DPF question

mgi · 11-02-2009, 10:14 AM

Hi Guys,

I'm new to this board, and I came for advice.

My car is a 2008 177bhp 320d, 10k miles, second owner. The problem I currently have is that the exhaust is not 'clean' as it should be on DPF-fitted models, but black. And some traces of smoke can be seen occasionally. The car just had a turbo change a couple of months ago.

Also, the DPF interval change is not visible on the iDrive menu. I'm not sure if it should or not, but I heard some people do have it in the menu.

Took the car to the dealer, says everything is fine, no errors on the diagnose screen. However, from what I read, this doesn't seem to be normal behavior.

Do you have any suggestions of what I should do or possible causes for that?
Or, if this is normal, at least I will stop worrying

Any help is appreciated.

mjh93sa · 11-02-2009, 01:35 PM

A couple of delicate questions...

Have you confirmed that the car does have a DPF?

What is the build date of the car? If you pop the bonnet there will be sticker (I forget where) saying "BMW Built <Month> <Year>"? (Black with white letters)

If I were cynical I would think that perhaps your car is a pre-Efficient Dynamics that spent some time in storage before sale and doesn't have a DPF.

iDrive should give you the following for the DPF...

TMP · 11-02-2009, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjh93sa

A couple of delicate questions...

Have you confirmed that the car does have a DPF?

What is the build date of the car? If you pop the bonnet there will be sticker (I forget where) saying "BMW Built <Month> <Year>"? (Black with white letters)

If I were cynical I would think that perhaps your car is a pre-Efficient Dynamics that spent some time in storage before sale and doesn't have a DPF.

iDrive should give you the following for the DPF...

Strange, my 2008 330d, doesnt show this on this idrive

Maybe they have dropped it from the service screen, i dont get the microfilter info either?

Dr Dave · 11-02-2009, 02:51 PM

Mine shows all of that ^

TMP · 11-02-2009, 02:56 PM

Come to think of it - missus 5er (ED) doesnt show it either ...

neo871 · 11-02-2009, 02:59 PM

I have the same issue with my 335d; the exhaust it extremely sooty! I think is dirtier than the i's....
Still really interested in finding out the reason.

Carrera RSR · 11-02-2009, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjh93sa

A couple of delicate questions...

Have you confirmed that the car does have a DPF?

What is the build date of the car? If you pop the bonnet there will be sticker (I forget where) saying "BMW Built <Month> <Year>"? (Black with white letters)

If I were cynical I would think that perhaps your car is a pre-Efficient Dynamics that spent some time in storage before sale and doesn't have a DPF.

iDrive should give you the following for the DPF...

How did you post at 06.35 pm and your photo says 18.38 ??

Dr Dave · 11-02-2009, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neo871

I have the same issue with my 335d; the exhaust it extremely sooty! I think is dirtier than the i's....
Still really interested in finding out the reason.

This is concerning - as my 06 330D is as clean as a whistle inside the tailipes.

Dr Dave · 11-02-2009, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carrerarsr

How did you post at 06.35 pm and your photo says 18.38 ??

Well spotted RSR, the car must be runnng at warp speed. Must be a stealth 335d SE.

mgi · 11-03-2009, 03:37 AM

Thank you all for your answers. The car was built on Jan. 08, and first registration is April 08. It's a pre-facelift model, but has the new 177bhp engine. The official auto registry identified the car as having a DPF, based on the engine type. And it has an auto-start-stop function (which I turn off all the time, as it annoys me, hehe). And finally, the tailpipe is straight. So I am guessing it should have a DPF no matter what.

Anyway, is there something I can do to visually identify if there is a DPF fitted on my car? Or some hidden menu that can show me its state? I am also thinking of going to an independent dealer for a second opinion, to see if the official dealer is graciously hiding something from me until the warranty ends..

LE: not sure if this matters, I have the 'business' (narrow) idrive screen, not the wide one as in your photo.

willhollin · 11-03-2009, 03:43 AM

Where in Europe are you? Perhaps it is the quality of your fuel?

mgi · 11-03-2009, 03:48 AM

I am in Romania. And I'm putting in the most expensive diesel that is available, which is supposed to be made in Austria (OMV).

But I looked at other cars on the street, most of the 3xx diesels have clean tailpipes, so I'm guessing this isn't it.

milesr3 · 11-03-2009, 04:25 AM

I wonder if it isn't soot that has accumulated whilst the turbo wasn't providing sufficient boost? AIUI too much fuel for the boost will cause smoke.

My 535d had a stuck turbo actuator, which was causing it to have no boost at all from the small turbo. As a result of this the DPF got sufficiently blocked that I could feel it affecting the throttle response and the dealer manually regenerated it. It's been fine since. There was no soot in the tailpipe though.

Do you do lots of stop-start, slow speed driving? Maybe a nice long run where you get the whole exhaust system good and hot will sort it?

