The 12231288245 glow plug is an 11 V replacement for selected BMW M21, M41 and M51 indirect-injection diesel engines. Its M12 × 1.25 cylinder-head thread, M5 electrical terminal and approximately 77 mm overall length correspond to BMW diesel applications including the E28 524d and 524td, E30 324d and 324td, E34 524td and 525tds, E36 318tds and 325tds, E38 725tds and E39 525tds.
This BMW 12231288245 glow plug can be checked against BMW catalogue references 12231286058, 12232240255, 12232241387 and 12232241389. BMW set references 12239061353 and 12239061354 also appear in the same catalogue and aftermarket cross-reference family. Because these numbers cover different production periods and packaging formats, buyers should confirm the original plug marking, engine code, vehicle production date and installation dimensions before placing a bulk order.
The product is supplied directly from our factory in China for professional repair workshops, diesel-engine rebuilders, distributors and automotive parts purchasing programmes. There is currently no European warehouse stock. Production batches can be managed with dimensional inspection, electrical testing, product marking and batch-based packing records.
| Specification | Details |
| Product Name | Diesel Glow Plug |
| Primary OE Number | 12231288245 |
| BMW Number Format | 12 23 1 288 245 |
| Related BMW Catalogue References | 12231286058 / 12232240255 / 12232241387 / 12232241389 / 12239061353 / 12239061354 |
| Engine Platforms | BMW M21 / M41 / M51 |
| Engine Displacement | 1.7 L / 2.4 L / 2.5 L |
| Product Type | Pencil-type diesel glow plug |
| Rated Voltage | 11 V |
| Vehicle Electrical System | 12 V |
| Thread Size | M12 × 1.25 |
| Applicable Chassis | E28 / E30 / E34 / E36 / E38 / E39 |
| Supply Method | Factory-direct supply |
| Production Location | China |
The specification is consistent across several recognised replacements for OE 12231288245. Catalogue variations of approximately 0.5–1 mm can appear in overall length and fitting depth, so production approval should follow the factory drawing rather than a third-party catalogue value alone.
An 11V diesel glow plug must match the operating characteristics of the glow-control system, not just the vehicle’s 12 V battery.
The nominal plug voltage, resistance curve, heating speed and post-glow behaviour affect:
Cold-start response;
Initial combustion stability;
White smoke after starting;
Current demand through the glow relay;
Heating-tip temperature
Service life.
A lower- or higher-voltage plug may fit the cylinder-head thread but operate incorrectly when connected to the original BMW control circuit. The rated voltage should be checked on the removed plug, approved cross-reference catalogue or vehicle parts record before installation.
NGK notes that glow plugs are engine-specific because each unit must reach and maintain a defined temperature under a defined voltage supply. DENSO also recommends checking the on-board system voltage when diagnosing swollen or damaged heating tips.
A BMW 12231288245 glow plug replacement should be confirmed through the following sequence.
1. Check the original marking
Look for the complete BMW number, shortened BMW reference or recognised manufacturer number. Common markings may include:
12231288245;
12 23 1 288 245;
12232240255;
12232241387;
12232241389;
Bosch 0 250 201 039;
DENSO DG-001;
NGK Y-924J.
2. Identify the engine
Confirm that the engine belongs to the M21, M41 or M51 family. Do not approve M47, M57 or M67 applications under this page.
3. Check the production date
Production date is especially relevant to E30 and early E34 vehicles because BMW changed service references during the model run.
4. Compare the dimensions
Verify the 11 V rating, M12 × 1.25 thread, M5 terminal, overall length and fitting depth.
5. Check the glow system
Measure power supply, relay operation and wiring condition before diagnosing the plug itself. A failed relay or voltage-supply problem can produce the same cold-start symptoms as a defective glow plug.
The BMW M21 diesel glow plug specification is used across early BMW 2.4-litre diesel engines and was later retained for selected M41 1.7-litre and M51 2.5-litre engines. Four plugs are used in the four-cylinder M41 engine. M21 and M51 inline-six engines require six plugs.
