How much does a particulate filter cost? Is it better to repair it or replace it?

If the DPF fails, you need to weigh whether it’s better to replace or repair it, and take into account the price of a new or exchange particulate filter

The particulate filter or diesel particulate filter, also known as the DPF, is one of the emission control devices that the automotive industry has been relying on for years.

Initially fitted to cars with diesel engines, the introduction of DPFs to petrol engines has led to the widespread adoption of these anti-pollution devices in new vehicles.

Tighter regulations and, consequently, stricter mandatory inspections at the stations where the compulsory MOT test is carried out mean that this is one of the serious or major defects considered reasons a car can fail its MOT.

That is why we are going to address whether it is worth repairing or replacing it, as well as find out the price of a particulate filter, new or exchange.

What to do if a particulate filter fails?

If the particulate filter is not working properly, the emissions test readings will show levels of particulates retained in the soot from combustion that are being expelled into the atmosphere, which is a sign that the DPF is malfunctioning.

Cars are normally capable of carrying out a maintenance and cleaning process for the DPF known as DPF regeneration, which burns off and removes the residue.

If the problem persists, it is advisable to take the car to a garage to assess the situation and decide whether it is better to repair the DPF or replace it.

Is it better to repair a DPF or replace it with a new or exchange unit?

The specialists consulted advise that, for a car whose service life exceeds 180,000 kilometres, it is recommended to replace the DPF with a new one or opt for an exchange unit, that is, a recycled and reconditioned part, which must likewise come with a manufacturer’s or distributor’s warranty.

It is therefore necessary to know how much a new particulate filter costs and what the price of an exchange DPF is.

How much does it cost to replace the DPF?

On many vehicles, the particulate filter is integrated with the catalytic converter, so the part to be replaced includes both harmful gas retention devices.

The cheapest new DPFs are those for engines where both components are separate, for example, the price of a DPF for the 1.9 DCi engines fitted to the Renault Mégane or Scénic from 2005 to 2009 starts at around 150 euros, while the price doubles, to around 300 euros, for the DPF for the 1.9 TDI engines of the Volkswagen Golf (2003 to 2008), Audi A3 (2003-10) or Seat Leon (2005-10).

For its part, vehicles such as the Toyota RAV4 2.2 D-4D (2008 to 2013) cost 400 euros, and some distributors even offer a new replacement for over 600 euros.

It should be noted that, in addition to the DPF itself, the differential pressure sensor for the particulate filter must also be replaced, the price of which can range from just over 20 euros, as in the case of the aforementioned 1.9 TDI engines of the Volkswagen group, up to 40 euros for the 2.2 D-4D unit of the Toyota.

For its part, for a Ford C-Max 1.6 TDCi (2007-10), replacement with an exchange DPF, fitting included, costs 480 euros, to which VAT must be added.

The final price for replacing a particulate filter will depend on the part itself as well as the hourly labour rate set by the garage. These costs will also vary depending on whether or not the garage belongs to an official network and on the brand concerned.

For this article, we have taken as a reference the information provided by the Motor Cebis garage regarding exchange filters and labour costs, which, according to these specialists, can start from 90 euros, with the average sitting at 150 euros.

In addition, for the prices of new DPFs, the amounts published are those listed by various distributors that allow private buyers to purchase through their websites.