Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF) Mercedes-Benz GLA
Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)
| Estimated time | 0h30–6h00 |
|---|---|
| Estimated labour cost | ~50–600£ |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Vehicles |
GLA 2014-2019 4
GLA 2020-2025 3
|
| Check the catalytic converter | 0h30 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter | 2h00–6h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter | 2h00–6h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly | 2h00–7h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly | 2h00–7h00 |
| Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation* | 0h45 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir | 1h30 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir | 1h30 |
| Remove/refit the catalytic converter | 3h30 |
| Renew the catalytic converter | 3h30 |
| Renew the catalytic converter gasket | 2h30 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter With LED headlights, With additional heater | 20h00–22h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter Without LED headlights, With additional heater | 19h00–21h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter With LED headlights, Without additional heater | 20h00–21h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter Without LED headlights, Without additional heater | 19h00–21h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter Without LED headlights, With additional heater | 20h00–22h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter With LED headlights, With additional heater | 20h00–22h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter Without LED headlights, Without additional heater | 20h00–21h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter With LED headlights, Without additional heater | 20h00–22h00 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue tank control unit | 0h30 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue tank | 3h00 |
| Drain/refill the AdBlue tank | 0h45 |
| Renew the AdBlue tank control unit | 0h30 |
| Renew the AdBlue tank | 3h00 |
What is a Mercedes-Benz GLA 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 GLA 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 GLA 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 GLA 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 GLA 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.
2 models covered
| Model | Year Range | Engines covered | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLA 2014-2019 | 2014-2019 | 180 CDI Diesel (607.951 (K9K)), 180 Petrol (270.910), 180/200 Petrol (270.910), 200 CDI, -4MATIC Diesel (651.930), 220 CDI, -4MATIC Diesel (651.930), 220 CDI, -4MATIC Diesel (651.930), 220, -4MATIC Petrol (270.920), 250, -4MATIC Petrol (270.920), 45 AMG 4MATIC Petrol (133.980), … | Diesel, Petrol |
| GLA 2020-2025 | 2020-2025 | 180 D Diesel (654.920), 180 Petrol (282.914), 200 D Diesel (654.920), 200, -4MATIC Petrol (282.914), 220 d, -4MATIC Diesel (654.920), 250 e Electricity,Petrol (282.914), 250, -4MATIC Petrol (260.920), 35 AMG 4MATIC Petrol (260.920), 45 AMG S 4MATIC+ Petrol (139.980) | Diesel, Electricity, Petrol |
