Compare BMW diesel particulate filter clean quotes from specialist garages

Looming hundreds of feet up in Munich's skyline is BMW's headquarters, a vast and impressive building designed to look like four engine cylinders - the configuration that drove much of the brand's early success.

BMW has come a long way since 1927, when it produced its first car, the Dixi, shortly to be renamed the BMW 3/15. In 2022, it was awarded 'Best Manufacturer' at the AutoCar Britain's Best Car Awards, and the same year, it triumphed at the WhatCar? Awards, winning more accolades than any other brand. The M5 special edition, celebrating 20 years of BMW motorsport, is one of the rarest M automobiles in the world.

See how BMW's maintenance prices compare to Audi and Mercedes in this guide.

Diesel particulate filters are crucial because they capture and store exhaust soot to help reduce your car's emissions. Since 2009, all diesel cars have been required to have a DPF.

Passive regeneration is the primary way of keeping a DPF filter clean. It happens when the exhaust reaches a high temperature, typically while on a motorway. However, many cars don't reach this stage often enough, making the DPF clogged.

Find out how to avoid DPF problems in this guide.

When do I need a professional DPF clean? This is a common question. When the filter gets clogged up with soot, a warning light will usually appear on your dashboard, indicating you need to arrange a DPF filter cleaning or replacement. Other signs include black soot coming from your exhaust and decreased fuel efficiency.

To solve this problem, you could look for a garage that will carry out a DPF clean near you or book a mobile DPF cleaning service. Find out how much it's likely to cost in this guide.