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Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF) Mercedes-Benz GLE

Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)

Easy 0h30–2h00 ~50–200£
Estimated time 0h30–2h00
Estimated labour cost ~50–200£
Difficulty Easy
Vehicles
GLE 2015-2019 2
  • 250d/300d Diesel (651.960)
  • 350 d BlueTEC 4MATIC Diesel (642.826)
GLE 2019-2025 5
  • 300 d Diesel (654.920)
  • 300 d EQ Boost 4MATIC 48V (MHEV),Diesel (654.820)
  • 350 d 4MATIC Diesel (656.929)
  • 350 de 4MATIC Diesel,Electricity (654.920)
  • 400 d 4MATIC Diesel (656.929)
Check the catalytic converter 0h30
Check the diesel particulate filter 0h30
Check/top up the diesel particulate filter fuel additive 0h30–0h30
Selective catalytic reduction (SCR): check the fluid level; top up if necessary 0h30
Remove/refit the catalytic converter 2h30–8h00
Renew the catalytic converter 2h30–9h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter 3h00–8h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter 3h00–8h00
Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation* 0h45
Remove/refit the AdBlue tank control unit 2h00–5h00
Remove/refit the AdBlue tank 2h00–2h30
Renew the AdBlue tank control unit 2h00–5h00
Renew the AdBlue tank 2h00–2h30
Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir 2h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir 2h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector 1h00–1h30
Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector 1h00–1h30
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 2h30
Renew the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 2h30
Drain/refill the AdBlue tank 0h45
Remove/refit the AdBlue injector 1h00–1h30
Renew the AdBlue injector 1h00–1h30

What is a Mercedes-Benz GLE 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 GLE 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 GLE 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 GLE 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 GLE 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
GLE 2015-2019 2015-2019 250d/300d Diesel (651.960), 320 4MATIC Petrol (276.821), 350 d BlueTEC 4MATIC Diesel (642.826), 400 4MATIC Petrol (276.821), 43 AMG Petrol (276.821), 450 / AMG 43 4MATIC Petrol (276.821), 500 4MATIC Petrol (278.928), 500 4MATIC Petrol (278.928), 500 e 4MATIC Electricity,Petrol (… Diesel, Electricity, Petrol
GLE 2019-2025 2019-2025 300 d Diesel (654.920), 300 d EQ Boost 4MATIC 48V (MHEV),Diesel (654.820), 350 d 4MATIC Diesel (656.929), 350 de 4MATIC Diesel,Electricity (654.920), 350 e 4MATIC Electricity,Petrol (274.920), 400 d 4MATIC Diesel (656.929), 450 EQ Boost 4MATIC 48V (MHEV),Petrol (256.930), 580 EQ… 48V (MHEV), Diesel, Electricity, Petrol