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Is a DPF essential?

A warning about particle filter failure has started to show up intermittently. My garage tells me it needs replacing but there is possible chance that BMW might make a small goodwill contribution to the cost because of low mileage (60k) for this problem.

Some people have told me that I should go to an exhaust specialist and that I should just have the DPF removed altogether and not replaced for a fraction of the price. My garage says that without a DPF the car will never pass the emission test in the MOT.

Who should I believe?

Thanks

Asked on 3 May 2012 by Peter Morris

Answered by Honest John
it is illegal to remove a catalytic converter and it is illegal under EC law to interfere with the emissions equipment on a car. But VOSA does not seem to have drafted its new MoT rules to take account of this (forgetting that on a diesel a DPF is effectively a catalytic converter), so you could remove a DPF, you might get away with it at an MoT, but in years to come you might get done for running what is effectively an illegal car and was from the point you removed the DPF.

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