Buying C-class without DPF?

[nippynoo]

I'm thinking of buying a c-class C220cdi (W203 2005/06) at auction - hopefully without a DPF fitted - and hence wont have more that 1 minute to check under the bonnet before it goes into the auction hall. So is there any way just by looking to see whether a C-class has a DPF fitted? Where is the DPF and what does it look like? Thanks

 

[rf065]

Someone posted last week that if a DPF is fitted, the exhaust tips will not be covered in black soot. Not fool proof by any means though.

Russ

 

[nippynoo]

sounds useful.... but suppose I lift the bonnet up, or crawl underneath, do any experts out there know where the DPF is or what it looks like? thanks

 

[netman]

Jumping in here,

I currently looking at C Class's with a view to buy later in the year, noticed models with/without DPF, what is it (particule filter??) and advantages/disadvantages?

Thx

 

[rf065]

sounds useful.... but suppose I lift the bonnet up, or crawl underneath, do any experts out there know where the DPF is or what it looks like? thanks

I've never seen one myself, don't know what they look like or where they are fitted. Only thing I know is that a Mercedes Executive interviewed last year said that they were not fitted as standard in the UK, only some European countries had them as standard although that may change in the future.

I know one member bought a 2008 C class and it doesn't have one fitted, but someone reckons they are now fitted to the new S class 320's. So, I would suspect the chances of finding a c class with a DPF are slim, but you never know, some miguided green person might have decided to ask for one to be fitted. and just your luck to buy it.

Russ

 

[maybulz]

I guessed a DPF was some kind of filter so I looked it up as Im currently looking at a c-class my self I found this http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/fuels-and-environment/diesel-particulate-filters.html this would explain why one with out a DPF may prove to be advantageous.

I'm no expert with cars so any advanced opinion would obviously over ride my little bit of knowledge, from what I can see some guys (and gals) have extensive valuable knowledge on this forum

 

[netman]

I guessed a DPF was some kind of filter so I looked it up as Im currently looking at a c-class my self I found this http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/fuels-and-environment/diesel-particulate-filters.html this would explain why one with out a DPF may prove to be advantageous.

Thanks for the link

 

[dave.robbo]

Hmm. There seems to be a major flaw with the dpf's!! Load of rubbish!!

 

[coxyhog]

I asked a main dealer this about mine,he said look at the label next to the oil filler point.If a dpf is fitted it details a certain oil spec.I can't remember what it is but a call to a main dealer service dept should clarify it.

 

[seabadger]

.......... So is there any way just by looking to see whether a C-class has a DPF fitted? Where is the DPF and what does it look like? Thanks

On top of the engine under the cover there will be a sticker saying use only engine oil to MB 229.31 or 229.51 spec. This is low ash oil, typically Mobil ESP, etc. Other oil will stuff up the Particle Filter sooner. It's also very expensive - the most expensive oil on the shelf - like £17 per litre.

Cheapest compliant oil I have found is Syner Z 5w-30 RRP £39.99 for 5 litres. Check out http://www.commaoil.com/

You can't see the filter - it's inside the exhaust manifold or just after. Like you can't see a catalytic converter but it's in there and expensive if damaged.

Seabadger