Wheels Australia - June 2018

32 whichcar.com.au/wheels

The costs of diesel

Mercedesisoneofonlytwocompaniestoconce e

stop-startrunningisaproblemfordiesels.

“If a vehicle is used purely for short runs and never

getsadecentdriveathighwayspeedthenthatcould

create an issue with the DPF” it says.

“Vehicles used for short trips can see ... parameters

are not met and the diesel particulate filter becomes

blocked and requires intervention from the service

department.”

Replacement DPF prices range from $2500 to $4000

plus labour. The use of low-ash oil is also a requirement.

“If the incorrect oil is used the DPF can become

contaminated and will not clean as part of the

regeneration. This could cause the need to replace the

DPF prematurely.”

Mercedes sets no service replacement life for the DPF

and has no schedule in place for vehicles that have a

build-up of carbon in the intake and EGR systems.

modelsthatisa$3000job.

Oneofmanyresponsestoattachcaveats–“ifthe

right driving conditions are met and clean fuel is used

the DPF should last the life of the vehicle.”

If it doesn’t then prices to replace the part span

$1610 on an X Trail to $5183 on a D23 Navara.

No response on EGR carbon issues.

All PSA diesels are fitted with particulate filters with

prices ranging from $1200 up, plus labour. Service life

is “very dependent on driving conditions and style” but

company says it considers 220,000km “normal”.

$3000

$9600

60,000km

The bill commonly encountered

when the exhaust gas recirculation

process gunks up delicate parts in

e

That’s the approximate cost

of a diesel particulate filter

for an Alfa Romeo, plus

labour to fit it.

Number on the odo at which

particulate filters have been

knowntofailifthedieselcaris

only driven on short urban trips.

Oil burner? Or wallet incinerator?

d

“If an issue is detected this may see the need for a

retail repair to clean the manifold and or EGR systems

by removing and cleaning.”

AndincasestudiesWheelshasseenonMercedes

the intake system.

Benz blames “poor fuel and operating conditions”

for the sludge.

The makers respond...