Cleaning, regeneration and replacement of DPF filters

What is the cleaning and regeneration of a diesel particulate filter (DPF)?

The service life of the DPF is already determined at the production stage and for most BMW models is about 200,000 kilometers of mileage. The assumption includes, of course, model vehicle operating conditions, that is:

• reaching the working temperature of the engine before it is extinguished,
• the catalog operating values of the injectors
• proper quality of engine oil and fuel.

DPF filter in BMW

In practice, the above assumptions are not always achieved. There is a much faster clogging of the DPF and a significant increase in exhaust gas pressure at the exit of the filter. This results in a reduction in engine power, an increase in fuel consumption and exposure of the air supercharging system to premature damage. Such an effect can be seen in the form of a displayed check engine light (emergency mode) or a message about a problem with the DPF.

If the limit pressures are reached or slightly exceeded, it is possible to clean the filter with commercially available chemical preparations and service afterburning. The chemical preparation is applied in spray form directly to the filter through the holes under the pressure or temperature sensors.

The chemical cleaning and rinsing is followed by the filter afterburning process with the help of a diagnostic computer during a run lasting a minimum of 20 minutes at a constant speed. Completion of the cleaning procedure has the effect of reducing the pressures well below the permissible values and, as a result, extends the life of the DPF by another distance of about 200,000 kilometers.

“Oil Service” and “Inspection” message in BMW indicating the need for a service visit

What does replacing a diesel particulate filter (DPF) involve?

If the pressures at the output of the DPF are significantly exceeded, the cleaning procedure does not give the expected results. Then the only solution is to replace the filter with a new one. BMW catalogs offer original filters, recommended by the manufacturer.

Alternatively, we offer filters produced by Polish manufacturers for BMW and MINI cars. A favorable price and a guarantee are assets that make the replacement of the filter with a new one not a huge expense, which is important for users of older BMW models. The replacement procedure includes removal of the old filter, installation of the new one along with pressure and temperature sensors and coding of the replacement in the vehicle’s diagnostic system.

N47 – Diesel engine (Diesel) in BMW

In what period of time will the cleaning/regeneration/replacement of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) be done?

DPF cleaning is the time it takes to chemically flush out lingering soot particles and the forced afterburning procedure during a run with a diagnostic computer. The time required for chemical flushing is usually about 3-5 hours. The afterburning procedure takes about 1 hour.

What are the components that make up the cost of cleaning/repairing/replacing a diesel particulate filter (DPF)?

The cost of cleaning or replacing the DPF consists of the amounts of the chemicals used, the time of performing the operation and the service procedures. The cost is always agreed with the customer before the procedure.

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BMW 3 diesel engine