The particle filter is a quite modern invention that is designed to remove harmful particles from the exhaust gases of modern diesels. It has long been seen as the miracle solution to these pollution complications. Nevertheless, it doesn’t work as well as intended and causes more complications than it solves, which is why we will discover today when changing the particulate filter of a BMW i3? . To do this, to begin with, we will find out what the particle filter on your car is utilized for, and then when to change the particle filter on your BMW i3.
What’s the purpose of a BMW i3’s particulate filter?
So we begin our article content with the rationale for this element recently included into diesel automobiles. As we explained quickly in the introduction, the goal of this filter was to solve the complications of pollution and harmfulness of exhaust fumes from BMW i3 automobiles. Its operating principle is to store exhaust fumes that are unburned or that still contain harmful particles, and when it is at a sufficiently high temperature to bring about a second combustion that will finish burning and eliminate all these carcinogenic particles. Unfortunately, to reach this very high engine unit temperature, you have to be on the highway or have your BMW i3 engine unit revving up. So we have realized with time that cars that are specifically on short trips or in the city do not allow the particulate filter to burn these fumes and we will observe in the next part that these complications can force you to change the particulate filter of your BMW i3 .
When to change the particulate filter of a BMW i3?
In this section we will find out what you are certainly attracted to here, if it is required to change the particulate filter of a BMW i3 and if so, when?
Is it required to change the particulate filter on BMW i3?
There are 2 sort of particulate filter for cars, a particulate filter with additive, which does not concern the BMW i3, but which needs to be recharged every 120, 000km with an additive that enables the regeneration of the particulate filter and consequently to burn all those harmful soot. The second one, the one we are enthusiastic about today, works with precious metals that will produce a chemical reaction at high temperature and bring about the regeneration of the filter and the evacuation of the carcinogenic materials. Nevertheless, as revealed earlier, it requires very high temperatures, if these are not reached the filter will clog. If the filter is not regenerated manually, drive at high speed for about 20 minutes to reach this temperature and thus regenerate your filter, you will clog it and risk damaging your turbo, your EGR valve or your engine unit. If you need to clean the EGR valve of your BMW i3 because of your particulate filter, do not hesitate to look at our article on this subject to find out what the process is.
When to change the particulate filter of a BMW i3?
As we defined before, a particulate filter is supposed to last the life of the car, nevertheless some of you may possibly wonder when it is required to change the particulate filter of its BMW i3? Take note that this component is extremely expensive, labor is not the most important problem because it is easy to access. But the part itself will vary enormously in price depending on your motorization, you can still count a range between 700 and 2000€. This change should only be considered in the case of a completely clogged particle filter. If you don’t frequently take the motorway, we advise you, every month to drive 10 minutes on the motorway at least 3000 rpm . In spite of everything, the current particulate filter have not been well designed and remain troublesome, it is considered that because of the lack of a sufficiently frequent temperature rise and other design complications, you should begin planning to change your particulate filter from 200, 000km if you have a use of your XX that is more urban and a little more if it is mixed .
In the event that you have any additional questions about the BMW i3, do not hesitate to consult our BMW i3 category.
