Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF) Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)
| Estimated time | 0h30–3h00 |
|---|---|
| Estimated labour cost | ~50–300£ |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Vehicles |
Sprinter I 1995-2006 22
Sprinter II 2006-2018 34
Sprinter III 2018-2025 6
|
| Check the catalytic converter | 0h30 |
| Remove/refit the front catalytic converter | 1h30 |
| Renew the front catalytic converter | 1h30 |
| Remove/refit the rear catalytic converter | 1h30 |
| Renew the rear catalytic converter | 1h30 |
| Remove/refit the catalytic converter | 0h45–3h00 |
| Renew the catalytic converter | 0h45–4h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter | 1h30–6h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter | 1h30–6h00 |
| Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation* | 0h45 |
| Check the diesel particulate filter saturation (using a diagnostic tool) | 0h30–0h30 |
| Check/top up the diesel particulate filter fuel additive | 0h30 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir | 3h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir | 2h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector | 0h45 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector | 0h45 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue tank | 2h00–3h00 |
| Drain/refill the AdBlue tank | 0h45–1h30 |
| Renew the AdBlue tank | 3h00 |
| Remove/refit the catalytic converter outlet temperature sensor | 0h45 |
| Renew the catalytic converter outlet temperature sensor | 0h45 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue injector | 1h30 |
| Renew the AdBlue injector | 1h30 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue tank With fog lights, Without parking sensors | 3h00–3h30 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue tank Without fog lights, Without parking sensors | 3h00–3h30 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue tank With fog lights, With parking sensors | 3h30 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue tank Without fog lights, With parking sensors | 3h00–3h30 |
| Renew the AdBlue tank Without fog lights, Without parking sensors | 3h00 |
| Renew the AdBlue tank With fog lights, With parking sensors | 3h30 |
| Renew the AdBlue tank With fog lights, Without parking sensors | 3h30 |
| Renew the AdBlue tank Without fog lights, With parking sensors | 3h30 |
What is a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 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 Sprinter 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 Sprinter 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 Sprinter 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 Sprinter 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.
3 models covered
| Model | Year Range | Engines covered | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprinter I 1995-2006 | 1995-2006 | 208 CDI RWD Diesel (611.987), 210 D RWD Diesel (602.980), 211 CDI RWD Diesel (611.981), 212 D RWD Diesel (602.980), 213 CDI Diesel (611.983), 213 CDI RWD Diesel (611.981), 214 RWD Petrol (111.979), 214 RWD Petrol (111.984), 216 CDI RWD Diesel (612.981), 308 CDI RWD Diesel (611.9… | Diesel, Petrol |
| Sprinter II 2006-2018 | 2006-2018 | 209 CDI Diesel (646.984), 210 CDI Diesel (651.956), 211 CDI Diesel (651.955), 211 CDI RWD Diesel (646.985), 213 CDI Diesel (646.986), 213 CDI/BlueTEC Diesel (651.955), 214 CDI Diesel (651.955), 215 CDI RWD Diesel (646.986), 216 CDI Diesel (651.956), 216 CDI Diesel (651.957), 216… | CNG, Diesel, Petrol |
| Sprinter III 2018-2025 | 2018-2025 | 311 CDI RWD Diesel (651.958), 316 CDI RWD, 4WD Diesel (651.958), 319 CDI RWD Diesel (654.920), 414 CDI RWD, 4WD Diesel (651.958), 419 CDI RWD, 4WD Diesel (642.899), 514 CDI RWD Diesel (651.958) | Diesel |