Can you ignore the DPF light and carry on driving? Technically yes, but we would not recommend it. If you ignore the DPF light and continue driving, the build-up of soot will soon reach a point whereby your car has to enter ‘limp-home’ mode in order to prevent any damage to the engine.
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How do you clear a blocked DPF filter on a BMW?
DPF regeneration โ a DPF regeneration is the straightforward process of driving your vehicle at higher-than-normal revolutions per minute (RPM) for at least 30 minutes. In doing so, you’re given your vehicle a chance to sustain optimum operating temperatures which help to burn any blockages.
Can I clean my DPF filter myself?
It’s not impossible to clean a DPF at home. But the risk is high. The filter is a very delicate component of your car. You can easily damage it during DIY cleaning.
What are the symptoms of a blocked diesel particulate filter?
- You feel a loss of power in your engine (limp mode).
- The DPF light will appear on your dashboard.
- Passive and active regeneration keep failing.
- A pungent smell of diesel.
- Automatic Stop-Start System Not Working.
- Your car seems to be releasing an excessive amount of smoke.
Do BMW suffer from DPF problems?
Because of the high-spec nature of BMW diesel engineering, DPF issues are more common in these cars. These machines are a cut above most other cars, being a fine example of German dominance in automotive engineering and luxury design.
How do you force a DPF regeneration on a BMW?
- at least 10L of fuel โ ideally above 1/4 of a tank of fuel.
- A journey of 20-30 minutes of driving at speeds of above 40mph.
- Engine must be up to temperature.
How do you clear a diesel particulate filter?
Driving for over 10 minutes at speeds in excess of 40mph will often be sufficient to clear the blockage and regenerate the DPF. You should consult the handbook for your vehicle for more specific guidance on how you should drive to initiate regeneration of the DPF and clear the warning light.
How can I clean my DPF without removing it?
- DPF cleaning additives contain fuel borne catalysts. These experience a combustion process to eliminate the soot and ash.
- Use the cleaning additive every 3 – 6 months to maintain the DPF.
Is it worth cleaning DPF filter?
DPF cleaning is a relatively cheap service, so if your DPF is clogged, you might want to consider getting it cleaned professionally. Not only will it potentially save you a trip to the repair shop, but it can also cut down your annual maintenance and fuel costs.
How much does it cost to replace DPF filter?
Replacing a diesel particulate filter can be pricey. A new filter from a car manufacturer can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. It’s no secret that as cars and trucks age, their value decreases.
How often do DPF filters need to be replaced?
On average, a DPF filter needs to be cleaned every 200,000 kilometers, or around 124,000 miles. However, any specific filter may get clogged or blocked sooner than that, especially if the truck is on the highway less often than average, and spends more time running at lower speeds.
How long does a DPF last BMW?
The process of cleaning the filter is known as ‘regeneration’. How long does a DPF last? DPF’s are designed to last in excess of 100 000 miles. If the vehicle is operated correctly, the DPF may well exceed this mileage.
How many miles does a DPF last?
How long should a DPF last? A DPF can last up to around 100,000 miles if maintained properly. After the car has exceeded that mileage, you could be looking at paying a large amount of money for a replacement – so always properly check MoT and service records when buying a used car.
How often does a BMW DPF regenerate?
Regenerations often take about 20 minutes and for me occur every 2-3 weeks or so every 750 – 1000 miles in the summer but in winter once per week as the exhaust gases take longer to heat up so the regeneration occurs later and 50% fails to complete before I switch the engine off so the car must do the regeneration …
How long does it take to change a diesel particulate filter?
Once a mechanic gets at a truck, it usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes to remove the DPF, set it on a machine, clean it for about a half hour, then reinstall the filter on the truck. If baking is required, it may take up to eight hours in the machine.
What happens if you don’t replace DPF filter?
If not handled with the appropriate care, not only can the DPF begin to release harmful particulates into the vehicle’s exhaust, but it may cause damage to the rest of the aftertreatment system and the engine itself.
How quickly can a DPF clog up?
It is much more normal for DPFs take 10k miles to become blocked. However, this only happens if the owner NEVER takes their car for a run. Once a week, once a fortnight, or even once a month, a 30โ60 minute run at a constant 3โ4k RPM will ensure it doesn’t get blocked.
How do I know if my DPF is regenerating?
If you stop and open the door without switching off the engine and sense considerable heat under the car, that is the DPF regenerating and it needs to continue for another 5 to 10 minutes. Our Fuel Cost Calculator shows you which will be the best choice for you.
Can I turn off the car when the DPF regeneration is?
Active regeneration isn’t a fool-proof solution, however. If you only ever make quick trips around town in your car, it can be easy to interrupt the process. Switching your car off while it’s halfway through active regeneration can cause problems, and may mean the filter hasn’t been properly unclogged.
Can you force a DPF regeneration while driving?
DPF System During normal driving, the filter is automatically regenerated every several hundred kilometers. However if vehicle is continuously being operated in below mentioned conditions, Automatic regeneration cannot be performed.
Can you fix a diesel particulate filter?
Some garages can clean blocked DPFs, in a process called forced regeneration. This usually costs around ยฃ100 and, while it’s not a 100% guaranteed fix, it’s usually successful in removing the excess soot and allowing the DPF to work and automatically regenerate again.
How do I manually start DPF regeneration?

Can a full DPF be cleaned?
A reputable garage can clean your DPF, using the forced regeneration process. In most cases, this will remove the soot so you can drive your car safely. If taking your car for a long drive at a high speed has not resolved the issue, get the filter cleaned by a professional.
Can DPF Cleaner damage the engine?
About DPF and catalytic converter cleaning products These can then be passed through the system and expelled out of the exhaust. They are claimed to cause no damage to other parts of the engine.
Can you clean DPF by revving?
To properly clean the Diesel Particulate Filter while driving, you will need to ride. The highway represents an ideal ground for this exercise, but simple roads will do the business. Maintain an engine speed of at least 3,000 rpm.