Avantime DPF Issues

Whoa, sounds rough! I had something vaguely similar happen with my old Saab 9-3. It wasn't exactly the same symptoms, but it also choked up and stank something fierce. The garage guys were muttering about emission control. Did you check your air filter? It sounds silly, but a blocked filter can lead to all sorts of weird exhaust issues. Like trying to run a marathon while breathing through a straw!

Interesting analogy! Cheers for the tip. Air filter looks pretty clean, though. Was your Saab also reporting low pressure, or anything along those lines?

Low pressure... hmm, I don’t remember the exact error codes now, it was a while ago. But the mechanic definitely mentioned something about the exhaust system struggling. He said something like it was being asked to blow up a balloon with a hole in it! Honestly, best bet is to get it hooked up to diagnostics machine – those Avantimes are gorgeous bits of kit and well worth the repair, don't let it die!

Had it checked out. Turns out it was indeed the exhaust back pressure sensor, like I suspected. Repair cost me 245€. Runs like a charm now!