BMW 5-Series DPF Failure: Black Smoke and Power Loss

Hi there! I had a similar issue with my 2013 BMW 3 Series diesel last year. I have some experience working on cars, but DPF issues are pretty complex. My car showed the same symptoms, warning lights, black smoke, and poor performance. After trying a few forced regeneration cycles that didn't work, I took it to my trusted workshop. They diagnosed a completely clogged DPF that couldn't be cleaned anymore. Had to replace the whole unit, which set me back about 1550 Euro, ouch! But the car's been running perfectly since then. Could you share your current mileage and how often you do long drives? Also, what's your typical driving pattern? These details would help understand if it's just a clogged filter that needs regeneration or if you're looking at a replacement like I did. The 5 Series is a different beast from my 3 Series, so knowing more about your specific model (520d, 525d, etc.) would help me give you more relevant advice based on my experience.

Hey! Thanks for sharing your experience. My last service was just 2 weeks ago, and I'm currently at 139553 KM. I'm actually dealing with the exact same symptoms you described. Since you mentioned driving patterns, I mostly do short trips, which I now realize probably contributed to the DPF clogging up faster. The forced regeneration trick didn't work for me either, and the warning lights keep coming back. Been reading up on DPF replacements, and honestly, your repair cost sounds about right from what I've gathered. Did you notice any immediate performance improvements after the replacement? I'm trying to decide if I should attempt any other fixes first or just bite the bullet and get the full replacement done.

Hey again! Yeah, after dealing with my own DPF saga, I can totally relate to what you're going through. The short trips definitely don't help, that was exactly my problem too. About the performance improvements, oh it was like getting a new car! Right after the replacement, the difference was incredible. The engine felt much more responsive, that annoying black smoke completely disappeared, and obviously, all the warning lights went away. My fuel consumption even got better by about 1.5-2 liters per 100km. Given what you've described and based on my experience, I'd say don't waste time and money on temporary fixes. I tried that route initially, used various DPF cleaners and even had a workshop attempt a manual regeneration. Nothing worked long-term, and I ended up spending extra money before finally getting the replacement. Trust me, I know the replacement cost is pretty steep, but it's worth it in the long run. Just make sure you go to a reputable workshop, maybe even the dealer since these BMWs can be quite finicky. After my replacement, I started doing more highway drives to prevent the same issue from happening again. Been running smooth for over a year now! One tip though, after you get it replaced, try to include at least one longer drive (30+ minutes) every week. That's what I've been doing, and it seems to help keep the DPF happy.

Thanks a lot for all that detailed feedback! It's really helpful to hear from someone who's been through the same ordeal. You've pretty much convinced me to go ahead with the replacement, seems like there's no point throwing good money after bad with temporary solutions. The improved fuel consumption you mentioned is definitely a nice bonus. I'll start calling around some reputable workshops tomorrow to get quotes. And I appreciate that tip about the longer drives, I'll definitely make it a point to take the car on weekly longer runs once this is sorted. I was hesitant about spending so much on the replacement, but hearing how it transformed your car's performance makes it seem worth the investment. Better to fix it properly now than risk more expensive engine problems down the line. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience!

Bmw x1 e84 year of construction 2014 118D Exhaust pressure 60bar when stationary. Dpf error 480a is displayed. Cannot be regenerated! Performance drop increased fuel consumption every 1500 km, 1 l oil after tipping. Is required. It does not lose oil, it burns it!

(Translated from German)

A high exhaust pressure reading and the inability to regenerate the DPF, along with error code 480A, suggest a severely clogged DPF. The performance drop and increased fuel consumption, along with oil consumption, indicate that the engine is under stress, possibly due to the back pressure from the clogged DPF. First, check for any exhaust leaks or damaged sensors that might be affecting the readings. If everything seems intact, it's crucial to address the DPF issue promptly. Given the symptoms, a DPF replacement might be necessary. Since burning oil can also indicate other engine issues, such as worn piston rings or valve seals, it's important to have a mechanic inspect the engine to prevent further damage. Please update on your progress or if you have any further questions.