Assistance for exhaust gas aftertreatment - experience and potential costs?

Hello everyone, thank you very much for your answers and your words of encouragement! So, armed with your advice, I drove to my garage. They read out the fault memory and sure enough: the catalytic converter was blocked and had to be replaced. At just under €1250, the repair was no bargain. So far, no further problems have arisen and my Skoda is purring like a kitten again! So thank you again for your efforts and valuable input! I wish you all a safe journey at all times! Best regards!

(Translated from German)

Hi, I had a similar problem with my 2016 Skoda Superb. Check engine light display, low power and a strange smell. First of all, don't worry. The symptoms sound like a problem with the catalytic converter. Often the system is just clogged and needs to be cleaned, which is usually not a big deal. When I was at the garage the other day, my car had to be left there too. They treated the filter overnight with a special cleaning agent. The next day everything was fine again and there were no more abnormalities. So, don't panic! It's best to drive to a garage and just have it read out. Have a safe journey!

(Translated from German)

Hey, thanks for your quick reply. That reassures me a little. So you only needed a catalyst cleaning? One last question - do you have a rough idea of how much it cost you? And have there been any other problems with the diesel particulate filter since then? Best regards!

(Translated from German)

Hi, in my case it was only the catalytic converter cleaning and no further problems have occurred since then. So, calm down, it can happen to anyone! The cost for me was around €265. It was a leak in the exhaust tract that had to be repaired. But as I said, since I've been to the mechanic, the exhaust aftertreatment malfunction hasn't occurred again. I had similar problems in my old car, a 2002 Opel Astra. Best regards and have a good trip!

(Translated from German)

Hello everyone, I also drive a petrol car and had similar problems to yours with my 5 year old BMW. At a mileage of just under 75,000 km, the engine light started to come on and I noticed a strong exhaust smell. Just like you, I had the problem with the exhaust aftertreatment malfunction. The cause was also the catalytic converter. A thorough cleaning was necessary to rectify the problem. This should normally be carried out after around 80,000 - 120,000 km, but this varies from vehicle to vehicle. The cost was reasonable, around €350, and since then my BMW has been running perfectly again. So cheer up, it doesn't sound like a total loss to me. The best thing to do is to go to your mechanic and have the fault memory read out. The guys and gals in the workshop will certainly find the cause quickly. Have a safe journey and best wishes!

(Translated from German)