Mercedes CLA-Class Diesel Particulate Filter DPF C117 (2013-2019)

The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is an exhaust system component on the Mercedes CLA-Class Coupé (C117), particularly for diesel engines like the OM651 (e.g., CLA 200 CDI / d 2.1 or CLA 220 CDI / d). Its main function is to capture soot particles from the exhaust gases to reduce pollution. It is located after the catalytic converter. On 4MATIC versions, the DPF is sometimes in two parts to allow the driveshaft passage.

Common symptoms of a clogged or defective DPF include:

• Engine warning light on with fault code P2463 indicating a blocked particulate filter.
• Excessive soot level, for example reaching 291% before cleaning and dropping to 0% after treatment.
• High differential pressure readings indicating soot build-up.
• Entering limp mode, visible white smoke, and loss of engine power.
• At high mileage (above 350,000 km), a rattling noise may occur if the filter is broken.
• Premature clogging can happen as early as 61,000 km or 133,000 km with excessive urban driving without regeneration.

Several non-disassembly cleaning methods exist:

• Chemical injection via the differential pressure sensor: Use a cleaner such as Xenum DPF Cleaner by disconnecting the right hose, injecting through a cannula by pulses, waiting 20 minutes, then driving the car at 2500-3000 rpm for 20-30 minutes to regenerate the filter. This reduces soot level to 0% and normalises pressure.
• Passive regeneration: Driving at 60-80 km/h for 24-30 minutes depending on the CDI model helps burn off accumulated soot.
• Forced regeneration: Using OBD diagnostic tools to command the DPF regeneration. This is less effective on heavily clogged filters and should be avoided if repeated.
• Additional tips: Inject cleaning product against gas flow on the filter inlet side and replace the pressure sensor if faulty.

For severely clogged or damaged DPFs, dismantling is recommended:

• Step 1: Remove the DPF unit, which is fairly accessible on OM651 engines, including from above or below on 4MATIC models.
• Step 2: Soak the filter in diluted dishwasher tablets in hot water, plug openings, and rinse counterflow with a high-pressure pump after removing temperature sensors, gas probes, and pipes.
• Step 3: Rinse until water runs clear, usually after two wash cycles.
• Professional centres can test flow and pressure before and after cleaning and may refuse parts previously treated with chemicals.

Replacing the DPF may be necessary if cleaning does not restore function.

Typical specifications include:

• CLA 220 CDI / d model: Complies with OBD and CE/CEE standards; after cleaning, recommended driving at 65-80 km/h for 24 minutes to complete soot burn-off.
• CLA 200 CDI / d 2.1: Weight approximately 6.8 kg, made of cordierite, length around 440 mm; driving at 60-80 km/h for 25-30 minutes post-cleaning is advised.

Installation requires connection to the intermediate pipe with a clamp tightened to the specified torque.

Costs for cleaning and replacement vary, with cleaning generally preferred over full replacement to reduce expenses. For example, a heavily clogged OM651 DPF can require about 16 hours of labour plus accessories if replaced.

Best practices include:

• Regular highway driving at higher speeds (e.g., one hour in Sport+ mode) to facilitate natural regeneration.
• Avoid excessive urban driving without periodic regeneration to prevent premature clogging.
• Use professional diagnostic tools to check DPF condition before taking action.

Repeated chemical treatments may damage the DPF and lead to refusal of warranty or service at specialist centres.

Injecting cleaning fluid via the pressure differential sensor side (typically the right-hand hose) is an effective method to clean the DPF without removal. It’s important to inject the product against the gas flow (inlet side) and allow the chemical to act before driving the car to complete regeneration at higher engine rpm.

• Disconnect the right hose fitting (10 mm nut),
• Insert the injection cannula,
• Inject cleaning solution with pulses, then wait about 20 minutes,
• Finally, drive at 2500-3000 rpm for 20-30 minutes to regenerate the filter.

This method can reduce the soot level to zero and normalise pressure values, avoiding dismantling costs if done early enough.

For genuine and high-quality replacement DPFs compatible with Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 CDI / d and CLA 220 CDI / d diesel engines, it is recommended to choose parts certified and manufactured in Europe. Such parts often come with quality certifications by renowned bodies and provide warranty coverage up to 3 years with usage limits.

• Look for DPFs manufactured in stainless steel (INOX 409) with high-performance cordierite monoliths.
• Choose brands that provide technical support, detailed installation guides, and real-time delivery tracking.
• Standard delivery is usually free within the UK, with express options available for faster receipt.

Always ensure you order the exact DPF model suitable for your engine code and vehicle version to guarantee compatibility and performance.

This helps reduce your vehicle's emissions while maintaining engine power and fuel consumption at optimal levels.