Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF) BMW 1-Series

Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)

Easy 0h30–5h00 ~50–500£
Estimated time 0h30–5h00
Estimated labour cost ~50–500£
Difficulty Easy
Vehicles
1-Series 2004-2013 12
  • 116d Diesel (N47D20A)
  • 116d Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 118d Diesel (M47D20TU2)
  • 118d Diesel (N47D20A)
  • 118d Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 120d Diesel (M47D20TU2OL)
  • 120d Diesel (N47D20A)
  • 120d Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 120d M Performance Diesel (N47D20A)
  • 120d M Performance Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 123d Diesel (N47D20B)
  • 123d Diesel (N47D20D)
1-Series 2011-2019 18
  • 114d Diesel (B37D15A)
  • 114d Diesel (N47D16A)
  • 116d Diesel (B37D15A)
  • 116d Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 116d EfficientDynamics Diesel (B37D15A)
  • 116d EfficientDynamics Diesel (N47D16A)
  • 118d Diesel (B47D20A)
  • 118d Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 118d, -xDrive Diesel (B47D20A)
  • 118d, -xDrive Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 120d Diesel (B47D20A)
  • 120d Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 120d, -xDrive Diesel (B47D20A)
  • 120d, -xDrive Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 120d, -xDrive M Performance Diesel (B47D20A)
  • 120d, -xDrive M Performance Diesel (N47D20C)
  • 125d Diesel (B47D20B)
  • 125d Diesel (N47D20D)
1-Series 2019-2025 3
  • 116d Diesel (B37C15A)
  • 118d Diesel (B47C20B)
  • 120d xDrive Diesel (B47C20B)
Check the catalytic converter 0h30
Remove/refit the catalytic converter 1h00–5h00
Renew the catalytic converter 1h00–5h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter 2h30–13h00
Remove/refit the petrol particulate filter 2h00–13h00
Renew the petrol particulate filter 2h00–13h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter 2h30–13h00
Remove/refit the petrol particulate filter temperature sensor 0h30–2h00
Remove/refit the petrol particulate filter differential pressure sensor 0h30–1h30
Renew the petrol particulate filter differential pressure sensor 0h30–1h30
Renew the petrol particulate filter temperature sensor 0h30–2h00
Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation* 0h30–0h45
Check the diesel particulate filter 0h30
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 2h30–11h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 2h30–11h00
Remove/refit the catalytic converter with the exhaust pipe 1h30
Remove/refit the AdBlue tank control unit 1h30
Remove/refit the AdBlue tank 3h00
Drain/refill the AdBlue tank 0h45
Renew the AdBlue tank control unit 1h30
Remove/refit the front catalytic converter with the exhaust pipe 1h30

What is a BMW 1-Series 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 BMW 1-Series 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 BMW 1-Series 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 BMW 1-Series 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 BMW 1-Series 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 1-Series maintenance plan (keep the 1-Series token) →

3 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
1-Series 2004-2013 2004-2013 116d Diesel (N47D20A), 116d Diesel (N47D20C), 116i Petrol (N43B16A), 116i Petrol (N43B20A), 116i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N45B16A), 118d Diesel (M47D20TU2), 118d Diesel (N47D20A), 118d Diesel (N47D20C), 118i Petrol (N43B20A), 118i Petrol (N46B20B), 118i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N46B20B), 120d… Diesel, LPG, Petrol
1-Series 2011-2019 2011-2019 114d Diesel (B37D15A), 114d Diesel (N47D16A), 114i Petrol (N13B16A), 116d Diesel (B37D15A), 116d Diesel (N47D20C), 116d EfficientDynamics Diesel (B37D15A), 116d EfficientDynamics Diesel (N47D16A), 116i Petrol (B38B15A), 116i Petrol (N13B16A), 118d Diesel (B47D20A), 118d Diesel (… Diesel, Petrol
1-Series 2019-2025 2019-2025 116d Diesel (B37C15A), 116i Petrol (B38A15A), 118d Diesel (B47C20B), 118i Petrol (B38A15A), 118i Petrol (B38A15F), 120d xDrive Diesel (B47C20B), 120i Petrol (B48A20A), 128ti Petrol (B48A20E), M135i xDrive Petrol (B48A20E) Diesel, Petrol

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