Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF) Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)
| Estimated time | 0h30–6h00 |
|---|---|
| Estimated labour cost | ~50–600£ |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Vehicles |
A-Class 1998-2005 4
A-Class 2005-2012 3
A-Class 2012-2018 7
A-Class 2018-2025 5
|
| Check the catalytic converter | 0h30 |
| Check the diesel particulate filter | 1h00 |
| Remove/refit the catalytic converter | 1h30–5h00 |
| Renew the catalytic converter | 1h30–5h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter | 1h30–17h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter | 1h30–17h00 |
| Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation* | 0h45 |
| Remove/refit the front catalytic converter with the exhaust pipe | 2h00 |
| Renew the front catalytic converter with the exhaust pipe | 2h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly | 2h00–13h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly | 2h00–13h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir | 1h30 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir | 1h30 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector | 1h30 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector | 1h30 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue tank control unit | 0h30 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue tank | 3h00–3h30 |
| Drain/refill the AdBlue tank | 1h30 |
| Renew the AdBlue tank control unit | 0h30 |
| Renew the AdBlue tank | 3h00–3h30 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue injector | 1h30 |
| Renew the AdBlue injector | 1h30 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter With LED headlights, With additional heater | 20h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter Without LED headlights, With additional heater | 19h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter With LED headlights, Without additional heater | 20h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter Without LED headlights, Without additional heater | 19h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter Without LED headlights, With additional heater | 20h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter With LED headlights, With additional heater | 20h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter Without LED headlights, Without additional heater | 20h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter With LED headlights, Without additional heater | 20h00 |
| Remove/refit the catalytic converter Hatchback | 3h00 |
| Renew the catalytic converter Hatchback | 3h00 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue tank Hatchback | 3h00 |
| Renew the AdBlue tank Hatchback | 3h00 |
What is a Mercedes-Benz A-Class particulate filter?
Diesel engines and direct-injection petrol engines produce soot particles. The particulate filter (DPF/GPF) traps these harmful particles as exhaust gases pass through its honeycomb structure. It is placed on the exhaust line after the catalytic converter.
How does the Mercedes-Benz A-Class particulate filter work?
As soot accumulates, the filter periodically burns off (regenerates) the trapped particles. Active regeneration raises exhaust temperatures to 550–600°C, burning soot to ash. This occurs every 300–500 km during normal motorway driving. Vehicles driven only on short urban trips may not regenerate properly, leading to blockage.
When should you change the Mercedes-Benz A-Class particulate filter?
The DPF is designed to last 150,000–250,000 km but depends on driving patterns. Signs of needed replacement: DPF warning light, engine in limp mode, excessive exhaust smoke, or diagnostic scan showing excessive back-pressure or failed regeneration cycles.
Can the Mercedes-Benz A-Class particulate filter be cleaned instead of replaced?
Yes, professional DPF cleaning can restore a blocked filter at a fraction of replacement cost. However, if the filter substrate is cracked, melted, or structurally damaged, replacement is the only option. Never use a DPF removal/delete service — it is illegal and will fail the MOT/emissions test.
Is it difficult to change the Mercedes-Benz A-Class particulate filter?
Difficulty level 2/5: technically straightforward but physically demanding due to the filter's location and weight. Key steps: raise the vehicle, disconnect pressure sensors, remove exhaust clamps/bolts, lower the old DPF, fit the new one with new gaskets, reconnect sensors, clear fault codes, perform a forced regeneration cycle.
4 models covered
| Model | Year Range | Engines covered | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-Class 1998-2005 | 1998-2005 | 140, -L, -LPG LPG,Petrol (166.940), 140, -L, -LPG LPG,Petrol (166.960), 160 CDI Diesel (668.940), 160 CDI Diesel (668.941), 160, -L, -LPG LPG,Petrol (166.960), 170 CDI Diesel (668.940), 170 CDI, -L Diesel (668.942), 190, -L, -LPG LPG,Petrol (166.990), 210 Evolution, -L, LPG LPG,… | Diesel, LPG, Petrol |
| A-Class 2005-2012 | 2005-2012 | 150, -LPG LPG,Petrol (266.920), 160 CDI Diesel (640.942), 170, -LPG LPG,Petrol (266.940), 180 BlueEFF, -LPG LPG,Petrol (266.940), 180 CDI Diesel (640.940), 200 CDI Diesel (640.941), 200 Turbo Petrol (266.980), 200, -LPG LPG,Petrol (266.960) | Diesel, LPG, Petrol |
| A-Class 2012-2018 | 2012-2018 | 160 CDI Diesel (607.951 (K9K)), 160 Petrol (270.910), 180 CDI Diesel (607.951 (K9K)), 180 CDI Diesel (651.901), 180 Petrol (270.910), 200 CDI Diesel (651.901), 200 CDI, -4MATIC Diesel (651.930), 200 Petrol (270.910), 220 4MATIC Petrol (270.920), 220 CDI, -4MATIC Diesel (651.930)… | Diesel, Petrol |
| A-Class 2018-2025 | 2018-2025 | 160 Petrol (282.914), 160d Diesel (608.915), 180 48V (MHEV),Petrol (282.814), 180 Petrol (282.914), 180d Diesel (608.915 (K9K)), 180d Diesel (654.920), 200 48V (MHEV),Petrol (282.814), 200, -4MATIC Petrol (282.914), 200, -4MATIC Petrol (282.914), 200d Diesel (654.920), 220, -4MA… | 48V (MHEV), Diesel, Electricity, Petrol |