Hi,

I'm strongly considering a GL320CDI (my 1st MB) but I have read that MB requires Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) in MY2007 CDI engines. Many, many stations are still selling Low Sulfur Diesel (LSD). Does anyone have further info? Will using LSD on occasion ruin the engine or void the warranty? Also, any MB updates on the use of B20 biodiesel?

Thanks!

 

Are you sure that ULSD is required in the V6 CDI vehicles (ML-, GL-, and R-class for 2007)? As I understand it, only the Bluetecs (E-class, currently) have the complex filters that will be clogged with anything other than ULSD.

 

ALL 2007 and newer engines need ULSD. It's not just filters, the injectors in the 07 CDI's can be harmed by even 1 tank of LSD.

 

I didn't think the injectors were any different between the CDIs and Bluetecs...

Assuming they are the same, perhaps ULSD is required for the vehicles to pass emissions, therefore they are not to be run with anything else.

 

The CDI and Bluetec engines are exactly the same. The only thing different between the two is the exhaust filters on the Bluetec.

They use very precise Piezo injectors that can be damaged by sulfur.

EDIT: From http://www.greencarcongress.com/2006...lowsulfur.html

Ultra Low-Sulfur Diesel Regulations Take Effect in US
2 June 2006
Ulsdlabel
Pump label for ULSD.

Yesterday (1 June) marked the beginning of the phased-in implementation of EPA’s Clean Air Highway Diesel final rule that requires a 97% reduction in the sulfur content of highway diesel fuel from its current level of 500 parts per million (ppm) to 15 ppm. EPA estimates that this new diesel fuel will cost an additional 4 to 5 cents per gallon to produce and to distribute.

This Ultra Low-Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) will be available at retail stations beginning this summer and enables the use of modern pollution-control technology to meet the new EPA Tier 2 emissions specifications that will be fully in force at the end of this year.

Owners of 2007 and later model year diesel-powered highway vehicles must refuel only with ULSD fuel. Owners of 2006 and earlier model year diesel-powered highway engines and vehicles may use ULSD or Low Sulfur Diesel fuel during the transition period. Only ULSD fuel will be available for highway use starting on 1 December 2010 in states covered by EPA emissions regulations.

California regulations call for a more aggressive implementation of ULSD, with all highway diesel required to be ULSD by September 2006.

Improperly fueling a 2007 and later model year vehicle with Low Sulfur Diesel (LSD) not only can permanently damage the emissions system and void the warranty, but us illegal and punishable with civil penalties.

Only ultra low-sulfur kerosene (No. 1 diesel with no more than 15 ppm sulfur) may be blended with ULSD fuel for cold weather performance. Blend rates will remain the same as with Low Sulfur Diesel fuel.

Operators of mode year 2007 diesel vehicles may see some degradation in fuel economy—the process of lowering the sulfur content also slightly lowers the energy content of the fuel, and the new emissions control devices designed to meet the 2007 and beyond standards can apply their own fuel consumption penalty.

The current ULSD rule had its origin in 2000, and was finalized in January 2001. Beginning with the 2007 model year, pollution from heavy-duty highway vehicles will be reduced by more than 90%.

Engine manufacturers have the flexibility to meet the new standards through a phase-in approach between 2007 and 2010. The program also includes various flexible approaches, including additional time for some refiners and special provisions for small refiners.

 

Read it and weep.

http://www.alldata.com/tsb/Mercedes-...44/471044.html

 

One tank of LSD could damage the engine!! That's kinda scary. What if I'm stuck in the middle of nowhere and can only get LSD fuel? Looks like the smartest thing to do is wait awhile and hope ULSD will be more widespread.

 

Until I get a good feel for the availability, I'll probably carry a couple of 5 gallon jerries on any trips going further than a tank full.

