P244A means the differential pressure sensor across the diesel particulate filter is reading below the expected range for the current engine load. The ECU expects some pressure differential because exhaust gas meets flow resistance from the filter substrate. A reading that is too low usually points to one of three things: the sensor itself is faulty or has a clogged pressure tube, the DPF has been physically removed (a delete), or there is an exhaust leak between the turbo and the DPF inlet.
DTC/P244A·BMW
P244A on BMW: Causes, Symptoms and Fix Cost
Quick Answer
Moderate SeveritySafe to drive (short-term)BMW
P244A on a BMW means the differential pressure sensor across the diesel particulate filter is reading below the expected range for the current engine load. The ECU expects some pressure differential because exhaust gas meets flow resistance from the filter substrate. A reading that is too low usually points to one of three things: the sensor itself is faulty or has a clogged pressure tube, the DPF has been physically removed (a delete), or there is an exhaust leak between the turbo and the DPF inlet.
Repair cost on BMW€54 - €5400
What does P244A mean on a BMW?
BMW 3 Series Diesel
2009-2024BMW 3 Series diesel models (320d, 330d, 335d) with the N47, N57, B47 and B57 engines commonly throw P244A from a blocked pressure tube at the DPF inlet. The tube runs along the underbody and exposes itself to road debris. BMW also pairs P244A with hex code 4506 (DPF Differential Pressure, Plausibility) on its own diagnostic side. A failed sensor is the second most common cause on these engines.
What causes P244A on a BMW?
Beyond the generic causes listed on the main P244A page, these are the BMW-specific patterns we see most often:
BMW 3 Series DieselBlocked pressure tube at DPF inlet on N47/B47
BMW 3 Series DieselFailed differential pressure sensor on high-mileage N57/B57
How to diagnose P244A on a BMW with OBD2
Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P244A:
- Read live data values for DPF inlet pressure, outlet pressure and the calculated differential. Compare to the manufacturer specification at idle. A near-zero reading across all load points points to a sensor or tube issue, not an exhaust flow issue
- Visually inspect the two pressure sensing tubes (a thin metal pipe and a rubber section on most diesels). Look for soot blockage, cracks, or a disconnected end. A blocked tube reads near zero regardless of actual pressure
- Confirm the DPF is physically present by inspecting the exhaust under the vehicle. A deleted DPF leaves a straight section of pipe where the canister used to be. This check takes 30 seconds with a torch and is the single most useful step on an imported used car
- Test the differential pressure sensor with a multimeter. Reference voltage should be around 5 V, signal voltage should rise with engine load. A flat-line signal at low voltage confirms a failed sensor
- If the sensor and tubes are good and the DPF is present, look for an exhaust leak between the turbo outlet and the DPF inlet. A leak vents exhaust to atmosphere before it reaches the DPF, dropping the pressure differential
- Check DPF regeneration history with the scan tool. A healthy DPF shows hundreds of completed regenerations over the vehicle's life. Zero regenerations on a high-mileage car is a strong sign the filter has been deleted at the software level
How much does P244A cost to fix on a BMW? (EUR)
Estimated repair costs on a BMW (BMW parts and labour typically run 35% above the average for this code).
Prices estimated as of May 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
Related codes that often appear with P244A on BMW
These codes commonly cluster with P244A on BMW vehicles:
FAQ: P244A on BMW
What does P244A mean on a diesel?
P244A means the engine control unit is reading too little pressure difference across the diesel particulate filter. The DPF should always create some restriction in the exhaust flow. When the reading is too low, the most common explanations are a faulty pressure sensor, blocked pressure tubes, a deleted DPF, or an exhaust leak before the filter.
Can I drive with P244A?
Yes for short distances. The code does not affect engine safety or immediate driveability. The check engine light will fail any EU vehicle inspection though, and on a deleted DPF the vehicle is illegal to register in most member states. Get the root cause diagnosed within a week.
Does P244A mean my DPF has been deleted?
Not always. Most P244A codes come from a faulty pressure sensor or blocked tubes, which cost 40 to 250 euros to fix. The delete possibility becomes likely if the DPF regeneration counter shows zero or very low numbers on a high-mileage car, the soot mass reading stays pinned at zero across all driving conditions, or you can see under the car that there is no DPF canister where there should be one.
How much does the DPF differential pressure sensor cost in Europe?
Aftermarket sensors from Bosch, VDO or Delphi run 40 to 150 euros parts, plus 30 to 80 euros labour. OEM parts from BMW, Mercedes or VW group dealers cost 120 to 300 euros for the sensor alone. Sensor replacement is typically a 30-minute job for an independent shop. DIY is reasonable on most vehicles with a basic socket set.
Will P244A fail my emissions inspection?
Yes. The check engine light alone fails every EU emissions inspection (TÜV in Germany, ITV in Spain, TA in Lithuania, SKP in Poland, MOT in the UK). If the underlying cause is a deleted DPF, refitting the filter is the only legal path forward and is required before re-registration in most member states.
Looking for the full P244A reference (all makes, full diagnosis flow, complete repair cost matrix)?
See the main P244A guideSkanyx · BMW
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