C250D dpf problem 4 years old.

[RaceDiagnostics]

Just got this text from a mate, any thoughts?


The merc I have. The DPF diesel particulate filter is causing an engine warning. Garage quoting £750 to replace and if we don’t possible £3.5k to fix later if it fails.
Notice that there is a filter clean company about £200.



Do the prices make sense? Do dpf cleans actually work?

 

[alexanderfoti]

Prices or not, DPF's getting clogged are a symptom of another issue, not a problem in itself. Fix the root cause, clean the DPF and the problem will not return.

Are they sure its been diagnosed correctly, and its not a NoX sensor issue causing DPF regens to stop.

 

[markjay]

DPF cleaning does work (removal and physical cleaning), but as said it is important to find out why the car isn't regenerating.

This could be due to short journeys / low mileage, or to a faulty sensor, etc etc. Did the garage try a forced regen using STAR?

Also, there was a Diesel engine software update, that many owners refuses because it lowers the mpg - but one of the things it does is force the transmission into lower gears to ensure regen. Do you know if this software update has been offered by the dealer to your friend (it might not be applicable to his car)?

And last, there are some who claim that premium Diesel burns cleaner and won't clog the DPF, but I am not sure if this has actually been proven to be the case.

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

Thanks guys, I'll pass on the comments.