Anzafin

So where they pointed it?
Did they locate it in the engine compartment right after the turbo? This one?


If they pointed out that can, they were wrong, because that is the catalytic converter in a 535d. In a 530d equipped with the M57N2 engine that pointed out can is a combined catalytic converter and a DPF. In a car with a M57N (like my 530d), that can is only a catalytic converter and the DPF locates under the car.

So, I don't have a 535d myself, but I'm pretty sure (according to RealOEM), that all 535d's have a separate DPF under the car... I think you should check it again, if they showed you that can in the engine compartment.

It wouldn't be the first time when a mechanic gets this wrong. I know some individual workshops have washed the catalytic converter instead of a DPF .

- Antti -

jay 535d

It was indeed in the engine compartment and I could only see bottom. But it is worrying to hear that they could be so wrong! I did see another can in the middle of the car which i initially thought was the DPF. I think I read somewhere that the DPF in 535d could be under the car in an easily accessed poition or near the engine in more difficult to reach place.

Also another independant (but this one was BMW specialist)told me its unheard of for a DPF to be so clogged after just 20K miles that it cant be cleared by regeneration. He mention "maff"(?)air filter/pump or someting like it as a possible area for investigation - this was just on the phone so difficult for them to comment further.

I think I need to have the car looked at by a specialist, DPF removal or replacement is serious bucks according to the info I got today and I would rather be sure. Have taken car back to BMW to at least get them to diagnose what the problem is before I decide how much of a hole its going to burn in my finances. Forgive the pun but it really is driving me mad!!

Once again many thanks for your helpful comments.

Anzafin

You're welcome.

I've learned that even an authorized BMW mechanic don't know everything, neither do I, but before you take any expensive actions you really should get the DPF (that locates under you car easily accessible) washed. Only new things you need for this job, are the seals for both ends and definitely new bolts and nuts. I believe this is the only auction you would need, washing. I could bet a small amount of money for it .

- Antti -

jay 535d

Got the car back and its fully functional and I have to say the difference is simply sensational! I had the BMW dealer replace the DPF as well as a split "charge air hose". Given time & facilities I would have explored the cleaning option but I decided to play it safe even though it hit my wallet to the tune of £1200. On the plus side I have the old DPF (you were absolutely right in the diagram) which I will do the clean as per your experience and hopefully if all works I can sell it and recoup some of my costs. On a totally unrelated (perhaps?) matter - passenger air bag light which has been on for a few weeks now has miraculously gone off so no more bing bing warning when I start the car! Merry christmas!

jay 535d

Spoke too soon the passenger airbag light back on....will explore on new thread.

Patrick E61

You likely have a fault seat sensor in the passenger seat. I had that failure in my E39 Touring (replaced for free), and the original owner of my E61 also had it replaced.

jay 535d

Have had it confirmed by the local BMW dealer. Have read many discussions and have opted for a bypass module. Will let you know how it works out but from everything I have read its quite simple to install.

Tiago

I have a friend that tried a high performance DPF and the car went immediately into limp mode. That reprogramming that you said is made by BMW dealer or a ECU tuner?

Anzafin

ECU tuner. I don't think that any dealer would ever program that.

Tiago

Thanks. I had already figured out and the ECU tuner need to have also the DPF removal software to do that.

BTW Anzafin, why didn't you deleted the catalystic? Catless diesels can pass smog inspections without problems. Or you could buy a sport cat and mount it in the middle of the exhaust system. The reason for this is because the turbo suffer alot by having the cat so close. The further from the turbo, the less stress will have, the more heat will dissipate and it will increase its longevity, or the more boost can run and thus more HP.