Cleaning the DPF?

Rich807 · 09-09-2021, 06:54 AM

It appears I'm at a crossroads with my loved 35d. 140k mi & dealer saying it needs a new DPF.

Who's cleaned one vs replacing it?

Level of effort? i.e. subframe need to be removed?

Delete prolly not viable as I live in an area requiring smog check. Heard some folks may pass the opacity test even deleted but to me that's a risky proposition paying for a delete setup & then not being able to pass the test.

Looking for options that don't include paying dealer more than 50% of what the car books for.

Thecastle · 09-09-2021, 08:27 AM

What indications do you see that say you need a new dpf? What is the ash level?

Typically on this engine the problem is your tstat has failed open and the engine never gets warm enough to do a regen. 140k miles isn’t a big deal for a dpf. Make sure your thermostat is good. If it’s been bad a while you may need new glow plugs and a glow plug module as they burn out due to never turning off on a cold running engine.

Take it to a diesel shop, it is possible to remove and clean. It’s a lot of work to remove the dpf and reinstall. Typically you have to remove one of the engine mounts and a bunch of stuff to get at it. Or any Indy.

You can also just buy a used dpf from someone here who has done the deletes. Or from a salvage yard

dang2407 · 09-09-2021, 08:58 AM

I'm still chasing a DPF back-pressure problem, and as part of the investigation I took the DPF out. I saw that the internal seal somewhere had blown and soot was leaking out. Cleaning isn't going to fix that... so OP, depends what the problem is. Btw, I'm on 142k miles.

Rich807 · 09-09-2021, 09:38 AM

I got a CEL over the weekend & since I don't as of yet have a reader such as BimmerLink I had autozone pull the codes. Autozone's system said bad NoX & DPF issue. Took it into the dealer for diag. $5,700+ repair quote. Dealer said they didn't show NoX sensor issue, just DPF. That's KBB low trade in so I'm not going to be doing that.

Right now I've instructed the dealer to clear the code & give me back the car. Not sure at this point if code will stay away for a bit or not.

I'm getting no drivability issues (at least not yet).

Love the car & it's in awesome shape inside & out but I'm not putting almost $6k in it for this kind of thing. Especially considering if something else shit the bed (like the transmission) I'd be so upside down on repair bills vs value of the car it'd be nuts.

Edit (updated): Got it back from the shop with CEL cleared. Drove it about 15 min & no CEL again, yet.

robinasu · 09-09-2021, 02:06 PM

Can you post all the code info? They should have given it to you in their report.

Rich807 · 09-09-2021, 02:32 PM

Code read at Autozone was: P2458. DPF Filter Regen Duration.

Sheet from dealer says: Performed vehicle short test and found DPF efficiency fault. Test plan shows particulate filter not perform efficiency when filter the exhaust.

Thecastle · 09-09-2021, 08:36 PM

So basically your saying is car is mechanically totaled. If the dpf is going to cost $5700. You should consider what else is wrong or at the end of its life before you find a solution. Have you checked your coolant temps?

Buy a used dpf and self install or find any Indy. Or trade it in and take the salvage value. Or remove the dpf and tune, which will cost probably 2-3k and pay some one to pass it.

Car-parts is a good search for salvage parts.

Rich807 · 09-09-2021, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thecastle

Have you checked your coolant temps?

No, haven't checked coolant temps as I don't have a way to do that yet.

crystalworks · 09-09-2021, 09:23 PM

I have had my DPF cleaned. If your X5 has been performing regens regularly they last a VERY long time. I have a video up about it on YouTube. The diesel shop doing the cleaning ($400 cost) said it was one of the cleanest they had seen even though the truck has 168000 miles on it. I handed them the DPF as I was replacing the transmission and wanted to clean it as preventative maintenance. Removing it is NOT an easy job. Subframe definitely should be dropped and the engine lifted to ease removal. In my transmission saga thread I have a bunch of pictures if you are interested in seeing the process.

But before you worry about a bad DPF take it to a good independent for another diagnosis. Ask if they have experience with the diesels. These are very different (software/hardware) from working on the gassers. Specific test plans HAVE to be followed in order for the X5 to clear DEF, NOX, DPF, or SCR codes. It's a real pain to work on them sometimes.

Edit: Here's the YT video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoDRxAki0wA

robinasu · 09-10-2021, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich807

Code read at Autozone was: P2458. DPF Filter Regen Duration.

Sheet from dealer says: Performed vehicle short test and found DPF efficiency fault. Test plan shows particulate filter not perform efficiency when filter the exhaust.

It would be nice to have the real BMW codes its throwing. The P-codes are not super helpful. Do you know anybody with ISTA+? I would be methodical and try to figure out if it's really something simple. It's still unclear what's going on with the limited information you have and I would not trust the dealer. Lot's of people get over 140k if you aren't burning oil or you have been using the correct BMW LL04 oil.

