DPF & Environmental Zones: Quick FAQ (Articles)

Diesel particulate filters (DPF) and environmental zones: A short FAQ

1. Short and concise

1.1 What kind of sticker will my car get?

Sure, here's the translation:

"Short answer (ignoring exceptions):"

Gasoline vehicles from Euro 1 standard onwards, provided they have a catalytic converter: green.
Diesel with Euro 2 standard: red.
Diesel with Euro 3 standard: yellow.
Diesel with Euro 4 standard: green.
all others: none.

Detailed answer: Go to www.feinstaubplakette.de and enter the data there.

1.2 What happens if I add a filter later?

Sure, here's the translation:

"Sure, here's the translation:"

The installation of a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) typically results in the vehicle being assigned to the next higher emission class sticker, for example, from red to yellow, or from yellow to green. Additionally, the tax reduction that is normally applied without a DPF is no longer valid, amounting to €1.20 per 100 cm³ of engine displacement. There is also a one-time tax credit of €330.

Detailed answer: Go to www.feinstaubplakette.de and enter the data there.

1.3 Is there an aftermarket filter available for my car?

Go to www.feinstaubplakette.de and enter the data there.

1.4 Can I also use a (mechanically) compatible filter from another vehicle?

No.

1.5 Can I upgrade my Euro 2 car to Euro 3 by adding a DPF? Can I upgrade my Euro 3 car to Euro 4 by adding a DPF?

No. Retrofitting the DPF only changes the particle reduction level, not the emission standard.

1.6 Can I improve my car's particle reduction level by modifying the engine?

See https://community.dieselschrauber.org/en/viewtopic.php?t=17648 and the discussion there.

1.7 Does the retrofit DPF replace the catalytic converter, or is it installed in addition to it?

"Both... and." The retailer offers both additional filters and replacement filters; the former are usually cheaper and are installed in addition to the catalytic converter. However, they can only be used if the catalytic converter already present in the vehicle is no more than 5 years old and has not been driven for more than 80,000 kilometers. In all other cases, replacement filters must be used, which replace the catalytic converter.

2. Backgrounds

2.1. What is this actually about, and how useful is it?

https://community.dieselschrauber.org/en/viewtopic.php?t=9140

2.2. What environmental zones exist, and on what legal basis are they founded?

https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/themen/luft/luftschadstoffe/feinstaub/umweltzonen-in-deutschland