To regen a DPF you basically have to drive it on a long run over 50mph. If you don't do this every so often then you'll have to have a forced regen done.

 

Hi guys!

Just thought I'd update this.

Yesterday I had a successful regen done on the M69 as verified via a C110 BMW scanner. The exhaust temp climbed up to around 580-600 ish degrees if I remember correctly and then the 'DPF status' on the scanner read 'active'.

The car was driving as if it were in 'S' mode at 65MPH and the revs were around 2300-2500. This lasted approx 15-20 mins.

Once I had reached my destination, I had a quick look at the exhaust tips and there was some white/grey ash substance. I cannot recommend the BMW C110 scanner highly for all Diesel engines for monitorin the engine temps and dpf status.

The only thing I noticed is that, the car didn't regen on the way back home whilst using the same driving style. I'm only guessing as it didn't require a 'regen' and was up to date in that department.

Now this morning, driving to work, I realised the engine felt slightly more relaxed and the mpg was slightly better. I think the DPF have an effect on the running of the vehicle if not regenerated for a prolonged period.

Hope this post helps

 

Does the BMWhat app have indicators on it that one could deduce if reg is taking place?

I guess need to see if it reports on:

Exhaust temp
Engine Revs

So is it correct to say that normally the exhaust temp would not go above 500C?

And we are looking for an increase in revs at the same speed / gradient?

Do you recall how soon into your journey the regen was triggered?

Also, if there is a statistic reported on Exhaust Back pressure, would we expect that this should degrease while the reg is taking place? Do we know what the Back pressure reading should be to indicate good DPF status?

Appreciate some feedback soon as I drive mostly locally and am due to go on long run on Sat. I had my stats changed but still have glow plug errors so not sure if it will trigger or not! Will be dealing with the glow plugs soon.

 

From what I understand, glow plug errors will not enable the DPF to regenerate.

Firstly, get yourself familiar with the hidden menu to check your coolant temperature. Then get yourself a BMW C110 scanner (I bought mine for £35 new) and check 'DME control unit' for any errors. Erase the errors if any present but make note of the errors stored incase if something needs attention.

Once you've started your car before your long drive, scan ecu for any faults and erase memory. About 10mins into your journey, your DPF should start the burning(cleaning) process. Ideally, you would need to keep the revs above 2000 rpm and do no more than 70mph. I would advise 60-65mph. If you've got the bmw scanner as mentioned above, it will show a visual indication that the DPF is regenerating. Regen typically lasts for 15-20 mins.

The main requirements are more than 15 litres of fuel, 75+ degrees Celsius of coolant temperature, engine revs above 2000 and no DPF or glow plug errors stored in the ecu, as whilst these being present, will not enable the DPF to regenerate.

Kind regards

PS hope this helps

 

I think the DPF temperature can reach up to 600oC but do not take my answer as a definite as I can't remember lol

 

Thanks for your feedback.

I'm going on a long drive this Sat and am hoping to get my glow plugs resolved next Sat. Then may be another long drive the weekend after.

Would rather not spend money on a BMW C110 scanner if it does not provide much additional functionality compared to the BMWhat app used in conjunction with a OBD ELM327 adaptor which I just invested in last week.

 

I've not used the BMW app to which you are referring to, however the BMW C110 is like INPA/DIS in a handheld scanner. It is BMW specific and shows DPF temps/DPF regen status. It is a very in depth tool compared to the generic obd tools on the market which are useless as they only work when a 'check engine' light is illuminated.

Kind regards

 

Also I wouldn't bother replacing glow plugs unless you're having starting issues. I'd get a glow plug relay on it and that's it. If your app is showing more than 2-3 glow plug faults, it's most likely the glowplug relay as opposed to the plugs. Common failure. Plus there's always a risk with glowplugs snapping upon removal so I'd be a bit wary.

 

Got 6 glow plug errors. Sound advise. Noted. Thanks.

 

Deffo glowplug relay !!

 

Hi guys just a quick one..

Driving home now, realised my car was taking longer to change gears (2000+ rpm), so whipped out my C110 and noticed that the exhaust temps were around 600ish and it was showing an DPF status active. I thought a DPF only regens over 60mph and on the motorway?

 

Coolant temp was around 98 before it settled...

 

My car had glow plug errors when I bought it. Had them replaced along with the control unit and thermostats as temp was not getting above 67. Since then I've noticed what I'm pretty sure is a regen twice but whilst driving around town stuck in traffic! The exhaust noise sounded different like it had an after market exhaust for about 20 mins.

Like you I was under the impression it only happened on long trips driving at a constant speed above 50mph but mine seems to kick in when it wants!

I'm going to invest in one of those scanners as it sounds like a helpful bit of kit and I'll do some monitoring.