Ron Burgundy

Hi - 1st post here & from the U.K (London)

Currently have a VW Golf GT 170TDI which has a DPF and I'm looking at changing to either a BMW 520D Touring SE or M Sport or an Audi A6 Avant 2.0TDI S Line.
I know mostly how the DPF's work on VAG cars, but unsure about BMW's?

Are all 520D's fitted with DPF's or were they fitted after a certain year? I was looking @ 2007 & 2008 models. I'm I right in that 2007 520D's have 160bhp and the 2008 have 177BHP?
Also, what is the expectancy on the DPF's and does it say in the handbook at what mileage they need replacing? I think on the VAG cars it is around 80k which isn't much at all?

One more thing Are Xenons standard on the 5 series?

Many thanks

jas_r_1

Not all are fitted with DPFs. I know the earlier models (possibly unto 2005) did not have DPFs. I think this may also be the case with later LCI models but not to sure.

177 BHP was introduced on 520d made after Sep 2007. They also benefit from reduced emissions and better gearbox.

I have an 06 model and the DPF service indicator is set at 100,000 miles. I think can vary depending on driving styles.

Xenons are not standard.

sanjsanj

Hi there Ron.

I've been looking for an E60 as well and this DPF is bugging me too. BMW say it's got to be changed every 120,000 miles, but this changes with driving style naturally. Most cars I've had a look at are asking for replacement at around 100k miles. The best part is that it's a dealer only part and costs £1500 for one brand new. And it HAS to be replaced, there's not really any other way round it (although a few hardcores have been able to take it off, give it a good clean, dry it in the oven, and succeeded in reusing it.

The DPF was introduced in late 2004. The easiest way to tell if a car is DPF/nonDPF is by looking at the exhaust. If it's bent down like this the it's a non-DPF. If it's chrome tipped and looks like this it's a DPF model.

AFAIK, all 520d's are DPF models.


With fuel prices at more than £6/gallon, I'm thinking of going for a 520d instead of a 525d, but my dilema is that 520's are really really badly specced up compared to 525's. Xenon's are something I REALLY want, but finding them on a 520 is nigh on impossible

Ron Burgundy

Thanks for your replies

Didn't realise there was a difference in the tailpipes. I was looking at something from 2007-2008 so basically they will have a DPF.
I'm not bothered about them as long as I know a bit about them lol. Can you see when they need replacing/cleaning through the iDrive? Would be handy when going to look at cars as it could be a good bargaining tool
I've read about the De-DPF's and then remapping as I was going to go down that route with my Golf last year, but I think there was a bit of confusion about new M.O.T regulations coming out and that it wouldn't pass the M.OT?

I not writing off the 525D either. There doesn't seem to be a massive difference in mpg's between the two, a little more in insurance and tax but I think the sound of the 6 cylinder would make up for that. My Dad had one and it was a lovely smooth effortless drive. Plus it would be on par with the bhp of my Golf as that's @ 205bhp at the moment

I think the 5 series is slightly edging in front of the A6 Avant, but still need to go look at both with the Mrs

zanetti

Hello guys. i 'm an owner of a 520d 2006 model and have 190000km 0n the clock. still no problems on the dpf. when the idrive was on 40000km left for replacing i did the procedure of regenarating it. i have a strange feeling though that the problems i have for the last 50000km on the behaviour of my auto transmission are caused by the dpf and not by the auto itself. has anybody had any experience on that?

Anzafin

Every diesel (with the DPF) E60 owner read this:
https://5series.net/forums/topic/947...e-for-the-dpf/

- Antti -

Ron Burgundy

Thanks for that link Antti. Seems like alot of info on there. Shall have a good read through all the pages later

sanjsanj

It's definitely a good bargaining tool Ron, if you find a car whose DPF doesn't have many miles left on it, make a simple enquiry about how much a new one would cost from the seller. When he realises how much it costs, either demand a new filter fitted before you buy, or a discount for the same amount .

Here's a screenshot showing the number of miles left on the DPF via iDrive:

Dandle

LCI cars don't have a service indicator for the DPF. It's supposed to be a lifetime item now but there have been a few reports they still clog up at around 120k.

Ron the engines changed in Sept 2007 so 57 plate cars should have the higher powered engine. Check the vin though for the power output as some lower powered cars will also be on that plate.

Ron Burgundy

Thanks for the advice. So are the LCl cars are the new 177bhp (520d) and would this also be the 197 on the 525D?

By the way. My name is Lee. I used a character from the film 'Anchorman' played by Will Ferrell


Regards
Lee