2018 MOT changes - Diesel smoke check

[X5Sport]

For anyone thinking of removing a DPF (or has already done it) from a diesel car where the OEM fitted one as standard, the incoming MOT test is much more likely to find it.

A revised visual check will look for evidence of tampering, and for soot at the tailpipe.  Additionally there is a new smoke check, and any sign of smoke from the exhaust whilst under power (which a DPF car won’t have) counts as a ‘Major’ fault and fails the MOT.

Recent checks have revealed a significant number of cars being submitted for their MOTs that have had the DPF removed - something that has been illegal for a while now and makes it an offence to drive it on the road.  The official statement reads

“This is reflected in the draft MOT inspection manual which explains that if the, ‘exhaust on a vehicle fitted with a diesel particulate filter emits visible smoke of any colour’ a Major fault should be recorded, hence the car will fail the MOT.”

There are three new fault categories:
Dangerous and Major are automatic fails.
Minor are noted on the new style certificate.

The changes come into effect in May 2018.

[Alan Gunn]

Talking to a m8 of 38 years who has been testing for that time as well yesterday.
I asked him when he was getting the new smoke tester as his can't be upgraded.
He was telling me about something Bluetooth that links to the testers computer and he said about a possible fine of 1k for DPF missing or gutted.
I have not seen that on the net and no longer a tester so don't get the bulletins so we will have to see what happens after May 20th ??.
Could be just him mixed up he is old well 9 months older than me lol.

[X5Sport]

The £1k fine is correct, and new smoke/emissions testers are needed to cope with EU5 & 6 cars as their smoke limits are being halved from 20th May.

Owners will have to prove that any repairs on the DPF are due to it being opened for cleaning.  Smoke will be the giveaway for its removal.  If you can’t prove why the DPF was opened then it is an automatic MOT fail.

It’s all part of the incoming European Roadworthiness Directive changes.  For diesels with AdBlue systems, these will also be checked for functionality so turning them off will also be found (and be a Major).

Fluid leaks, prop shaft checks (perhaps that’s why BMW are so interested in fixing E70/71), DRLs, front fog lights (for cars new in March 18), drive shafts, bumper security and reversing lights are all added too.

[Horizon]

[quote="X5Sport"]
The £1k fine is correct, and new smoke/emissions testers are needed to cope with EU5 & 6 cars as their smoke limits are being halved from 20th May.

Owners will have to prove that any repairs on the DPF are due to it being opened for cleaning.  Smoke will be the giveaway for its removal.  If you can’t prove why the DPF was opened then it is an automatic MOT fail.

It’s all part of the incoming European Roadworthiness Directive changes.  For diesels with AdBlue systems, these will also be checked for functionality so turning them off will also be found (and be a Major).

Fluid leaks, prop shaft checks (perhaps that’s why BMW are so interested in fixing E70/71), DRLs, front fog lights (for cars new in March 18), drive shafts, bumper security and reversing lights are all added too.
[/quote]
The DPF interference could catch out innocent used car buyers.
I wonder if you bought a car in good faith and then take it for an MOT a few months later , and they pick up that the DPF has been removed/ gutted.

[IanP]

I have to say if I was buying a used diesel then I would have a close look at the amount of smoke it produced, and if the seller could not prove that the DPF was still present then I would walk.  I think that a very large percentage of smaller diesels have had the DPF removed, or a hole knocked through it (possibly even without the owner being aware that it has been done). It certainly will be a can of worms

[X5Sport]

Hopefully after 20th May they shouldn’t get an MOT and anyone buying ought to insist on a brand new MOT as protection.  Seller/Dealer refuses then they either prove it's all good or as suggested, walk away.

There’s no doubt some unscrupulous sellers will ‘pass on’ dodgy stock and laugh when the new owner goes back having found the issue.

[pvr]

Two more days of diesel ownership and it will all be history for me  )