2
Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0673:
- Read the stored code and freeze frame with Skanyx or any ELM327 adapter to confirm P0673 and note the start temperature when it set
- Locate the cylinder 3 glow plug and inspect its connector and wiring for corrosion, looseness, or damage
- Disconnect the cylinder 3 glow plug and bench-test it with a multimeter: a healthy plug reads roughly 0.5-2 ohm, while an open (infinite) reading confirms that plug has failed
- If the cylinder 3 plug is good, check continuity of its wiring back to the control module and verify a clean ground
- Remember that per-cylinder glow plug live status is manufacturer-extended (Mode $22) data, not generic OBD2, so the multimeter test on the cylinder 3 plug is how you confirm the failure
- Consider replacing the full set if the plugs are original and high-mileage, since the others are likely to fail soon
How much does P0673 cost to fix on a BMW? (EUR)
Estimated repair costs for P0673 in EUR, compiled across makes. Expect BMW parts and labour towards the upper end of each range.
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
Related codes that often appear with P0673 on BMW
These codes commonly cluster with P0673 on BMW vehicles:
Looking for the full P0673 reference (all makes, full diagnosis flow, complete repair cost matrix)?
See the main P0673 guideSkanyx · BMW
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