Does my car have a Dpf

Dpf, diesel particulate filters became a legal requirement in order for diesel cars to meet Euro 5 specification, which was introduced throughout Europe in 2009, and so if you have a diesel car, with a factory build date after 2008, then it is almost certain that your car will have a DPF system fitted.

However several manufacturers were fitting DPF systems long before the Euro 5 legislation became mandatory, in order to reduce the emissions from large engined diesel vehicles or those with 4 wheel drive, so it is possible to find a car containing a DPF system as far back as 2002.

Here are some Cars which are known to have a Diesel Particulate System fitted before 2008.

Audi 3.0TDI A6 (Some Automatics had them before 2008)
Bmw 325D (All years)
Bmw 330D / 520D / X3 3.0D / X5 (From 2005)
Bmw 320D / 520D (From 2007, DPF a factory option on 2005 – 2007 models).

Citroen / Peugeot 2.0 HDI (Some 2003 – 2005 Models)

Citroen / Peugeot 1.6 HDI (all models)
Fiat 1.3 Multijet (All Models)
Fiat 1.9 Multijet (120 & 150 bhp Models)
Mercedes 220 CDI Versions (2004 / 2005 models only)
Mercedes 320 CDI Versions (From 2005)
Vauxhall / Opel 1.3 cdti (All Versions)
Vauxhall / Opel 1.9 cdti (From 2005)
Volvo (All D5 180BHP Versions)
VW 2.0 TDI 170 BHP
VW 1.6 TDI

This list is not complete, so you should not just assume that if your Pre 2008 car doesn’t appear on it, that there is no DPF Fitted, it is also important to check further.

Generally cars which don’t have a DPF fitted will have an exhaust pipe which points downwards, and there will be very little soot around the actual exhaust pipe exit, so if the exhaust pipe is relatively clean when you run your finger around the inside of the pipe, then its reasonable to assume that there is a DPF filter fitted.

Another way to check for the existence of a DPF, is to see what type of oil it uses. This is stated in the handbook or on a label in the engine compartment. If the car requires a low ash (Low SAPS) oil, then it indicates the presence of a DPF.

Finally, if you are still unsure, take the VIN number from the vehicle and contact the dealer / manufacturer as they will be able to see what options your car was supplied with at the factory and whether a DPF was amongst them.

3 Responses to Does my car have a Dpf

  1. Sebastean says:

    Guys when you turn your ignition on, but not start the engine.. If DPF indicator apears then yes you do have a DPF.

  2. steve says:

    your guideline contradicts itself!

    “Generally cars which don’t have a DPF fitted will have an exhaust pipe which points downwards, and there will be very little soot around the actual exhaust pipe exit, so if the exhaust pipe is relatively clean when you run your finger around the inside of the pipe, then its reasonable to assume that there is a DPF filter fitted.”

    so which is it?

    no dpf = “very little soot around the actual exhaust pipe exit”

    or “if the exhaust pipe is relatively clean when you run your finger around the inside of the pipe” = yes dpf

    my car is a skoda fabia 1.4 tdi pd mk2 level 3 2008

    • admin says:

      This is the type of comment and attitude which makes it such a joy to voluntarily host a blog and spend entire weekends of my free time writing articles and my Evenings following up answering questions of complete strangers in order to HELP people out of goodwill, a concept which I suspect is totally alien to people like Steve who I doubt does nothing about anything for anyone.

      Woah! so there is a mistake, its still less than you will find in the average Daily Mail story, but even so why base 90% of your comment around discussing it?, Do you teach English? or would you like your internet subscription refunded?, have you paid me a fee to get your questions answered in detail so that you don’t have to spend hours or even weeks researching YOUR car for yourself???. So, since I don’t meet your exacting approval right up there at the top of the food chain, then perhaps use the back button and toddle off to find another blog which is written more to your liking.

      Anyway Steve, go and haunt Mumsnet i’m sure that you will find a much better drama more to your liking over there and you will fit right in, and if you are really lucky you may get your question answered because your priorities here are quite clear, and its to troll not to get your question answered.

      Besides, I wouldn’t want to insult you by giving you what might be incorrect information and I would hate to trespass on more of your time in order for you to have to come back and correct me once again.

      I will however give you one piece of advice – with that engine I would start putting aside lots of money every month for the major repairs which at some stage you are going to need in other parts of the engine which will make the expense of replacing a DPF look like pocket money in comparison!, but i’m sure that you are aware that its probably running on borrowed time already, otherwise you wouldn’t be here!.

      Still, looking on the bright side at least you got a car which perfectly matches your attitude, and hey! VERY good luck with that car!. Finally, making mistakes is a human trait and most rational, intelligent people would be able to work out the gist of exactly what was meant given that the purpose of the DPF is to REDUCE SOOT EMISSIONS, without requiring any hand-holding from you.

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