Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF) Mercedes-Benz Vito
Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)
| Estimated time | 0h30–3h00 |
|---|---|
| Estimated labour cost | ~50–300£ |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Vehicles |
Vito 2003-2016 11
Vito 2014-2025 12
|
| Check the catalytic converter | 0h30 |
| Check the diesel particulate filter | 0h30–0h30 |
| Check the diesel particulate filter saturation (using a diagnostic tool) | 0h30 |
| Remove/refit the catalytic converter | 1h30–5h00 |
| Renew the catalytic converter | 1h30–5h00 |
| Remove/refit the front catalytic converter with the exhaust pipe | 1h30 |
| Renew the front catalytic converter with the exhaust pipe | 1h30 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter | 2h00–5h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter | 2h00–5h00 |
| Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation* | 0h45 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly | 2h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly | 2h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter Without air conditioning, With fog lights | 16h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter Without air conditioning, Without fog lights | 16h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter With air conditioning, With fog lights | 18h00 |
| Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter With air conditioning, Without fog lights | 17h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter Without air conditioning, With fog lights | 16h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter Without air conditioning, Without fog lights | 16h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter With air conditioning, With fog lights | 18h00 |
| Renew the diesel particulate filter With air conditioning, Without fog lights | 17h00 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue tank control unit | 1h00–1h30 |
| Remove/refit the AdBlue tank | 5h00 |
| Drain/refill the AdBlue tank | 0h45–1h00 |
| Renew the AdBlue tank control unit | 1h00–1h30 |
| Renew the AdBlue tank | 3h00–5h00 |
| Renew the catalytic converter gasket | 1h30 |
| Remove/refit the pre-catalytic converter | 1h30 |
| Renew the pre-catalytic converter | 1h30 |
| Remove/refit the catalytic converter EURO 6 | 2h00 |
| Renew the catalytic converter EURO 6 | 2h00 |
What is a Mercedes-Benz Vito 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 Vito 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 Vito 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 Vito 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 Vito 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vito 2003-2016 | 2003-2016 | 109 CDI Diesel (646.980), 109 CDI Diesel (646.983), 110 CDI Diesel (651.940), 111 CDI Diesel (646.980), 111 CDI, -4x4 Diesel (646.982), 113 CDI, -4x4 Diesel (651.940), 115 CDI Diesel (646.980), 115 CDI, -4x4 Diesel (646.982), 116 CDI, -4x4 Diesel (651.940), 119 Petrol (112.951),… | Diesel, Petrol |
| Vito 2014-2025 | 2014-2025 | 109 CDI Diesel (622.951 (R9M)), 110 CDI Diesel (622.851 (R9N)), 110 CDI Diesel (654.920), 111 CDI Diesel (622.951 (R9M)), 114 CDI Diesel (622.851 (R9N)), 114 CDI Diesel (651.950), 114 CDI Diesel (654.920), 116 CDI Diesel (651.950), 116 CDI Diesel (654.920), 119 BlueTEC Diesel (6… | Diesel |
