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What sort of journey is sufficient to allow the DPF to clear in a diesel BMW 3 Series?

I was interested to read the question titled "Agriculture club" that concluded "you bought completely the wrong engine for your type of use". I'm currently considering a new, or nearly new, BMW 3 Series and had conversations with several main dealer salesmen about whether to go for diesel or petrol, and none mentioned the perils of short journeys as a consideration. What would you consider "short runs"?

Asked on 8 June 2013 by AC, Little Paxton, Cambs.

Answered by Honest John
I run diesel long-term cars and never have any trouble with them. That's a C-Max 2.0TDCI, RAV4 T180, Focus Econetic, Mazda 5 1.6d, BMW 320dED, and now a Mazda 6 2.2d Skyactiv auto. I have never had DPF problems. But I never drive any of them distances of less than three miles without immediately taking them greater distances.

Back in December in the 320dED I had six consecutive short runs from cold of around seven miles to the airport. After the sixth, the DPF was regenerating on my arrival at home. If you are aware of this when you stop (smell of burning), it's best to leave the engine running until the regeneration cycle is complete. Basically, with a BMW you will get away with short runs from cold of six or seven miles. And I averaged 63mpg over 7000 miles, which isn't bad for a 140mph car.
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