Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF) Mercedes-Benz ML

Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)

Easy 0h30 ~50£
Estimated time 0h30
Estimated labour cost ~50£
Difficulty Easy
Vehicles
ML 1998-2005 2
  • 270 CDI Diesel (612.963)
  • 400 CDI Diesel (628.963)
ML 2005-2011 6
  • 280 CDI 4MATIC Diesel (642.940)
  • 300 CDI 4MATIC Diesel (642.820)
  • 320 CDI 4MATIC Diesel (642.940)
  • 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Diesel (642.820)
  • 350 CDI BlueTEC 4MATIC Diesel (642.820)
  • 420 CDI 4MATIC Diesel (629.912)
ML 2011-2015 2
  • 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC Diesel (651.960)
  • 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Diesel (642.826)
Check the catalytic converter 0h30
Remove/refit the pre-catalytic converter 2h00–5h00
Renew the pre-catalytic converter 2h00–5h00
Remove/refit the catalytic converter 1h30–3h30
Renew the catalytic converter 1h30–3h30
Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation* 0h45
Remove/refit the left catalytic converter 2h30–3h00
Renew the left catalytic converter 2h30–3h00
Remove/refit the right catalytic converter 2h30–3h00
Renew the right catalytic converter 2h30–3h00
Remove/refit both catalytic converters 4h00
Renew both catalytic converters 4h00
Check the diesel particulate filter 0h30
Check/top up the diesel particulate filter fuel additive 0h30
Selective catalytic reduction (SCR): check the fluid level; top up if necessary 0h30
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter 2h00–3h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter 2h00–3h30
Remove/refit the left diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 2h00
Renew the left diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 2h00
Remove/refit the right diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 2h00
Renew the right diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 2h00
Remove/refit both diesel particulate filters/catalytic converter assemblies 5h00
Renew both diesel particulate filters/catalytic converter assemblies 5h00
Renew the catalytic converter gasket 3h00
Remove/refit the AdBlue tank control unit 2h00
Remove/refit the AdBlue tank 2h30
Renew the AdBlue tank control unit 2h00
Renew the AdBlue tank 2h30

What is a Mercedes-Benz ML 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 ML 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 ML 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 ML 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 ML 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.

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3 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
ML 1998-2005 1998-2005 230 Petrol (111.977), 270 CDI Diesel (612.963), 320, -LPG LPG,Petrol (112.942), 350, -LPG LPG,Petrol (112.970), 400 CDI Diesel (628.963), 430, -LPG LPG,Petrol (113.942), 500, -4MATIC, -LPG LPG,Petrol (113.965), 55 AMG, -LPG LPG,Petrol (113.981) Diesel, LPG, Petrol
ML 2005-2011 2005-2011 280 CDI 4MATIC Diesel (642.940), 300 CDI 4MATIC Diesel (642.820), 320 CDI 4MATIC Diesel (642.940), 350 4MATIC, -LPG LPG,Petrol (272.967), 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Diesel (642.820), 350 CDI BlueTEC 4MATIC Diesel (642.820), 420 CDI 4MATIC Diesel (629.912), 500 4MATIC, -LPG LPG,Petrol (1… Diesel, LPG, Petrol
ML 2011-2015 2011-2015 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC Diesel (651.960), 300 4MATIC Petrol (276.955), 350 4MATIC Petrol (276.955), 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Diesel (642.826), 400 4MATIC Petrol (276.821), 500/550 4MATIC Petrol (278.928), 63 AMG Petrol (157.982), 63 AMG Petrol (157.982) Diesel, Petrol

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