BMW vehicles are commonly equipped with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs), which are integrated into the exhaust systems of newer models. DPFs are crucial for capturing and eliminating Diesel Particulate Matter or soot from diesel engine exhaust. When diesel fuel is combusted, it produces smoke and tiny particles of soot and ash, which are trapped by the DPF. If the DPF malfunctions, the vehicle can experience a buildup of exhaust back pressure, leading to immobility.
DPFs are engineered to last for more than 100,000 miles, provided that the vehicle is operated correctly. When the DPF filter becomes clogged, it can no longer burn away all the excess diesel particulate matter it filters from the exhaust. To get rid of the residue, the car must be driven at high speeds for a sufficient period of time to increase the temperature or the engine will inject extra fuel to raise the temperature and burn away the soot from the filter.
BMW started fitting DPFs to their vehicles in the mid-2000s, with models like the BMW 5 Series, 7 Series, and X5 being some of the early models to feature the technology.
