Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF) Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)
| Estimated time | 0h30–2h30 |
|---|---|
| Estimated labour cost | ~50–250£ |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Vehicles |
C-Class 1993-2001 6
C-Class 2000-2007 9
C-Class 2007-2014 13
C-Class 2014-2022 11
C-Class 2021-2025 3
|
| Check the catalytic converter | 0h30 |
| Remove/refit the catalytic converter | 0h45–6h00 |
| Renew the catalytic converter | 0h45–6h00 |
| Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation* | 0h45 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter | 2h00–6h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter | 2h00–7h00 |
| Check the diesel particulate filter | 0h30 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly | 1h30–5h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly | 1h30–5h00 |
| Selective catalytic reduction (SCR): check the fluid level; top up if necessary | 0h30 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir | 1h00–2h30 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter front fuel additive reservoir | 2h30 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter front fuel additive reservoir | 2h30 |
| 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 |
| Drain/refill the AdBlue tank | 0h45 |
| Renew the AdBlue tank control unit | 0h30 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir | 1h00 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue tank | 1h00 |
| Renew the AdBlue tank | 1h00 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue injector | 1h30 |
| Renew the AdBlue injector | 1h30 |
What is a Mercedes-Benz C-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 C-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 C-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 C-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 C-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.
5 models covered
| Model | Year Range | Engines covered | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-Class 1993-2001 | 1993-2001 | 180, -T, -LPG LPG,Petrol (111.920), 180, -T, -LPG LPG,Petrol (111.921), 200 Diesel, -T Diesel (604.915), 200 Kompressor T Petrol (111.956), 200, -T Petrol (111.941), 200, -T Petrol (111.952), 200, -T, -LPG LPG,Petrol (111.945), 220 CDI, -T Diesel (611.960), 220 D Diesel (604.910… | Diesel, LPG, Petrol |
| C-Class 2000-2007 | 2000-2007 | 160 Kompressor Coupe, -LPG LPG,Petrol (271.921), 180 Kompressor, -T, -Coupe, LPG LPG,Petrol (271.946), 180, -T, -Coupe, -LPG LPG,Petrol (111.951), 200 CDI, -T Diesel (611.962), 200 CDI, -T Diesel (611.962), 200 CDI, -T Diesel (646.962), 200 CDI, -T, -Coupe Diesel (646.962), 200 … | Diesel, LPG, Petrol |
| C-Class 2007-2014 | 2007-2014 | 180 BlueEFF, -LPG LPG,Petrol (274.910), 180 CDI BlueEFF, -T Diesel (651.913), 180 CGi, -T, -Coupe, -LPG LPG,Petrol (271.820), 180 Kompressor BlueEFF, -T, -LPG LPG,Petrol (271.910), 180 Kompressor, -T, -LPG LPG,Petrol (271.952), 200 CDI BlueEFF Diesel (646.812), 200 CDI BlueEFF, … | Diesel, LPG, Petrol |
| C-Class 2014-2022 | 2014-2022 | 160 Petrol (264.915), 160, -T Petrol (274.910), 180 BlueTEC, -T Diesel (626.951 (R9M)), 180 D Diesel (654.916), 180 Petrol (264.915), 180, -T, -LPG LPG,Petrol (274.910), 200 BlueTEC, -T Diesel (626.951 (R9M)), 200 CDI Diesel (651.921), 200 D Diesel (654.916), 200 D Diesel (654.9… | Diesel, Electricity, LPG, Petrol |
| C-Class 2021-2025 | 2021-2025 | 180 EQ Boost 48V (MHEV),Petrol (254.915), 200 d EQ Boost 48V (MHEV),Diesel (654.820), 200 EQ Boost, -4MATIC 48V (MHEV),Petrol (254.915), 220 d EQ Boost, -4MATIC 48V (MHEV),Diesel (654.820), 300 d EQ Boost, -4MATIC 48V (MHEV),Diesel (654.820), 300 e Electricity,Petrol (254.920), … | 48V (MHEV), Diesel, Electricity, Petrol |