Originally Posted by jay_bob

Fortunately it is easy to remove the DPF on a OM642 W211 for cleaning or replacement (no you can't bypass it)

I had to do this to replace the engine and transmission mounts last weekend. (Best thing you can do to an old one of these, you can't even tell it's running at a red light now)

First there are 3 sensors on the DPF. Trace out the wires and unplug the connectors. The sensor at the tail end of the DPF is tucked in by the transmission. The other two connectors are closer to the front above the steering rack. You'll have to clip a zip tie.

From the top remove the band clamp between the turbo outlet pipe and the DPF.
On the bottom remove the band clamp between the DPF outlet and the exhaust pipe.
Take loose the bracket holding the exhaust pipe to the body (2 nuts) about 6 inches past the clamp.
Now there is one more nut holding the bottom of the DPF to the bracket. Now you can wiggle the filter out from the bottom.

There is a Liqui Moly cleaning fluid that can be used. I remember seeing a post from Roll Guy about a year ago.

When you go to put it back together be careful not to stress the sensors particularly the one in the center of the body of the DPF. I ended up using a floor jack to help hold the thing up while getting it in position. Then used the jack to hold up the exhaust pipe while getting everything together. If you have someone helping you that can guide the DPF back into the turbo outlet pipe from above, while you're underneath, that would make it much easier.