Rich807 · 09-10-2021, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robinasu

It would be nice to have the real BMW codes its throwing. The P-codes are not super helpful. Do you know anybody with ISTA+? I would be methodical and try to figure out if it's really something simple. It's still unclear what's going on with the limited information you have and I would not trust the dealer. Lot's of people get over 140k if you aren't burning oil or you have been using the correct BMW LL04 oil.

I get what you're saying but I don't know anyone with ISTA+. Unfortunately the dealer didn't provide any more than what I posted. If I do decide to roll the dice & keep it for a while longer I will buy buying some sort of reader/programmer. I have ODBEleven which works great on VAG stuff but it's not helping me here.

Not burning oil at all.

I did run around the city some yesterday after getting the car back from the dealer & so far no CEL return.

RL18 · 09-10-2021, 09:12 AM

I have the foxwell schwaben scanner for both my 335d and x5d. I would first invest in a scanner and pull the codes yourself… of course bmw dealership is gonna give you the run around. If your dpf is having an issue it's most likely because of something else not working and causing the dpf to clog. It could be as easy as fixing the problem and forcing a regen, with the foxwell scanner can do and you'll be good to go, without pulling the dpf. I can't imagine putting the dpf back in after removing it… You'd probably be better of dropping the subframe completely just so you have all that room to access all the near impossible bolts holding that junk in there.

robinasu · 09-10-2021, 01:42 PM

Agree- regen can stop for a number of reasons. The Foxwell is a good start. In my opinion, if you will keep the car, having both the Foxwell and ISTA+ is a good plan. The Foxwell let's you do a lot of the stuff you need to do for maintenance without getting out the ISTA+ laptop. With that said, ISTA+ really is needed when you have moderately complex stuff to fix or you are getting cryptic or cascading codes. The guided fault finding in ISTA+ is really quite good, on average, although there is a learning curve. Worth it if you will keep the car.

Rich807 · 09-10-2021, 03:13 PM

Appreciating the schooling here guys. I'm still on the fence about keeping or unloading but at the moment I've still got it & am probably going to ride it out to see when it throws a CEL again.

Popping on a Foxwell Elite scanner today.

Chinazes · 11-25-2022, 05:24 AM

I would never have been able to clean the DPF myself because I understand that I have no experience. I can damage this machine part altogether, and I don't want to buy a new DPF filter. Therefore, if I want to clean the DPF filter on my Mercedes, I usually contact this DPF cleaning service -- https://www.30minutedpfclean.com/pro...er-new-jersey/. Otherwise, as I mentioned above, I do not clean the DPF myself. And by the way, if you have confidence and are ready to learn, there are videos on YouTube dedicated to properly cleaning the DPF. Still, given your experience, you will do it for a very long time, and I will pay a little money, and they will do everything quickly for me.

Wardman · 04-18-2023, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chinazes

I would never have been able to clean the DPF myself because I understand that I have no experience. I can damage this machine part altogether, and I don't want to buy a new DPF filter. Therefore, if I want to clean the DPF filter on my Mercedes, I usually contact this DPF cleaning service -- https://www.30minutedpfclean.com/pro...er-new-jersey/. Otherwise, as I mentioned above, I do not clean the DPF myself. And by the way, if you have confidence and are ready to learn, there are videos on YouTube dedicated to properly cleaning the DPF. Still, given your experience, you will do it for a very long time, and I will pay a little money, and they will do everything quickly for me.

Hello - where in NJ is this service? My PA dealer is doing a foreced regen right now, but I'm dealing with EGR, manifold, crud in the engine and I think it's one thing after the other. I called DPF Globe to see if they would do the cleaning too. x5d, 2015 with 80,000 miles on it.

Thx!

bbasdg · 05-04-2023, 01:35 AM

After driving my 2007 X5 E70 a lot longer then I should have (from time of receiving first warning would have been a couple years ago).

I recently replaced the DPF, to which my shock only to have return with the error message 1 month later. The mechanic then replaced the sensor, and once again thought that would be the end of it, but no, the message returned. We initially thought the turbo may have something to do with it, but ruled that out after the scan.

Mechanic will clean all the pipes leading to the DPF as a last glimpse of hope

Anyone familiar with ongoing DPF issues or a 'cheat sheet' of what needs to be replaced or cleaned when replacing the DPF.

