I am about to trade in my 2003 BMW 320d for a 2011 example of the same model but with automatic transmission. My current car is manual and does not have a diesel particulate filter, but the new one does. I see a good deal of adverse comment about the repair costs of DPFs, but what percentage of owners suffer from a blockage? Is the BMW diesel N47N 2.0-litre engine more or less prone than any other?

Also, being a torque converter automatic, the new 320d will avoid dual mass flywheel issues but what of manifold intake flap and exhaust gas recirculation problems? Are there any signs of the industry stepping back from all these technical complexities?