Originally Posted by Anzafin

I think your turbo is electronically controlled instead of vacuum pipes.

Originally Posted by E60-530d

Went to indy who did swirl flaps. They read code and said its something to do with DPF. They were not yet able to tell exactly what the matter is. They asked me if I've done lots of slow and short journeys which to be fair I have as I didn't know diesels need looking after. They cleared code and took it for a test drive during which they said it apparently drove normally until DPF caused code again bringing the problem back. They commented on the black deposits within tail pipe end and said that's unusual with a normal DPF. Also said it IS possible for i-Drive to be fault free as in this case.

They advised that the first thing to do is to attempt DPF regeneration by driving it (long journey 30 mins above 50mph). When I asked about forced regeneration, they didn't say much about that. I drove the car for atleast 30 mins in 4th maintaining around 60mph. I could not tell anything happening to the DPF. But more worryingly, on the way back car feels even more limp. What must have been some remaining turbo when I started this thread appears to be diminishing or have gone. Reaching 50mph is now taking an eternity.

When I asked if it could be something like a loose / broken vacuum pipe, they said no as the car drove normally after code cleared. I was not present during the test drive to witness or agree with that. To be fair I didn't have an appointment to go there today as this happened over the weekend and if I didn't go today, I won't be available for another week due to work commitments. They agreed to run the diagnostic and test drive but said they would need the car back for longer to investigate further. I can't complain as they were helpful and didn't charge me today.

So right now I don't know much other than diagnostic says DPF. I've arranged a second opinion / diagnostic elsewhere which is more local for me to get to. I've read briefly about the whole DPF thing....lots to know there ! I know some people have got rid of DPF and remapped as not to risk repeat failures etc. I assume the new indy locally where I'll be getting a second opinion from won't be advising for or able to attempt such modifications. Guys any thoughts or advice from this update ? Thanks again.

Originally Posted by pennetta

The problem nowadays is that technicians are looking at computers and codes and not looking at the engine.

Originally Posted by Anzafin

Believe it or not, I'm having the same problem at the moment.
I have INPA software and OBD2 so I can read the fault codes and clear the error memory.

I'm investigating things and will report if I can find anything. Too bad I can't do much before the weekend though.

- Antti -

Originally Posted by Mambo

Had exactly the same problem with my 535d and it was the changeover value that directs air flow between the two turbos. Cost me about £250 to get changed at an independant.

If you are getting the change over valve done you may aswell get the vac hoses done as they went on mine about a month later which demonstrated very similar (slightly less dramatic) symptoms...

Originally Posted by Bob525D

You can tell if your car is running its DPF regen when the engine coolant temp is sitting higher than normal say around 94oc instead of 89-90, also you car will make a droning \humming noise when driving at 30 and taking you foot off the accelerator. The car also stays in gear longer to raise the temperature for burning off the crap it has collected.

With a DPF equiped Diesel you really need to take the car for a good blast down the motorway at least once a week, stop and go short journeys mean that the dpf is rarely able to perform its regeneration properly leading to the DPF getting clogged up. I am sure that someone else on this forum had something similar, the garage they visited did what yours recommended with the long journey. That fixed it for them, i'll do a search for you and post what i find.

Originally Posted by E60-530d

Too right, gone are the days when the tech could just listen to a car and say what's wrong. Over reliance on the computer I guess is prevalent in almost everything now ! Its "the computer says no" syndrome from the TV show Little Britain !




Hey Antti I've been following your posts and pics....sorry to hear you too are having issues with this. I too will report if I find anything.




I just hope its something reasonable such as what you say. I feel once my car gets a proper looking into soon, we'll know what the score is. Will keep you all posted.




Cheers Bob, I'm following you here and in the other forum. I can't recall hearing my DPF during the six months I've had the car. I admit a lot of my driving involves slow short journeys barely allowing the engine enough time to get to normal operating temperature but once every week or two I do have 60 mile round trips too. Even during these I didn't hear anything like the DPF. I wonder drivers like me who never knew what a DPF is actually think when they hear their DPF regen for the first time. Maybe it surprises them....well I haven't had that pleasure just yet !! sori if this sounds even more strange....where do I check the coolant temp !?

Originally Posted by Bob525D

Have a look at this link for the hidden menu instructions, it could be that your car has both thermostats away and it has been running too cool for some time. This would likely cause the DPF to get clogged if it wasnt reaching a temp to try its regen cycle, i am clutching at straws here but check out your engine temp using the instructions in the link.

Operating temp

Originally Posted by E60-530d

Useful link...thanx

Originally Posted by Anzafin

I got my problem solved (at least for now). Please take a look at here!


- Antti -