BMW and DENSO catalogue data support the following principal applications. Dates are approximate catalogue ranges rather than an unconditional fitment guarantee.
| BMW Model | Chassis | Engine | Displacement | Approximate Catalogue Range | Quantity |
| BMW 324d | E30 | M21 D24, 246DA / 246DB | 2.4 L | 04/1985–12/1990 | 6 |
| BMW 324td | E30 | M21 D24, 246TB | 2.4 L | 02/1987–05/1993, depending on body | 6 |
| BMW 524d | E28 | M21 D24, 246DA | 2.4 L | 05/1986–12/1987 | 6 |
| BMW 524td | E28 | M21 D24, 246TA | 2.4 L | 09/1983–12/1987 | 6 |
| BMW 524td | E34 | M21 D24, 246TB | 2.4 L | 07/1987–08/1991 | 6 |
| BMW 318tds | E36 | M41 D17, 174T1 | 1.7 L | 01/1994–08/2000 | 4 |
| BMW 325td | E36 | M51 D25, 256T1 | 2.5 L | 01/1991–02/1998 | 6 |
| BMW 325tds | E36 | M51 D25, 256T1 | 2.5 L | 03/1993–05/1999 | 6 |
| BMW 525td | E34 | M51 D25, 256T1 | 2.5 L | 12/1992–05/1996 | 6 |
| BMW 525tds | E34 | M51 D25, 256T1 | 2.5 L | 02/1990–06/1996 | 6 |
| BMW 525td | E39 | M51 D25, 256T1 | 2.5 L | 10/1996–02/2000 | 6 |
| BMW 525tds | E39 | M51 D25, 256T1 | 2.5 L | 04/1995–03/2000 | 6 |
| BMW 725tds | E38 | M51 D25, 256T1 | 2.5 L | 07/1995–02/2000 | 6 |
The BMW 12232241389 catalogue page specifically covers E30, E34, E36, E38 and E39 vehicles produced across different periods and identifies 1 December 1988 as an important application break for some models. Exact fitment should therefore be checked through the VIN and production month.
1. What vehicles use the 12231288245 glow plug?
The 12231288245 glow plug is associated with BMW M21 diesel applications and a broader replacement family covering selected M41 and M51 engines. Principal models include the E28 524d and 524td, E30 324d and 324td, E34 524td, 525td and 525tds, E36 318tds, 325td and 325tds, E38 725tds and E39 525td and 525tds. Production periods and service numbers vary, so the VIN, production month and removed-plug reference should be checked before ordering.
2. Can the product be used in BMW M41 and M51 engines?
Yes, recognised cross-reference catalogues extend the specification to selected M41 and M51 applications. The M41-powered E36 318tds uses four plugs. M51 vehicles, including the E36 325td and 325tds, E34 or E39 525td and 525tds, and E38 725tds, use six. Later vehicles generally carry BMW references such as 12232241387 or 12232241389 rather than the original 12231288245 marking. The product must still match the 11 V rating, M12 × 1.25 thread and physical dimensions.
3. Why is an 11V diesel glow plug used in a 12V vehicle?
The 12 V figure refers to the vehicle electrical system, while 11 V is the nominal operating rating of the plug. The glow-control relay manages the power supplied during pre-heating and, where applicable, post-heating. A plug should never be selected solely from battery voltage. The correct 11V diesel glow plug must have the electrical characteristics specified for the engine and glow-control system. A plug with the wrong voltage can heat too slowly, draw the wrong current or suffer heating-tip damage.
4. Is every M12x1.25 glow plug interchangeable?
No. The M12x1.25 glow plug thread confirms only one part of the installation specification. Overall length, fitting depth, heating-tube diameter, cone position, terminal type, rated voltage and heating response must also match. A plug with the same thread can still place the heated area at the wrong depth or interfere with the original electrical connection.
5. Should all glow plugs be replaced at the same time?
A workshop can replace one failed plug after testing the remaining units, but set replacement is often preferable where all plugs have similar mileage and operating history. Bosch notes that plugs commonly wear in close succession and that repeated removal of connecting cables and conductor bars adds labour. Before replacing the set, confirm that the fault is not caused by the glow relay, wiring, power supply, injector condition or compression. Engine diagnosis should precede parts replacement.
6. What information should be sent to a 12231288245 glow plug supplier?
A 12231288245 glow plug supplier should receive the primary OE number, all required related references, engine codes, vehicle range, annual purchasing volume and destination market. For distributor orders, also specify whether the packaging will show only 12231288245 or the full reference family. Private-label requirements should cover product marking, inner-box quantity, carton labels, barcode format and batch code. When the order covers M21, M41 and M51 applications, the buyer should approve the fitment table and dimensional drawing before production.
English
