Starting trouble :E39 2002 525TD

[bmw525]

my neighbor is having trouble starting his 2002 E39 BMW 525TD

The problem occurs when he trys to start up the car from cold
he has to turn the starter motor for some time before it starts
but once its started then its fine

my questions are

1.is this a common problem that is easy to fix if so what is it and why ???

2.is there a separate diesel sender fuel pump near the tank that could be to cause ?

3.if its the key what’s the best way to fix it and check it

any ideas any one else had a similar problem

 

[chadfarrell]

ask him to check the heater plugs fitted where the intake manifold meets with the engine - they may have shorted.

 

[ALBOTONI]

I suggest a tune up

 

[bmw525]

ask him to check the heater plugs fitted where the intake manifold meets with the engine - they may have shorted.

if you mean the glow plugs
then he had had these changed

if you mean something else please can you explian how these can be checked