Those of us with DPFs are by now familiar with their operation, intricacies, foibles and pitfalls but what about the DPF on the 2.0L BMW engines? Does anyone have any knowledge or experience of this?

I'm asking as I'm considering getting a couple of 120d BMWs for my Company that will be used mostly in an urban environment, our offices are in NW London and staff also live in London.

If these were to be VAG group cars I would not be buying due to their ability to clog the DPF and the specific driving routine to 'regenerate' it; I would get petrol engined cars. Are the BMW diesels any different?

PS> I've tried looking on a couple of BMW forums but can't see any info and I've also contacted BMW UK who have only given me the technical info about what a DPF is and how it operates; nothing about real world usage!

We use 320d Tourings at work as response cars. Now I know the majority of their work is being driven quite hard, but they also spend a great deal of time at scenes with the engine left running at idle for several hours, all without problems generally.

We use 320d Tourings at work as response cars. Now I know the majority of their work is being driven quite hard, but they also spend a great deal of time at scenes with the engine left running at idle for several hours, all without problems generally.

Being left on idle would not, I'd have imagined, be a problem and being driven hard would clear the tubes.

Its that time in between, just chugging around town, that will potentially create an issue.

Just a bit more background & information. Question to BMW Customer Services (sent this morning);-

"A further final (I hope) couple of questions, if I may.

1. Understanding the mechanism by which the DPF is regenerated, during this regeneration is there any special driving style required?

2. Also understanding that a Cyclic regeneration can be initiated (e.g. in heavy urban traffic) how long does it run for?

3. What happens if the DPF cannot be cleared of soot by the Cyclic regeneration?

I await the favour of your response."

and here is the response I have just received;-

"Thank you for your further email.

I have now exhausted my information on the diesel particulate filter and how it works and I am unable to answer these questions. I now need to refer you to your local BMW Approved Dealership, whose technicians are in a better position to discuss these questions. If they are unsure of the answers they have the facility to raise a technical enquiry on your behalf which will provide the answers.

The contact details for your nearest dealership can be found by using the following link:

BMW UK : Find a dealer

Please accept my apologies that I am unable to provide further information."

Seems like BMW Customer Services are no better than any other.

why cant they raise one for you?

Hmmm someone at UK HQ can't find the answer, so they refer you to a local branch...

yeah, they're really going to know.

"oh that's a verytechnical query sir, we'll just ask HQ for you"

repeat step 1