Does anyone know if the GL320 CDI uses DPF (diesel particulate filters) to address diesel smell? Also - If the answer is yes, what KIND of DPF do they use?

Thanks..

Ted in PA

 

both 320 and 350 (350 beginning '09) use DPF but not to address diesel smell. It functions to burn off fine particulates - mostly carbon compounds - in order to meet the new euro and USA standards for particulates. I don't know the specific compounds used but a kind of ceramic matrix (laced with rare earth metals - palladium etc?) traps particles and periodically extra fuel is pushed into the exhaust stroke to provide heat for the particulates to be burned into CO2 and 'go away'. The rare earth stuff functions as a catalyst for the oxidation reaction to take place at a lower than 'normal' temperature. The catalysts are easily 'poisoned' with contaminants such as lead, zinc, sulfur etc thus making the design of lube oils more of a challenge. Fuels also can contain virtually none of these elements for the same reason.

 

All diesels sold in USA since 2007 model year come with diesel particulate filter.

Diesel railroad locomotives could be the exception, but, for example, 18-wheelers are not.

That is why 2007-on cars require ULSD.