Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF) Audi A8

Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)

Easy 0h30–2h00 ~50–200£
Estimated time 0h30–2h00
Estimated labour cost ~50–200£
Difficulty Easy
Vehicles
A8 1994-2003 1
  • 3.3 V8 TDI Diesel (AKF)
A8 2003-2010 4
  • 3.0 V6 TDI Diesel (ASB)
  • 3.0 V6 TDI Diesel (BNG)
  • 4.0 V8 TDI Diesel (ASE)
  • 4.2 V8 TDI Diesel (BVN)
A8 2010-2018 9
  • 3.0 TDI Diesel (CDTA)
  • 3.0 TDI Diesel (CDTB)
  • 3.0 TDI Diesel (CLAB)
  • 3.0 TDI Diesel (CMHA)
  • 3.0 TDI Diesel (CTBA)
  • 3.0 TDI Diesel (CTBB)
  • 3.0 TDI Diesel (CTBD)
  • 4.2 TDI Diesel (CDSB)
  • 4.2 TDI Diesel (CTEC)
A8 2018-2025 3
  • 50 TDI Diesel (DDVC)
  • 50 TDI MHEV Diesel (DMGK)
  • 60 TDI Diesel (CVXB)
Remove/refit the catalytic converter 1h30–5h00
Renew the catalytic converter 1h30–5h00
Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation* 0h45
Check the catalytic converter 0h30
Check the diesel particulate filter saturation (using a diagnostic tool) 0h30
Remove/refit the pre-catalytic converter 2h30
Renew the pre-catalytic converter 2h30
Remove/refit the front catalytic converter with the exhaust pipe 2h00
Renew the front catalytic converter with the exhaust pipe 2h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter 1h30–7h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter 1h30–8h00
Remove/refit the left catalytic converter 1h30–10h00
Renew the left catalytic converter 1h30–11h00
Remove/refit the right catalytic converter 1h30–8h00
Renew the right catalytic converter 1h30–9h00
Remove/refit the left pre-catalytic converter 8h00–10h00
Renew the left pre-catalytic converter 8h00–10h00
Remove/refit the right pre-catalytic converter 8h00
Renew the right pre-catalytic converter 8h00
Remove/refit both pre-catalytic converters 10h00–12h00
Renew both pre-catalytic converters 10h00–12h00
Remove/refit both catalytic converters 2h00–10h00
Renew both catalytic converters 2h00–10h00
Remove/refit the left diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 1h30–6h00
Renew the left diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 1h30–6h00
Remove/refit the right diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 1h30–6h00
Renew the right diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 1h30–6h00
Remove/refit both diesel particulate filters/catalytic converter assemblies 2h30–9h00
Renew both diesel particulate filters/catalytic converter assemblies 2h30–9h00
Check the diesel particulate filter 0h30
Selective catalytic reduction (SCR): check the fluid level; top up if necessary 0h30
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 5h00–6h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 5h00–6h00
Renew the catalytic converter gasket 5h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector 0h45–1h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive injector 0h45–1h00
Remove/refit the AdBlue tank control unit 0h45
Remove/refit the AdBlue tank 2h00
Renew the AdBlue tank control unit 0h45
Renew the AdBlue tank 2h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir 2h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter fuel additive reservoir 2h00

What is a Audi A8 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 A8 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 A8 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 A8 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 A8 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.

View all compatible products →
View your A8 maintenance plan (keep the A8 token) →

4 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
A8 1994-2003 1994-2003 2.8 V6 30V Petrol (AMX), 3.3 V8 TDI Diesel (AKF), 3.7 V8 40V Petrol (AKC), 4.2 V8 40V Petrol (AUW), 4.2 V8 40V Petrol (AVN), 6.0 W12 Petrol (AZC), S8 (4.2 V8 40V) Petrol (AVP) Diesel, Petrol
A8 2003-2010 2003-2010 2.8 FSi Petrol (BDX), 3.0 V6 Petrol (ASN), 3.0 V6 TDI Diesel (ASB), 3.0 V6 TDI Diesel (BNG), 3.2 FSI Petrol (BPK), 3.7 V8 Petrol (BFL), 4.0 V8 TDI Diesel (ASE), 4.2 V8 Petrol (BFM), 4.2 V8 Petrol (BVJ), 4.2 V8 TDI Diesel (BVN), 6.0 W12 Petrol (BHT), S8 (5.2 V10 FSi) Petrol (BSM) Diesel, Petrol
A8 2010-2018 2010-2018 2.0 TFSI Hybrid Electricity,Petrol (CHJA+EAFA), 2.0 TFSI Petrol (CYPA), 3.0 TDI Diesel (CDTA), 3.0 TDI Diesel (CDTB), 3.0 TDI Diesel (CLAB), 3.0 TDI Diesel (CMHA), 3.0 TDI Diesel (CTBA), 3.0 TDI Diesel (CTBB), 3.0 TDI Diesel (CTBD), 3.0 TFSI Petrol (CGWA), 3.0 TFSI Petrol (CREA)… Diesel, Electricity, Petrol
A8 2018-2025 2018-2025 50 TDI Diesel (DDVC), 50 TDI MHEV Diesel (DMGK), 55 TFSI Petrol (CZSE), 60 FSi Petrol (CXYA), 60 TDI Diesel (CVXB), 60 TFSI e Electricity,Petrol (CZSE), S8 (4.0 V8 TFSI) MHEV Petrol (CWWB) Diesel, Electricity, Petrol

Other repair guides

Change Car Accessory Belt Kit

Change Car Accessory Belt Kit

Easy 0h30–8h00
Change Car Air Filter

Change Car Air Filter

Very easy 0h30–2h00
Change Car Battery

Change Car Battery

Very easy 0h30–1h00
Change Car Cabin Filter

Change Car Cabin Filter

Very easy 0h30
Change Car Clutch

Change Car Clutch

Technical 9h00
Change Car Front Brake Discs and Pads

Change Car Front Brake Discs and Pads

Easy 1h30–2h00
Change Car Front Brake Pads

Change Car Front Brake Pads

Easy 1h30–2h00
Change Car Fuel Filter

Change Car Fuel Filter

Easy 0h45–5h00
Change Car Glow Plugs

Change Car Glow Plugs

Intermediate 0h45–6h00
Change Car Handbrake Cable

Change Car Handbrake Cable

Very easy 0h30
Change Car Oil Filter

Change Car Oil Filter

Easy 0h45–1h00
Change Car Rear Silencer

Change Car Rear Silencer

Easy 0h45–2h00
Change Car Shock Absorbers

Change Car Shock Absorbers

Easy 2h00–4h00
Change Car Spark Plugs

Change Car Spark Plugs

Easy 0h45–3h30
Change Car Timing Belt Kit

Change Car Timing Belt Kit

Very technical 4h00–11h00
Change Car Turbo

Change Car Turbo

Very technical 5h00–21h00
Change Car Water Pump

Change Car Water Pump

Easy 0h45–15h00
View the service schedule for your A8 →