Sooty rear bumper

[andynpz]

I'm surprised how sooty the area around the exhaust pipes gets.

I don't have DPF.

Fuel consumption seems normal.

Anyone else with a non-DPF care to comment?

Cheers, Andy

[a8 tech]

fit these Tail pipe: ZGB 4L0 072 000 (1 tail pipe, fixing and fitting instructions). 2 parts will be required per vehicle

because

Accessory tail pipes are available for the Q7 which divert the flow of exhaust gas downwards, thus preventing it contacting the rear bumper

cause

The collection of soot on the rear bumper is due to the fact that UK Q7’s with 3.0L TDI engines are not fitted with Diesel Particulate Filter’s (which would normally prevent the soot escaping from the exhaust pipe). Therefore the soot that passes through the exhaust system can deposit on the rear bumper

[andynpz]

Thanks tech, your solution treats the symptoms for sure. From what you say blackened bumpers are normal. I was wondering if it was a sign of anything more sinister like blocked air filter or ovefuelling ECU.

Cheers, Andy

[andynpz]

Bumping this because now the yellow engine light is on - manual says nothing helpful, simply that Emission Control is faulty and go to dealer soon! Is this more than coincidence? Any further hints and tips A8Tech?

Cheers, Andy

[Guest 2]

You have a problem and need the car scanned for faults!

[andynpz]

Light gone off again now - an intermittent fault!!!!!! - but I hope the code will be memorised by the thingy. Visiting a specialist next week so will update for info.

[wattsn]

We had same problem. Blackening around exhaust on bumper and huge puffs of black smoke when you put your foot down. Yellow light intermittent then solid. Told by dealer sticky manifold flap.

Turned out both needed replacing at a cost of £700. Done now. No smoke, little blackening and much more responsive. Expensive but needed doing.

[andynpz]

Thanks a lot! Good to get a sensible answer but bad that it costs so much to cure sticky flap(s). Presumably a squirt of WD40 doesn't work.

Engine light has been mostly off in the last couple of months, and now I am abroad for a few months so it'll put off the day of reckoning.

Cheers, Andy

[aleem]

We had same problem. Blackening around exhaust on bumper and huge puffs of black smoke when you put your foot down. Yellow light intermittent then solid. Told by dealer sticky manifold flap.

Turned out both needed replacing at a cost of £700. Done now. No smoke, little blackening and much more responsive. Expensive but needed doing.

Was it £700 for both, or for each side? Mine need doing!