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Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF) BMW 2-Series Active Tourer

Change Car Particulate Filter (DPF)

Easy 0h30–1h30 ~50–150£
Estimated time 0h30–1h30
Estimated labour cost ~50–150£
Difficulty Easy
Vehicles
2-Series Active Tourer 2014-2022 10
  • 214d Diesel (B37C15A)
  • 216d Diesel (B37C15A)
  • 218d Diesel (B47C20B)
  • 218d, -xDrive Diesel (B47C20A)
  • 218d, -xDrive Diesel (B47C20A)
  • 218d, -xDrive Diesel (B47C20A)
  • 218d, -xDrive Diesel (B47C20B)
  • 220d, -xDrive Diesel (B47C20A)
  • 220d, -xDrive Diesel (B47C20B)
  • 220d, -xDrive Diesel (B47C20B)
2-Series Active Tourer 2022-2025 2
  • 218d Diesel (B47C20B)
  • 223d xDrive 48V (MHEV),Diesel (B47C20B)
Check the catalytic converter 0h30
Remove/refit the catalytic converter 1h00–4h00
Renew the catalytic converter 1h00–4h00
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 6h00–12h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter assembly 6h00–12h00
Remove/refit the petrol particulate filter temperature sensor 0h30–1h30
Renew the petrol particulate filter temperature sensor 0h30–1h30
Prepare the catalytic converter heat shield for installation* 0h45
Remove/refit the diesel particulate filter 7h00–12h00
Remove/refit the petrol particulate filter 10h00–12h00
Renew the petrol particulate filter 10h00–12h00
Renew the diesel particulate filter 7h00–12h00
Remove/refit the AdBlue system control unit 1h30
Renew the AdBlue system control unit 1h30
Remove/refit the petrol particulate filter differential pressure sensor 0h45–1h00
Renew the petrol particulate filter differential pressure sensor 1h00–1h30

What is a BMW 2-Series Active Tourer 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 2-Series Active Tourer 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 2-Series Active Tourer 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 2-Series Active Tourer 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 2-Series Active Tourer 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
2-Series Active Tourer 2014-2022 2014-2022 214d Diesel (B37C15A), 216d Diesel (B37C15A), 216i Petrol (B38A15A), 216i Petrol (B38A15A), 218d Diesel (B47C20B), 218d, -xDrive Diesel (B47C20A), 218d, -xDrive Diesel (B47C20A), 218d, -xDrive Diesel (B47C20A), 218d, -xDrive Diesel (B47C20B), 218i Petrol (B38A15A), 218i Petrol (… Diesel, Electricity, Petrol
2-Series Active Tourer 2022-2025 2022-2025 216i Petrol (B38A15P), 218d Diesel (B47C20B), 218i Petrol (B38A15P), 220i mHEV 48V (MHEV),Petrol (B38A15P), 223d xDrive 48V (MHEV),Diesel (B47C20B), 223i, -xDrive 48V (MHEV),Petrol (B48A20P), 225e xDrive Electricity,Petrol (B38A15P), 230e xDrive Electricity,Petrol (B38A15P) 48V (MHEV), Diesel, Electricity, Petrol