Could also be that the turbo still isn't providing enough boost (despite what the dealer says)?

mgi · 11-03-2009, 05:00 AM

I am using the car mostly in the city these days. But I made some 1000 miles after the turbo change, including some 200 miles at sustained high speeds (80-100 mph). Wouldn't that be enough to clean it up?

And how would I see if the turbo is providing enough boost or not? The dealer says that their diagnostic computer shows all 'green'..should I go to a dyno with it?

milesr3 · 11-03-2009, 05:16 AM

I'd guess that it is probably just down to the amount of city driving you are doing, plus potentially the quality of the diesel.

You'd notice if you weren't getting enough boost to cause a problem (and so would the dealer - although mine didn't!

). The car would drive terribly.

mgi · 11-03-2009, 05:35 AM

The car pulls nicely, except for some moments now and then when it doesn't seem to have enough oomph. Didn't find a reason for those, and they are rare. Otherwise, no reasons to complain.

Carrera RSR · 11-03-2009, 07:28 AM

I have a July 08 build ED car with Pro Nav and there isn't a DPF option in the service settings as shown above in Matts photo. The straight exhaust pipe and ED is enough to show you your car has a DPF. Clean off the soot with Autoglym metal polish and see if it reappears now you have a new turbo. As said it could be the low urban miles and diesel quality which is adding to the problems.

mgi · 11-03-2009, 08:23 AM

Ok, thanks, will try that and take it from there, to see what happens. Also, I'm thinking that if there is a problem, it should become more obvious in the sub-zero temperatures that will come.

neo871 · 11-04-2009, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgi

I am in Romania. .

You could have said so....

Anyway, that OMV Premium diesel is no longer imported from Austria. It's made in Romania and that tells a lot about it.....

.

I often clean the tailpipes with a Meguiars stuff and they always keep getting sooty. As you have said most of the DPF BMWs in Romania have clean tailpipes, so it's not from the fuel. My car pulls perfectly but the soot makes me worry....

willhollin · 11-04-2009, 02:53 AM

When my DPF failed, I had reduced power and the car felt sluggish. There weren't any soot deposits on the exhaust though.

Are both your cars remapped?

neo871 · 11-04-2009, 03:38 AM

Mine is remapped but I've had this issue long time before....

TMP · 11-04-2009, 04:10 AM

So it seems the ED cars dont have the DPF as a service item in the service screen.

Perhaps the ED DPF no longer a service item (life of car?)....just a guess without looking inthe service handbook....

