BMW 1 Series DPF problems and cleaning
A DPF warning light on a 118d or 120d usually means the filter has more soot in it than the car can clear. We read the codes at your home or work and clean the filter on the spot for £275 + VAT.
DPF warning signs on a 1 Series
- The DPF light on the dash, or a message about the particulate filter
- Noticeably less pull when joining a dual carriageway
- Limp mode, where the car won't rev beyond a set point
- The engine idling higher than normal or the fan whirring after you lock up
- More fuel used for the same journeys
What blocks a 1 Series DPF
Small diesel hatchbacks often do short trips, and short trips are the main enemy of a DPF. The exhaust never gets hot enough to finish a regeneration, so soot builds up a little more each time.
The EGR valve plays a part as well. BMW's N47 diesel is fitted to many BMW and MINI models and is a common EGR delete candidate, and an EGR valve that's sticking sends extra soot down the exhaust into the filter.
Fault codes you might see on a 1 Series
| Code | What it points to |
|---|---|
| P2463 | Soot has built up past the limit the ECU allows |
| P242F | The restriction is from ash, which won't burn |
| P246C | The blockage is bad enough that power has been limited |
We look at the soot and pressure data as well, so a sensor fault isn't mistaken for a blocked filter.
What we do about it
A diagnostic check costs £100 + VAT and confirms whether the filter, a sensor or the EGR is behind the warning. If the filter is full of soot, we clean it in place for £275 + VAT, using a cleaning solution and a forced regeneration.
A DPF delete costs £220 + VAT.
Why does my 1 Series DPF keep blocking?
Lots of short journeys are the usual cause, sometimes with an EGR or injector fault on top. A clean deals with the soot, and the readings help us spot anything that will fill it again.
What does the DPF warning mean on a 1 Series?
The car has worked out that the filter is close to full. Caught early, it's normally a clean rather than a new filter.
Can I keep using my 1 Series with the DPF light on?
You can for a short time, but town trips will only add more soot. If the car drops into limp mode, keep journeys to a minimum and book a check.
Will a forced regeneration clear the 1 Series filter?
On a lightly loaded filter, possibly. Packed soot often stops a regeneration completing, which is why the cleaning solution goes in before we run one.
Is a DPF delete legal on a 118d or 120d?
Not on a road car. We only delete the DPF on a 1 Series used off-road or going for export, which our guide to DPF removal and the law explains.
Sort the DPF problem on your 1 Series
Send the registration and tell us what the dash is showing, and we'll arrange a time at your home or work. More BMWs are covered on our BMW DPF page, and EGR faults on the same car are covered under 1 Series EGR problems.
Eccles, Manchester M30 0SF