Failed DPF or something else

Breach · 02-19-2024, 04:49 AM

Hey guys,

I have 2011 520d, about 140k Kms (majority city driving). This year I failed the MOT because of severe levels of measured PM particles, and indeed upon checking my exhaust tips were all sooty. This was after a regeneration too. No problems or codes. So, chances are my DPF is indeed melted/cracked/breached, so I've already booked the car for a replacement (likely aftermarket give how much an OEM one costs). Still, would there be any other reason why the DPF would not catch soot properly? Egr valve is new, turbo seems to work fine and injectors work within spec.

Thanks

KillFox91 · 02-20-2024, 07:26 AM

In researching my own issue I came across this:

https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/m...-valve.959070/

The metering unit for the DEF is a common issue. Looks easy to replace and relatively inexpensive as long as the scr hose to the def tank is not the issue. Even then - cheap fix if you DIY just a PITA.

Check your passenger side rear of the engine - you may have a leak and see crystallized def down there.

Breach · 02-23-2024, 01:41 PM

Thanks. Car is Euro 5 so no SCR. Anyway, I asked my Indy to change the DPF (with a no name aftermarket one, still expensive). He showed me the old filter - quite clean with no visible damage. Results: The MOT guy measured 6.5K PN per cm3 vs almost 2 million with the original filter. I'm poorer but happy. Morale of the story: a DPF can fail without faults or visible damage. Also soot in the exhaust is indicative.

02-19-2024, 04:49 AM	#1
Breach First Lieutenant 80 Rep 373 Posts Drives: F10 520dA M Sport Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: EU iTrader: (0)	Failed DPF or something else Hey guys, I have 2011 520d, about 140k Kms (majority city driving). This year I failed the MOT because of severe levels of measured PM particles, and indeed upon checking my exhaust tips were all sooty. This was after a regeneration too. No problems or codes. So, chances are my DPF is indeed melted/cracked/breached, so I've already booked the car for a replacement (likely aftermarket give how much an OEM one costs). Still, would there be any other reason why the DPF would not catch soot properly? Egr valve is new, turbo seems to work fine and injectors work within spec. Thanks
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02-20-2024, 07:26 AM	#2
KillFox91 Second Lieutenant 83 Rep 207 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW X35i Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: East Wenatchee, WA iTrader: (1)	In researching my own issue I came across this: https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/m...-valve.959070/ The metering unit for the DEF is a common issue. Looks easy to replace and relatively inexpensive as long as the scr hose to the def tank is not the issue. Even then - cheap fix if you DIY just a PITA. Check your passenger side rear of the engine - you may have a leak and see crystallized def down there.
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02-23-2024, 01:41 PM	#3
Breach First Lieutenant 80 Rep 373 Posts Drives: F10 520dA M Sport Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: EU iTrader: (0)	Thanks. Car is Euro 5 so no SCR. Anyway, I asked my Indy to change the DPF (with a no name aftermarket one, still expensive). He showed me the old filter - quite clean with no visible damage. Results: The MOT guy measured 6.5K PN per cm3 vs almost 2 million with the original filter. I'm poorer but happy. Morale of the story: a DPF can fail without faults or visible damage. Also soot in the exhaust is indicative.
	Appreciate 0 Quote