How often do DPF filters need to be cleaned?


Sharing is Caring


Generally, it’s recommended that a DPF be cleaned roughly every 150,000-200,000 miles. At this point, ash in the filter cells begins to harden. This hardening can cause the filter to crack, resulting in permanent damage.

Can you clean a BMW particulate filter?

Our recommendation. We as do BMW, recommend DPF Cleaning is to be carried out every 10 years or 120,000 miles. However premature blocking of the DPF is usually caused by incorrect running/ fault of the engine. Which we recommend is diagnosed first before DPF Cleaning at our investigation rate.

How do I unblock my DPF filter?

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.

How long does a BMW DPF last?

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.

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.

Is it better to clean or replace DPF filter?

In these cases, the most common solution adopted by mechanics is to replace the DPF. Still, the diesel particulate filter should be replaced only if it is damaged, while in the event of a blockage, cleaning with specific and certified products is enough.

How much does it cost to have a diesel particulate filter cleaned?

At such times, it may be necessary for the filter to be removed from the vehicle and professionally cleaned. Costs to clean diesel particulate filters can be expensive, with averages running from $2500 to $8000. New filters may range from $1,000 to $10,000.

Can you drive with a blocked particulate filter?

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.

How do you regenerate a BMW particulate filter?

For the car to regenerate the DPF, certain criteria need to be hit. These are: 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.

What happens if DPF filter is clogged?

Your DPF filter is designed to conduct exhaust fumes out of the car’s engine, so when it is blocked, these fumes cannot leave the engine as quickly. This stops the engine from working to its full capacity and will invariably reduce your fuel efficiency.

What happens if you don’t clean DPF filter?

If the soot trapped by a DPF is not removed regularly, the filter can’t work properly. This results in a vast build-up of soot. When the DPF is cleaned, the excess soot is burned off. This lowers dangerous emissions and will reduce the amount of black smoke emitted by your vehicle.

Will DPF Cleaner clear a blocked DPF?

DPF Cleaner is safe to use in most modern diesel cars that are fitted with a DPF. Simple and easy to use, you can add it to your car’s fuel tank in a matter of seconds to clear soot and blockages from the DPF system.

Is a DPF expensive to replace?

Diesel particulate filters are very expensive. A new one from a car manufacturer can cost ยฃ1,000 and ยฃ3,500, potentially wiping out the cost savings associated with driving a diesel.

How do I know if my DPF needs to be replaced?

  1. Surging/poor performance.
  2. Excessive fuel consumption.
  3. Excessive smoke – white, blue, black.
  4. Engine and/or DPF emissions lights displayed.
  5. Difficult starting the engine.
  6. Engine runs rough.
  7. Unsuccessful attempts to regeneration.

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.

Does revving engine clean DPF?

DPF Regeneration โ€“ Active & Passive This is usually a function carried out passively during normal usage of the vehicle. When the vehicle reaches the required speed and engine revs to heat the exhaust temperature to the required point the collected soot is burnt off leaving a small and harmless ash residue.

How long does DPF last after cleaning?

For on-highway vehicles, the DPF should be pulled off for its first cleaning after 150,000 to 200,000 miles, and then every 100,000 miles after that for preventive maintenance cleaning, Anderson notes.

How do you force a regeneration DPF?

YouTube video

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.

Does driving fast clean DPF?

Driving at a speed greater than 40mph for more than 10 minutes should ensure your DPF goes into ‘regeneration’ mode and clears the blockage. If the warning light fails to go out, you need to take your car to a dealer as soon as possible, where they may use a special DPF cleaner or send it away for specialist cleaning.

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.

How long does it take to replace diesel particulate filter?

This may take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on ambient conditions and type of engine or DPF system.

How often does a BMW DPF regeneration?

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 …

Can you drive while DPF regeneration?

You are not likely going to be harmed. Your engine, however, is another thing. If you ignore the DPF light, and you continue to drive in your usual “gas/brake” pattern, you will probably end up seeing other warning lights come on. Then, you will have to see a mechanic for what is called “forced” regeneration.

What happens if you interrupt DPF regeneration?

Regeneration, or regen, of the DPF filter, is the process that burns the soot accumulation that is inside the DPF filter. If you can no longer start a regen then you will eventually get stuck in a derate which will then lead to an engine shut down.

Craving More Content?

  • When should I reset my ECU?

    Resetting your ECU is a popular myth. In reality, resetting your engine control unit (ECU) after modifying your engine isn’t necessary. However, resetting your ECU can…

  • How do you spray BMW headlights?

    How do you use the headlight washer on a BMW 328i? How do I turn on my headlight washer? Turn the headlights on. Press the headlight…

  • Is a rear differential leak serious?

    When the gasket fails, it can cause the differential to leak, which may put it at risk of running low on fluid and suffering serious damage.…

Carolina's BMW