11-02-2009, 10:14 AM	#1
mgi New Member 2 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 2008 320d Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bucharest iTrader: (0)	DPF question Hi Guys, I'm new to this board, and I came for advice. My car is a 2008 177bhp 320d, 10k miles, second owner. The problem I currently have is that the exhaust is not 'clean' as it should be on DPF-fitted models, but black. And some traces of smoke can be seen occasionally. The car just had a turbo change a couple of months ago. Also, the DPF interval change is not visible on the iDrive menu. I'm not sure if it should or not, but I heard some people do have it in the menu. Took the car to the dealer, says everything is fine, no errors on the diagnose screen. However, from what I read, this doesn't seem to be normal behavior. Do you have any suggestions of what I should do or possible causes for that? Or, if this is normal, at least I will stop worrying Any help is appreciated.
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11-02-2009, 01:35 PM	#2
mjh93sa Major General 148 Rep 5,080 Posts Drives: 530d Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Gloucestershire iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW M135i [10.00] 2011 Mini Countryma ... [5.50]	A couple of delicate questions... Have you confirmed that the car does have a DPF? What is the build date of the car? If you pop the bonnet there will be sticker (I forget where) saying "BMW Built <Month> <Year>"? (Black with white letters) If I were cynical I would think that perhaps your car is a pre-Efficient Dynamics that spent some time in storage before sale and doesn't have a DPF. iDrive should give you the following for the DPF... Attached Images __________________ Gone: Fiesta - Focus - E46 320dSE - E91 330dMSport - E82 135iMSport - R55 JCW Clubman - M135i Now: 530d
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11-02-2009, 02:51 PM	#4
Dr Dave Zummerzet Zyder Drinker! 113 Rep 5,541 Posts Drives: '06 330D Le Mans Blue Join Date: May 2009 Location: Somerset iTrader: (3) Garage List 2006 330d M Sport [0.00]	Mine shows all of that ^ __________________
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11-02-2009, 02:56 PM	#5
TMP Brigadier General 350 Rep 3,022 Posts Drives: M6 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Cheshire iTrader: (0)	Come to think of it - missus 5er (ED) doesnt show it either ... __________________ M2 Arrived! Family 5er
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11-02-2009, 02:59 PM	#6
neo871 Major 144 Rep 1,399 Posts Drives: 340i xDrive MPPSK Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bucharest, Romania iTrader: (0)	I have the same issue with my 335d; the exhaust it extremely sooty! I think is dirtier than the i's.... Still really interested in finding out the reason.
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11-03-2009, 03:37 AM	#10
mgi New Member 2 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 2008 320d Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bucharest iTrader: (0)	Thank you all for your answers. The car was built on Jan. 08, and first registration is April 08. It's a pre-facelift model, but has the new 177bhp engine. The official auto registry identified the car as having a DPF, based on the engine type. And it has an auto-start-stop function (which I turn off all the time, as it annoys me, hehe). And finally, the tailpipe is straight. So I am guessing it should have a DPF no matter what. Anyway, is there something I can do to visually identify if there is a DPF fitted on my car? Or some hidden menu that can show me its state? I am also thinking of going to an independent dealer for a second opinion, to see if the official dealer is graciously hiding something from me until the warranty ends.. LE: not sure if this matters, I have the 'business' (narrow) idrive screen, not the wide one as in your photo.
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11-03-2009, 03:43 AM	#11
willhollin Major General 269 Rep 9,914 Posts Drives: VW T5 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Worcestershire iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW E92 330d SE [10.00] 2010 Transporter T5 ... [0.00]	Where in Europe are you? Perhaps it is the quality of your fuel?
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11-03-2009, 03:48 AM	#12
mgi New Member 2 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 2008 320d Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bucharest iTrader: (0)	I am in Romania. And I'm putting in the most expensive diesel that is available, which is supposed to be made in Austria (OMV). But I looked at other cars on the street, most of the 3xx diesels have clean tailpipes, so I'm guessing this isn't it.
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11-03-2009, 04:25 AM	#13
milesr3 Private First Class 10 Rep 193 Posts Drives: 535d SE Join Date: May 2009 Location: Suffolk, UK. iTrader: (0)	I wonder if it isn't soot that has accumulated whilst the turbo wasn't providing sufficient boost? AIUI too much fuel for the boost will cause smoke. My 535d had a stuck turbo actuator, which was causing it to have no boost at all from the small turbo. As a result of this the DPF got sufficiently blocked that I could feel it affecting the throttle response and the dealer manually regenerated it. It's been fine since. There was no soot in the tailpipe though. Do you do lots of stop-start, slow speed driving? Maybe a nice long run where you get the whole exhaust system good and hot will sort it? Could also be that the turbo still isn't providing enough boost (despite what the dealer says)?
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11-03-2009, 05:00 AM	#14
mgi New Member 2 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 2008 320d Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bucharest iTrader: (0)	I am using the car mostly in the city these days. But I made some 1000 miles after the turbo change, including some 200 miles at sustained high speeds (80-100 mph). Wouldn't that be enough to clean it up? And how would I see if the turbo is providing enough boost or not? The dealer says that their diagnostic computer shows all 'green'..should I go to a dyno with it?
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11-03-2009, 05:16 AM	#15
milesr3 Private First Class 10 Rep 193 Posts Drives: 535d SE Join Date: May 2009 Location: Suffolk, UK. iTrader: (0)	I'd guess that it is probably just down to the amount of city driving you are doing, plus potentially the quality of the diesel. You'd notice if you weren't getting enough boost to cause a problem (and so would the dealer - although mine didn't! ). The car would drive terribly.
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11-03-2009, 05:35 AM	#16
mgi New Member 2 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 2008 320d Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bucharest iTrader: (0)	The car pulls nicely, except for some moments now and then when it doesn't seem to have enough oomph. Didn't find a reason for those, and they are rare. Otherwise, no reasons to complain.
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11-03-2009, 07:28 AM	#17
Carrera RSR Colonel 75 Rep 2,937 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Location: Location: iTrader: (1)	I have a July 08 build ED car with Pro Nav and there isn't a DPF option in the service settings as shown above in Matts photo. The straight exhaust pipe and ED is enough to show you your car has a DPF. Clean off the soot with Autoglym metal polish and see if it reappears now you have a new turbo. As said it could be the low urban miles and diesel quality which is adding to the problems.
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11-03-2009, 08:23 AM	#18
mgi New Member 2 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 2008 320d Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bucharest iTrader: (0)	Ok, thanks, will try that and take it from there, to see what happens. Also, I'm thinking that if there is a problem, it should become more obvious in the sub-zero temperatures that will come.
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11-04-2009, 02:53 AM	#20
willhollin Major General 269 Rep 9,914 Posts Drives: VW T5 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Worcestershire iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW E92 330d SE [10.00] 2010 Transporter T5 ... [0.00]	When my DPF failed, I had reduced power and the car felt sluggish. There weren't any soot deposits on the exhaust though. Are both your cars remapped?
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11-04-2009, 03:38 AM	#21
neo871 Major 144 Rep 1,399 Posts Drives: 340i xDrive MPPSK Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bucharest, Romania iTrader: (0)	Mine is remapped but I've had this issue long time before.... Last edited by neo871; 11-04-2009 at 03:57 AM..
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11-04-2009, 04:10 AM	#22
TMP Brigadier General 350 Rep 3,022 Posts Drives: M6 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Cheshire iTrader: (0)	So it seems the ED cars dont have the DPF as a service item in the service screen. Perhaps the ED DPF no longer a service item (life of car?)....just a guess without looking inthe service handbook.... __________________ M2 Arrived! Family 5er
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