Description

This professional DPF restoration service is designed for the BMW 320d (E90) fitted with the 2.0-litre N47D20 Euro 5 diesel engine. At Gap Turbos in Birmingham, we provide a complete range of diesel particulate filter restoration options, specialising in advanced workshop ultrasonic and thermal cleaning that recovers your original unit to near-new flow rates.

The DPF is a critical emission control component that captures soot particles from the exhaust gas. On the N47 engine, these filters are highly susceptible to premature blockage, often triggered by auxiliary component failures such as faulty glow plugs, a sticking EGR valve, or degraded engine thermostats that prevent the coolant from reaching the 75°C required to trigger passive regeneration. Over time, soot turns to unburnable ash, restricting exhaust flow, increasing backpressure, and eventually damaging the turbocharger seals.

What this diesel particulate filter (DPF) fits

This service directly covers the original equipment BMW DPF (OE part number BM11041, alternative part number 18307812281) installed on the BMW 3 Series 320d E90 saloon and estate models produced between 2007 and 2012. This includes the Euro 5 compliant 177bhp and 184bhp variants of the N47D20 engine.

If your filter’s internal ceramic substrate is intact and unmelted, our workshop-based ultrasonic and thermal cleaning process is highly effective, removing up to 99% of accumulated soot and ash. This service is 70-90% cheaper than purchasing a brand-new replacement unit from a main dealer. For local vehicles in the West Midlands, we also offer mobile on-vehicle cleaning and forced regeneration services. Please note that removing the DPF entirely is illegal under UK road traffic laws and will result in an immediate MOT failure. Contact Gap Turbos today for a competitive quote and details on our standard service warranty.

Specifications

Vehicle fitment

• BMW 320d E90

Common faults & troubleshooting

[‘DPF warning light on dashboard: Run a diagnostic scan to check for fault codes 480A and 481A, which indicate heavy soot accumulation and restricted exhaust flow.’, ‘Loss of engine power (limp mode): Inspect backpressure sensor readings using a diagnostic tool; high backpressure restricts turbocharger spooling, triggering safe mode.’, ‘Frequent or incomplete regeneration cycles: Check engine coolant temperature via the hidden instrument cluster menu; if it stays below 75°C, replace both the main and EGR thermostats.’, ‘Strong diesel smell in the cabin or rising oil level: Check for fuel dilution in the engine oil caused by aborted regeneration attempts, and change the oil immediately to prevent engine runaway.’, ‘Hissing sound from the engine bay under acceleration: Inspect the exhaust manifold joints and the DPF flexi-pipe for cracks or soot deposits caused by excessive backpressure build-up.’]

Fitting notes for this unit

[‘Always replace the metal crush gasket and the V-band clamp connecting the DPF to the turbocharger outlet to prevent exhaust leaks that throw off sensor readings.’, ‘Inspect and replace the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensor and differential pressure sensor pipes, as these frequently seize or become brittle and crack during removal.’, “After refitting the cleaned DPF, you must use a diagnostic tool to reset the DPF adaptation values and register a ‘new’ filter replacement in the engine control unit (ECU).”, ‘Before starting the engine, resolve any active glow plug or thermostat fault codes, otherwise the ECU will not permit future regenerations, leading to rapid re-blocking.’, ‘Check the flexible section of the DPF pipe for fraying or leaks; if damaged, it must be professionally welded or replaced before the unit is reinstalled.’]

Alternative part numbers

This turbo is also referenced by:

• 18307812281 — BMW DPF OEM 18307812281 (BMW 320d E90, N47D20, Euro 5)

Frequently asked questions