Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF) Mercedes-Benz CLS

Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)

Easy 0h30–7h00 ~50–700£
Estimated time 0h30–7h00
Estimated labour cost ~50–700£
Difficulty Easy
Vehicles
CLS 2005-2011 2
  • 320 CDI Diesel (642.920)
  • 350 CDI Diesel (642.920)
CLS 2010-2017 9
  • 220 BlueTEC, -T Diesel (651.924)
  • 250 BlueTEC, -4MATIC Diesel (651.924)
  • 250 CDI BlueEFF Diesel (651.924)
  • 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Diesel (642.858)
  • 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Diesel (642.858)
  • 350 BlueTEC Diesel (642.852)
  • 350 CDI 4MATIC Diesel (642.858)
  • 350 CDI BlueEFF Diesel (642.853)
  • 350 CDI, BlueEFF Diesel (642.852)
CLS 2018-2023 3
  • 300 d Diesel (654.920)
  • 350d, -4MATIC Diesel (656.929)
  • 400d 4MATIC Diesel (656.929)
Check the catalytic converter 0h30
Remove/refit the catalytic converter 1h30–7h00
Renew the catalytic converter 1h30–7h00
Renew the catalytic converter gasket 1h30–3h30
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter 2h00–8h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter 2h00–8h00
Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation* 0h45
Disconnect the exhaust system from/reconnect it to the connector 2h00
Check the diesel particulate filter 0h30
Selective catalytic reduction (SCR): check the fluid level; top up if necessary 0h30
Remove/refit the pre-catalytic converter 2h30
Renew the pre-catalytic converter 3h30
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 3h00–3h30
Renew the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 3h00–3h30
Remove/refit the AdBlue tank control unit 1h30
Remove/refit the AdBlue tank 2h00
Drain/refill the AdBlue tank 0h45
Renew the AdBlue tank control unit 1h30
Renew the AdBlue tank 2h00
Remove/refit the AdBlue injector 2h00
Renew the AdBlue injector 2h00

What is a Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 CLS 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 CLS 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 CLS 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 CLS 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.

View all compatible products →
View your CLS maintenance plan (keep the CLS token) →

3 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
CLS 2005-2011 2005-2011 280 Petrol (272.943), 320 CDI Diesel (642.920), 350 CDI Diesel (642.920), 350 CGi Petrol (272.985), 350, -LPG LPG,Petrol (272.964), 500, -LPG LPG,Petrol (113.967), 500/550 Petrol (273.960), 55 AMG V8 Kompressor Petrol (113.990), 63 AMG Petrol (156.983) Diesel, LPG, Petrol
CLS 2010-2017 2010-2017 220 BlueTEC, -T Diesel (651.924), 250 BlueTEC, -4MATIC Diesel (651.924), 250 CDI BlueEFF Diesel (651.924), 350 BlueEFF Petrol (276.952), 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Diesel (642.858), 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Diesel (642.858), 350 BlueTEC Diesel (642.852), 350 CDI 4MATIC Diesel (642.858), 350 C… Diesel, Petrol
CLS 2018-2023 2018-2023 300 d Diesel (654.920), 350 EQ Boost, -4MATIC 48V (MHEV),Petrol (264.920), 350d, -4MATIC Diesel (656.929), 400d 4MATIC Diesel (656.929), 450 EQ Boost, -4MATIC 48V (MHEV),Petrol (256.930), 53 AMG 4MATIC 48V (MHEV),Petrol (256.930) 48V (MHEV), Diesel, Petrol

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View the service schedule for your CLS →