Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF) Audi A4

Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)

Easy 0h30–8h00 ~50–800£
Estimated time 0h30–8h00
Estimated labour cost ~50–800£
Difficulty Easy
Vehicles
A4 1995-2002 7
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (1Z)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (AFF)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (AFN)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (AHH)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (AHU)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (ATJ)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (AVG)
A4 2001-2005 11
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (AVB)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (AVF)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (AWX)
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (BKE)
  • 2.5 TDI V6 Diesel (AKE)
  • 2.5 TDI V6 Diesel (AYM)
  • 2.5 TDI V6 Diesel (BAU)
  • 2.5 TDI V6 Diesel (BDH)
  • 2.5 TDI V6, -Cabriolet Diesel (BCZ)
  • 2.5 TDI V6, -Cabriolet Diesel (BDG)
  • 2.5 TDI V6, -Cabriolet Diesel (BFC)
A4 2005-2009 17
  • 1.9 TDI Diesel (BKE)
  • 1.9 TDI DPF Diesel (BRB)
  • 2.0 TDI 8V DPF Cabriolet Diesel (BRC)
  • 2.0 TDI 8V DPF, -Cabriolet Diesel (BPW)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (BLB)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (BNA)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (BVG)
  • 2.0 TDI DPF Diesel (BRD)
  • 2.0 TDI DPF Diesel (BRE)
  • 2.0 TDI DPF Diesel (BRF)
  • 2.0 TDI DPF Diesel (BVA)
  • 2.0 TDI DPF Diesel (BVF)
  • 2.5 TDI V6 Diesel (BDG)
  • 2.7 TDI V6 DPF Diesel (BSG)
  • 2.7 TDI V6 DPF, -Cabriolet Diesel (BPP)
  • 3.0 TDI V6, -Cabriolet Diesel (ASB)
  • 3.0 TDI V6, -Cabriolet Diesel (BKN)
A4 2007-2015 27
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CAGA)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CAGB)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CAGC)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CAHA)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CAHB)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CGLC)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CGLD)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CJCA)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CJCB)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CJCC)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CJCD)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CNHA)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CNHC)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CSUA)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (CSUB)
  • 2.7 V6 TDI Diesel (CAMA)
  • 2.7 V6 TDI Diesel (CAMB)
  • 2.7 V6 TDI Diesel (CGKA)
  • 2.7 V6 TDI Diesel (CGKB)
  • 3.0 TDI Diesel (CAPA)
  • 3.0 TDI Diesel (CCLA)
  • 3.0 TDI Diesel (CCWA)
  • 3.0 TDI Diesel (CCWB)
  • 3.0 TDI Diesel (CDUC)
  • 3.0 TDI Diesel (CKVB)
  • 3.0 TDI Diesel (CKVC)
  • 3.0 TDI Diesel (CLAB)
A4 2016-2025 15
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (DETA)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (DETB)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (DEUA)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (DEUB)
  • 2.0 TDI Diesel (DEUC)
  • 3.0 TDI Diesel (CRTC)
  • 3.0 TDI Diesel (CSWB)
  • 3.0 TDI Diesel (DCPC)
  • 30 TDI MHEV 48V (MHEV),Diesel (DTNB)
  • 30 TDI MHEV Diesel (DEZB)
  • 35 TDI MHEV 48V (MHEV),Diesel (DTNA)
  • 35 TDI MHEV Diesel (DEZE)
  • 40 TDI MHEV Diesel (DTPA)
  • 45 TDI Diesel (DCPE)
  • S4 (3.0 TDI) 48V (MHEV),Diesel (DEWB)
Check the catalytic converter 0h30
Check the diesel particulate filter saturation (using a diagnostic tool) 0h30
Remove/refit the catalytic converter 0h45–8h00
Renew the catalytic converter 0h45–8h00
Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation 0h30
Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation* 0h45
Remove/refit the pre-catalytic converter 2h00
Renew the pre-catalytic converter 2h00
Remove/refit the front catalytic converter with the exhaust pipe 2h00
Renew the front catalytic converter with the exhaust pipe 2h00
Check the diesel particulate filter 0h30
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter 1h30–16h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter 1h30–17h00
Remove/refit the petrol particulate filter 1h30–12h00
Renew the petrol particulate filter 1h30–12h00
Remove/refit the petrol particulate filter temperature sensor 1h00–1h30
Remove/refit the petrol particulate filter differential pressure sensor 0h30–2h00
Renew the petrol particulate filter differential pressure sensor 0h30–2h00
Renew the petrol particulate filter temperature sensor 1h00–1h30
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter CVT 5h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter Manual transmission 3h30
Renew the diesel particulate filter Manual transmission 3h30
Renew the diesel particulate filter CVT 5h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 3h30–11h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 3h30–11h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter front fuel additive reservoir 2h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter front fuel additive reservoir 2h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive rear reservoir 1h30
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter rear fuel additive reservoir 1h30
Remove/refit the right catalytic converter 1h30
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 AdBlue system control unit 0h30
Renew the AdBlue system control unit 0h30
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 V339 12h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter V338 10h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector 0h30–0h45
Renew the diesel particulate filter V338 10h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter V339 12h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector 0h30–0h45
Remove/refit the AdBlue tank 2h00
Drain/refill the AdBlue tank 0h30
Renew the AdBlue tank 2h00
Remove/refit the AdBlue injector 0h30–0h45
Renew the AdBlue injector 0h30–0h45
Remove/refit the AdBlue tank control unit 0h30
Renew the AdBlue tank control unit 0h30