09-09-2021, 06:54 AM	#1
Rich807 Second Lieutenant 66 Rep 214 Posts Drives: X2 Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Southern NV iTrader: (0)	Cleaning the DPF? It appears I'm at a crossroads with my loved 35d. 140k mi & dealer saying it needs a new DPF. Who's cleaned one vs replacing it? Level of effort? i.e. subframe need to be removed? Delete prolly not viable as I live in an area requiring smog check. Heard some folks may pass the opacity test even deleted but to me that's a risky proposition paying for a delete setup & then not being able to pass the test. Looking for options that don't include paying dealer more than 50% of what the car books for. __________________ ‘22 X2 S-Drive. Running 13mm Wheel Spacers & 255-wide 'go-flat' tires. Former Owner '11 X5 35d w/Sport Package Former Owner '86 528
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09-09-2021, 08:27 AM	#2
Thecastle Major 307 Rep 1,146 Posts Drives: F10 550i Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW M340i [0.00] 2019 RAM 3500 [0.00] 2020 BMW X3 [0.00] 2016 BMW 550i [0.00] 2000 Ford F450 7.3l ... [0.00]	What indications do you see that say you need a new dpf? What is the ash level? Typically on this engine the problem is your tstat has failed open and the engine never gets warm enough to do a regen. 140k miles isn’t a big deal for a dpf. Make sure your thermostat is good. If it’s been bad a while you may need new glow plugs and a glow plug module as they burn out due to never turning off on a cold running engine. Take it to a diesel shop, it is possible to remove and clean. It’s a lot of work to remove the dpf and reinstall. Typically you have to remove one of the engine mounts and a bunch of stuff to get at it. Or any Indy. You can also just buy a used dpf from someone here who has done the deletes. Or from a salvage yard
	Appreciate 1 Rich80766.00 Quote

09-09-2021, 08:58 AM	#3
dang2407 Private 9 Rep 60 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW X5 E70 35D MSport Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: France iTrader: (0)	I'm still chasing a DPF back-pressure problem, and as part of the investigation I took the DPF out. I saw that the internal seal somewhere had blown and soot was leaking out. Cleaning isn't going to fix that... so OP, depends what the problem is. Btw, I'm on 142k miles.
	Appreciate 1 Rich80766.00 Quote

09-09-2021, 09:38 AM	#4
Rich807 Second Lieutenant 66 Rep 214 Posts Drives: X2 Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Southern NV iTrader: (0)	I got a CEL over the weekend & since I don't as of yet have a reader such as BimmerLink I had autozone pull the codes. Autozone's system said bad NoX & DPF issue. Took it into the dealer for diag. $5,700+ repair quote. Dealer said they didn't show NoX sensor issue, just DPF. That's KBB low trade in so I'm not going to be doing that. Right now I've instructed the dealer to clear the code & give me back the car. Not sure at this point if code will stay away for a bit or not. I'm getting no drivability issues (at least not yet). Love the car & it's in awesome shape inside & out but I'm not putting almost $6k in it for this kind of thing. Especially considering if something else shit the bed (like the transmission) I'd be so upside down on repair bills vs value of the car it'd be nuts. Edit (updated): Got it back from the shop with CEL cleared. Drove it about 15 min & no CEL again, yet. __________________ ‘22 X2 S-Drive. Running 13mm Wheel Spacers & 255-wide 'go-flat' tires. Former Owner '11 X5 35d w/Sport Package Former Owner '86 528 Last edited by Rich807; 09-09-2021 at 12:22 PM.. Reason: Updated Status
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09-09-2021, 02:06 PM	#5
robinasu Private First Class 14 Rep 132 Posts Drives: 2012 E70 BMW X5d Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Man Jose, CA iTrader: (0)	Codes Can you post all the code info? They should have given it to you in their report.
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09-09-2021, 02:32 PM	#6
Rich807 Second Lieutenant 66 Rep 214 Posts Drives: X2 Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Southern NV iTrader: (0)	Code read at Autozone was: P2458. DPF Filter Regen Duration. Sheet from dealer says: Performed vehicle short test and found DPF efficiency fault. Test plan shows particulate filter not perform efficiency when filter the exhaust. __________________ ‘22 X2 S-Drive. Running 13mm Wheel Spacers & 255-wide 'go-flat' tires. Former Owner '11 X5 35d w/Sport Package Former Owner '86 528
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09-09-2021, 08:36 PM	#7
Thecastle Major 307 Rep 1,146 Posts Drives: F10 550i Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW M340i [0.00] 2019 RAM 3500 [0.00] 2020 BMW X3 [0.00] 2016 BMW 550i [0.00] 2000 Ford F450 7.3l ... [0.00]	So basically your saying is car is mechanically totaled. If the dpf is going to cost $5700. You should consider what else is wrong or at the end of its life before you find a solution. Have you checked your coolant temps? Buy a used dpf and self install or find any Indy. Or trade it in and take the salvage value. Or remove the dpf and tune, which will cost probably 2-3k and pay some one to pass it. Car-parts is a good search for salvage parts.
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09-09-2021, 09:23 PM	#9
crystalworks Captain 522 Rep 628 Posts Drives: Many BMW's Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: SA, TX iTrader: (0)	I have had my DPF cleaned. If your X5 has been performing regens regularly they last a VERY long time. I have a video up about it on YouTube. The diesel shop doing the cleaning ($400 cost) said it was one of the cleanest they had seen even though the truck has 168000 miles on it. I handed them the DPF as I was replacing the transmission and wanted to clean it as preventative maintenance. Removing it is NOT an easy job. Subframe definitely should be dropped and the engine lifted to ease removal. In my transmission saga thread I have a bunch of pictures if you are interested in seeing the process. But before you worry about a bad DPF take it to a good independent for another diagnosis. Ask if they have experience with the diesels. These are very different (software/hardware) from working on the gassers. Specific test plans HAVE to be followed in order for the X5 to clear DEF, NOX, DPF, or SCR codes. It's a real pain to work on them sometimes. Edit: Here's the YT video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoDRxAki0wA
	Appreciate 1 Rich80766.00 Quote

