BMW X1 DPF Troubles: Power Loss and Failed Emissions

Hi there! I have some experience working on cars and had a similar issue with my 2015 BMW X3 diesel last year. Your symptoms sound exactly like what I went through! My car was also struggling with power loss and DPF issues. Took it to my regular workshop where they diagnosed a faulty exhaust back pressure sensor. They replaced it, cleared the error codes, and did a forced DPF regeneration. Total bill came to 245 Euro, but it sorted the problem completely. Haven't had any DPF warnings since then. I also had a 2011 BMW 3-Series before this one, which was more reliable with the DPF system. Before I share more specific details that might help, could you share: Current mileage on your X1? Any recent service history? Are you doing mostly short trips or longer drives? Feel free to ask any other questions!

Thanks for sharing your experience! My X1's done 82348 KM and just had its service last month. Been mostly doing longer drives, which makes this DPF issue even more puzzling. That's quite reassuring to hear your repair cost wasn't astronomical. Was the sensor replacement straightforward, or did they need to do any additional work? Also, how long did the whole repair take? I'm hoping it's just the sensor like in your case and not the entire DPF unit needing replacement. Been dreading the potential cost if it's something more serious.

Hey again! Yeah, with those longer drives you're doing, it's definitely strange to have DPF issues, that's exactly what I thought with mine too! The sensor replacement itself was pretty straightforward, took about 2 hours total. The workshop had to remove some components to access the sensor (you know how cramped these engine bays are), but nothing major. The most time-consuming part was actually the forced regeneration after the sensor replacement, that took another hour or so. Based on your mileage, I'd say you're in a good position. My X3 had about 95000 KM when this happened, and like I mentioned, the sensor replacement sorted everything. The DPF itself was actually in decent condition when they checked it. One thing I forgot to mention in my first reply, before taking it to the workshop, I tried a few high-speed runs to force a regeneration, but no luck. Sounds like you're experiencing the same. The faulty sensor was basically telling the car's computer that regeneration wasn't needed, even though it was! Trust me, I know that worry about potential DPF replacement costs, I was sweating bullets too! But chances are good you're looking at just the sensor like I was. Let me know how it goes when you get it checked out!

Thanks so much for all the detailed info, that's really put my mind at ease! It's super helpful to hear about the actual repair process and timeline. Two hours for the sensor plus an hour for regeneration sounds totally manageable. I've booked my X1 in for next week, and I'll definitely mention your experience with the sensor replacement to the mechanic. Really appreciate you taking the time to explain everything, especially about the high-speed runs, I tried those too without success, so that fits perfectly with what you're saying about the sensor misleading the computer. Fingers crossed it'll be the same straightforward fix as yours! I'll try not to worry too much about worst-case scenarios now. If it all works out, I'll know exactly what to watch for in the future too. Thanks again for all your help!