Today’s common diagnostic pitfalls are a challenging bunch of multiple issues at hand, let me explain.
Diesel Particulate Filter
For instance an older gentleman with late model BMW 328 diesel having a problematic DPF at a very early stage. DPF stands for Diesel Particulate Filter. Diesel particulate filters are devices that capture diesel particulates from the exhaust gas of the diesel engine to prevent their release to the air.
Clogged DPF Filter
His BMW’s odometer reads only 98 000 kms. Naturally to have a clogged DPF this early in a diesel BMW sends off a ringer for me. The gentleman has been at the BMW dealer to find a solution, he even contacted the customer care at BMW Canada for no results, other than being told his car is out of warranty.
2016’s 328 Diesel BMW
Unfortunately the DPF is only covered for a relatively short time in Canada, even though in the USA they are covered for 10 years or 120 000 miles, we are talking about a 2016’s 328 diesel BMW vehicle. The first thing that occurred to me was that this should not happen unless this vehicle was not driven as intended, interestingly nobody ever asked that question yet. I asked the client about his driving habits, and he said he drives only locally a few kilometers each trip. It’s worth pointing out this is a crucial problem due to no self clean will be run by the engine management computer to burn out the DPF. The DPF cleaning wanted to start probably many times, except it gets shut down every time due to short distance driving.
This whole problem could be prevented if the client was informed at the time of purchase about his diesel emission maintenance requirements, this is very, very unfortunate. The lack of introduction of the special needs of the system can’t be understated as it can lead to early DPF failure.
The Consequences to Use Wrong Motor Oil in a Diesel BMW
Furthermore the client gets his oil changes elsewhere and he’s not aware of the special diesel specific motor oil requirement either for DPF equipped vehicles.
Having the wrong oil a LL01 or any other BMW specific like an LL17+FE oil put in could have a detrimental effect on the DPF by zinc poisoning of the particulate filter.
Only LL04 or equivalent like MB 229.51 oil must be used to prevent DPF poisoning. Unfortunately clients should be asking questions instead of just taking their chances.
Diesel BMW’ Special Needs and Requirements
Fortunately we managed to flush the clogged DPF with the print out of before and after pressure readings. I have explained to the client all the special needs and requirements he has to be aware of from here on going forward.</
Theoretically this is not my job and not my responsibility, except it would be the same problem recurring sooner than later no matter what, if he does not change his driving routine. This can’t be emphasized enough.
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