What is a Audi A4 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 Audi A4 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 Audi A4 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 Audi A4 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 Audi A4 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 A4 maintenance plan (keep the A4 token) →

5 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
A4 1995-2002 1995-2002 1.6 Petrol (ADP), 1.6 Petrol (AHL), 1.6 Petrol (ALZ), 1.6 Petrol (ANA), 1.8 20V Petrol (ADR), 1.8 20V Petrol (AFY), 1.8 20V Petrol (APT), 1.8 20V Petrol (ARG), 1.8 20V Petrol (AVV), 1.8 20V Turbo Petrol (AEB), 1.8 20V Turbo Petrol (AJL), 1.8 20V Turbo Petrol (ANB), 1.8 20V Turbo… Diesel, Petrol
A4 2001-2005 2001-2005 1.6 8V Petrol (ALZ), 1.8 20V Turbo Petrol (AMB), 1.8 20V Turbo Petrol (AVJ), 1.8 20V Turbo Petrol (BEX), 1.8 20V Turbo, -Cabriolet Petrol (BFB), 1.9 TDI Diesel (AVB), 1.9 TDI Diesel (AVF), 1.9 TDI Diesel (AWX), 1.9 TDI Diesel (BKE), 2.0 20V, -Cabriolet Petrol (ALT), 2.0 FSi Petr… Diesel, Petrol
A4 2005-2009 2005-2009 1.6 8V Petrol (ALZ), 1.8 20V Turbo, -Cabriolet Petrol (BFB), 1.9 TDI Diesel (BKE), 1.9 TDI DPF Diesel (BRB), 2.0 20V Petrol (ALT), 2.0 TDI 8V DPF Cabriolet Diesel (BRC), 2.0 TDI 8V DPF, -Cabriolet Diesel (BPW), 2.0 TDI Diesel (BLB), 2.0 TDI Diesel (BNA), 2.0 TDI Diesel (BVG), 2.… Diesel, Petrol
A4 2007-2015 2007-2015 1.8 TFSI Petrol (CABA), 1.8 TFSI Petrol (CABB), 1.8 TFSI Petrol (CDHA), 1.8 TFSI Petrol (CDHB), 1.8 TFSI Petrol (CJEB), 2.0 TDI Diesel (CAGA), 2.0 TDI Diesel (CAGB), 2.0 TDI Diesel (CAGC), 2.0 TDI Diesel (CAHA), 2.0 TDI Diesel (CAHB), 2.0 TDI Diesel (CGLC), 2.0 TDI Diesel (CGLD)… Bioethanol (E85), Diesel, Petrol
A4 2016-2025 2016-2025 1.4 TFSI Petrol (CVNA), 2.0 G-tron CNG (CVLA), 2.0 TDI Diesel (DETA), 2.0 TDI Diesel (DETB), 2.0 TDI Diesel (DEUA), 2.0 TDI Diesel (DEUB), 2.0 TDI Diesel (DEUC), 2.0 TFSI MHEV 48V (MHEV),Petrol (DDWA), 2.0 TFSI MHEV 48V (MHEV),Petrol (DEMA), 2.0 TFSI Petrol (CVKB), 2.0 TFSI Petr… 48V (MHEV), CNG, Diesel, Petrol

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View the service schedule for your A4 →