Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF) Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)

Easy 0h30–5h00 ~50–500£
Estimated time 0h30–5h00
Estimated labour cost ~50–500£
Difficulty Easy
Vehicles
S-Class 1999-2006 4
  • 320 CDI Diesel (613.960)
  • 320 CDI, -L Diesel (648.960)
  • 400 CDI, -L Diesel (628.960)
  • 400 CDI, L Diesel (628.960)
S-Class 2005-2013 8
  • 250 CDI BlueEFF Diesel (651.961)
  • 320 CDI Diesel (642.930)
  • 320/350 CDI 4MATIC Diesel (642.932)
  • 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Diesel (642.868)
  • 350 BlueTEC Diesel (642.862)
  • 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFF Diesel (642.932)
  • 350 CDI BlueEFF Diesel (642.930)
  • 420 CDI Diesel (629.911)
S-Class 2013-2020 5
  • 300 BlueTEC Hybrid Diesel,Electricity (651.921)
  • 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Diesel (642.867)
  • 350 BlueTEC, -4MATIC Diesel (642.861)
  • 350 d, -4MATIC Diesel (656.929)
  • 400 d, -4MATIC Diesel (656.929)
S-Class 2021-2025 1
  • 350 d, -4MATIC Diesel (656.929)
Check the catalytic converter 0h30
Remove/refit the front catalytic converter with the exhaust pipe 3h30
Renew the front catalytic converter with the exhaust pipe 3h30
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter 2h00–7h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter 2h00–7h00
Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation* 0h45
Remove/refit the catalytic converter 2h30–5h00
Renew the catalytic converter 2h30–5h00
Check/top up the diesel particulate filter fuel additive 0h45
Selective catalytic reduction (SCR): check the fluid level; top up if necessary 0h30
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 2h30–3h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 2h30–3h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir 2h00–2h30
Renew the diesel particulate filter front fuel additive reservoir 2h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter front fuel additive reservoir 2h00
Remove/refit the AdBlue tank 2h00–2h30
Renew the AdBlue tank 2h00–2h30
Remove/refit the left diesel particulate filter 2h30
Remove/refit the right diesel particulate filter 3h00
Remove/refit both diesel particulate filters 4h00
Renew the left diesel particulate filter 2h30
Renew the right diesel particulate filter 3h00
Renew both diesel particulate filters 4h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter 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 0h45–1h30
Drain/refill the AdBlue tank 0h45
Renew the AdBlue tank control unit 0h45–1h30

What is a Mercedes-Benz S-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 S-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 S-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 S-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 S-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.

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View your S-Class maintenance plan (keep the S-Class token) →

5 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
S-Class 1999-2006 1999-2006 280, -L Petrol (112.922), 320 CDI Diesel (613.960), 320 CDI, -L Diesel (648.960), 320, -L, -LPG LPG,Petrol (112.944), 350 4MATIC, -L Petrol (112.975), 350, -L, -LPG LPG,Petrol (112.972), 400 CDI, -L Diesel (628.960), 400 CDI, L Diesel (628.960), 430 4MATIC, -L, -LPG LPG,Petrol (… Diesel, LPG, Petrol
S-Class 2005-2013 2005-2013 250 CDI BlueEFF Diesel (651.961), 300 Petrol (272.946), 320 CDI Diesel (642.930), 320/350 CDI 4MATIC Diesel (642.932), 350 4MATIC, -LPG LPG,Petrol (272.975), 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Diesel (642.868), 350 BlueTEC Diesel (642.862), 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFF Diesel (642.932), 350 CDI BlueE… Diesel, Electricity, LPG, Petrol
S-Class 2013-2020 2013-2020 300 BlueTEC Hybrid Diesel,Electricity (651.921), 320 Petrol (276.824), 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Diesel (642.867), 350 BlueTEC, -4MATIC Diesel (642.861), 350 d, -4MATIC Diesel (656.929), 400 4MATIC Petrol (276.824), 400 d, -4MATIC Diesel (656.929), 450 EQ Boost, - 4MATIC Petrol (256.93… Diesel, Electricity, Petrol
S-Class 2021-2025 2021-2025 350 d, -4MATIC Diesel (656.929), 500 4MATIC 48V (MHEV),Petrol (256.930) 48V (MHEV), Diesel, Petrol
S-Class Coupe/Cabrio 2014-2020 2014-2020 400/450 4MATIC Petrol (276.824), 500/550, -4MATIC Petrol (278.929), 63 AMG 4MATIC Petrol (177.980), 63 AMG, -4MATIC Petrol (157.985), 65 AMG Petrol (279.980) Petrol

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