BMW X5 DPF Warning: Regen Failure & Performance Drop

Hi there! I've got some experience with diesels and had a very similar issue with my 2019 BMW X3. The symptoms you're describing are exactly what I faced, DPF light, sluggish performance, and that annoying smoke. My workshop diagnosed it as a faulty exhaust back pressure sensor. Got it replaced and everything went back to normal. Total bill was around 245, parts and labor included. The whole thing took about 2-3 hours to fix. Just to make sure we're dealing with the same problem, could you share if you're getting any specific error codes? Also, how many miles/kilometers are on your X5? This could help identify if it's definitely the sensor or maybe something else in the DPF system. By the way, if you're getting the same codes I had, get it checked soon. Driving around with this issue isn't great for the engine. Hope this helps!

Thanks for sharing your experience! I've got 53684 KM on mine, and just had my service last month. After reading your reply, I'm pretty sure we're dealing with the same issue. Getting error code P2452, and those symptoms match exactly what I'm experiencing. Really appreciate the heads up about the repair costs and time, helps me plan better. Will get it into the workshop first thing this week. Definitely don't want to risk any engine damage by putting it off. Did you notice any improvement in fuel consumption after the repair? Mine's been drinking fuel like crazy since this started.

Hi again! Yeah, that P2452 code is exactly what I had too! And speaking of fuel consumption, absolutely noticed a difference after the fix. My X3 was gulping diesel like there was no tomorrow when the sensor was acting up. Once they replaced it, fuel economy went back to normal within a couple of tanks. Just to add to my earlier response, after having the sensor replaced, I've had zero issues for almost two years now. The smoke completely disappeared, and the DPF's been regenerating properly ever since. One thing I learned though, the workshop mentioned it's worth getting the DPF cleaned while they're at it. I skipped that part initially but ended up going back for it a month later because there was still a tiny bit of hesitation during acceleration. By the way, with your mileage being similar to what mine was when this happened, it's pretty much confirming it's the same issue. These sensors tend to act up around the 50-60K mark from what my mechanic told me. Let me know how it goes after you get it fixed! Curious to hear if your experience matches mine.

Thanks so much for all the detailed info! That's really helpful about getting the DPF cleaned too, I'll definitely ask them to do both jobs at once to avoid making two trips. Makes total sense about the mileage pattern too, seems like these sensors have a pretty predictable lifespan. I'll book it in tomorrow and will make sure to mention both the sensor replacement and DPF cleaning. Really glad to hear your fuel consumption went back to normal, that's been driving me crazy lately. Been spending way too much at the pump! Thanks again for all your help and sharing your experience. It's made me feel much more confident about what needs to be done. Will definitely update once it's fixed!