Diesel particulate filters have become common place in most new cars.  The filter is also abbreviated to DPF and is designed to remove the diesel particulate matter or soot from the exhaust of diesel vehicles.

The filters are very high maintenance and can actually require more attention than catalytic converters. This is because the ash that cannot be converted in to a gas builds up on the filter walls. This forces the pressure to build up and warning lights (engine management light) come on the dash before driveability or damage is an issue. You could experience loss of power until your DPF regenerates. The best way to start this regeneration is to drive around in 4^th gear at 2000 RPM.

The problem is that in my experience this can just be the start of your problems.  For example a lot of BMW drivers are reporting that their DPF is having problems way before the 100,000 mile guideline given by BMW. This is why we have seen an increase in BMW DPF removal companies.

If the light does come on and you are having problems with your DPF,  then you need to make a decision on what to do.  You can either have it replaced or removed, depending on your circumstances. A replacement can be very expensive and if you keep experiencing the problem, the price of keeping your car on the road is only going to mount up. I have seen that DPF removal offers a good solution because it can avoid costly repairs. A DPF is not essential and removing could give you increased reliability, more power and torque and avoid those costly repairs.  Don’t do it yourself though as it will be difficult and you need your ECU re-programming,so go to a specialist!