09-10-2021, 09:12 AM	#12
RL18 Major 274 Rep 1,054 Posts Drives: 2011 335d sport Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Maine iTrader: (0)	I have the foxwell schwaben scanner for both my 335d and x5d. I would first invest in a scanner and pull the codes yourself… of course bmw dealership is gonna give you the run around. If your dpf is having an issue it's most likely because of something else not working and causing the dpf to clog. It could be as easy as fixing the problem and forcing a regen, with the foxwell scanner can do and you'll be good to go, without pulling the dpf. I can't imagine putting the dpf back in after removing it… You'd probably be better of dropping the subframe completely just so you have all that room to access all the near impossible bolts holding that junk in there. __________________ 2011 335d tuned by B.R.R. 2011 X5 35d tuned by B.R.R.
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09-10-2021, 01:42 PM	#13
robinasu Private First Class 14 Rep 132 Posts Drives: 2012 E70 BMW X5d Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Man Jose, CA iTrader: (0)	Agree Agree- regen can stop for a number of reasons. The Foxwell is a good start. In my opinion, if you will keep the car, having both the Foxwell and ISTA+ is a good plan. The Foxwell let's you do a lot of the stuff you need to do for maintenance without getting out the ISTA+ laptop. With that said, ISTA+ really is needed when you have moderately complex stuff to fix or you are getting cryptic or cascading codes. The guided fault finding in ISTA+ is really quite good, on average, although there is a learning curve. Worth it if you will keep the car.
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09-10-2021, 03:13 PM	#14
Rich807 Second Lieutenant 66 Rep 214 Posts Drives: X2 Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Southern NV iTrader: (0)	Appreciating the schooling here guys. I'm still on the fence about keeping or unloading but at the moment I've still got it & am probably going to ride it out to see when it throws a CEL again. Popping on a Foxwell Elite scanner today. __________________ ‘22 X2 S-Drive. Running 13mm Wheel Spacers & 255-wide 'go-flat' tires. Former Owner '11 X5 35d w/Sport Package Former Owner '86 528 Last edited by Rich807; 09-10-2021 at 03:25 PM..
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11-25-2022, 05:24 AM	#15
Chinazes Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: Usa iTrader: (0)	I would never have been able to clean the DPF myself because I understand that I have no experience. I can damage this machine part altogether, and I don't want to buy a new DPF filter. Therefore, if I want to clean the DPF filter on my Mercedes, I usually contact this DPF cleaning service -- https://www.30minutedpfclean.com/pro...er-new-jersey/. Otherwise, as I mentioned above, I do not clean the DPF myself. And by the way, if you have confidence and are ready to learn, there are videos on YouTube dedicated to properly cleaning the DPF. Still, given your experience, you will do it for a very long time, and I will pay a little money, and they will do everything quickly for me. Last edited by Chinazes; 11-25-2022 at 06:46 AM..
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05-04-2023, 01:35 AM	#17
bbasdg New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW X5 E70 Join Date: May 2019 Location: Melbourne, Australia iTrader: (0)	After driving my 2007 X5 E70 a lot longer then I should have (from time of receiving first warning would have been a couple years ago). I recently replaced the DPF, to which my shock only to have return with the error message 1 month later. The mechanic then replaced the sensor, and once again thought that would be the end of it, but no, the message returned. We initially thought the turbo may have something to do with it, but ruled that out after the scan. Mechanic will clean all the pipes leading to the DPF as a last glimpse of hope Anyone familiar with ongoing DPF issues or a 'cheat sheet' of what needs to be replaced or cleaned when replacing the DPF.
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