 

Clean Diesel Fuel Intro – Sulfur levels Low; More Labels Needed

Early sampling results by EPA suggest that ULSD is well below the specification across the country. EPA recently reported on some of their preliminary sampling data of diesel fuel retailers nationwide. Their samples five weeks in a row, of 1000 retail locations around the country showed that:

-90 percent of all highway fuel sampled – is 18ppm or less.-

-First five weeks after October 15 about 40 percent of retail outlets pumps were labeled as ULSD – 40 percent as LSD (no more than 500 ppm sulfur), less than 20 percent had no label at all.

-Of those labeled ULSD (434 pumps) – the vast majority were < 18 ppm. Over 91.5 percent are less than 10.0 ppm sulfur or less; 86% are 8.0 ppm or less; 54% are 6.0 ppm or less; 16% are 4.0 ppm or less-Of about 400 pumps labeled LSD – sulfur levels are coming in at 17 ppm or less.

-85% of those pumps not labeled were actually LSD.

-EPA raised concerns that they have found that about 20 percent of stations have no labels at all. And, about 20 percent of pumps still labeled as LSD—however they are actually dispensing ULSD. EPA is sending advisory letters to the stations with unlabeled pumps, and will be following up with potential enforcement action.

 

ALL 2007 Diesel vehicles sold in USA must use ULSD.

It's a government requirement, not a Mercedes requirement.

Chances of NOT finding it are small.

You've heard the phrase "when you stop beating your head against a wall, your head will stop hurting?"

Stop worrying about ULSD.

 

Yeah, I'm gonna agree with Kent. It's most likely your local stations are selling it contrary to the labels on the pump. ULSD is widely available.

 

If the 2006 or older diesels are not harmed by trashy fuels than it is safer to own the older engines. ULSD is great for the environment whatever it is and very very bad for our pocket books! Older diesels can burn almost anything fossil fuel and not be trashed while the newer lily white Bluetecs have 3 or 4 filters ready to be trashed. Did you guys know how much these filters cost? If each one costs $500 multiply that by 4 (3 cats and 1 particulate filter) and you have $2,000! Ho ho ho, MB can see Santa coming if you are not careful with your fueling habits! I frequently used all sorts of petroleum oils to fuel my VW diesel and Uncle Sam should not have the right to object, since I am not American.

 

You have the last of the great diesels that can burn anything. Enjoy while the tree-huggers weep. It surely feels good. You are like one of the last owners of the big block engines in 1971 or whenever the tree nuts and Jimmy Pee Pee Peanut Farmer Jimmie ****er banned leaded fuel and fun.

 

Will go out of my way if needed (it's not) to run ULSD in it.

Sure glad I don't have to drive a car that runs as ****-poor as pre-pollution requirement cars used to.

These "incentives" have ALWAYS resulted in better cars.

The "good old days" never were.

The older we get, the better we were.

The drunker you get, the better we sound.

 

Do not disagree with you totally. The 2005-2006 cars have common rail technology but no Bluetec. To me this is the best of both worlds - you have the power, plus the leeway to do modifications without worrying about clogging up those expensive "Bluetec" filters. Black smoke is kind of cute in a chipped diesel engine.

We are only in this world for a few decades. The British burnt coal in their fire places until the early 1990s and the polar ice caps are still there. Stop worrying about the whales and trees and enjoy the internal combustion engine.

 

Great attitude [sarcasm].

 

ALL Chevron stations HAVE ULSD They have been running commercials for months now. So this should not be a proble to find.

 

AMEN!

 

Kosher Benz has CLS500 wheels on his CDi and they look good. Yours have 17 inch ones. What are they? Please post some photos.

 

Black smoke is just as good as white smoke. No discrimination. A diesel has to blow lots of smoke.

 

Not the new ones!

I did the white glove test on the inside of my 2007 ML320 CDI tailpipes. They came out clean.

 

I guess the soot filter on your CDi is working overtime scrubbing the soot. I wonder if the straight 6, 2005-2006 E320 CDi cars are blowing any soot. I read that these engines have similar high pressure injectors like the Bluetec, around 23,000 PSI. They were described as "electro-magnetic" injectors while the Bluetec ones were described as "piezzo, electric" with more holes.

Any comments gentlemen?

 

AGREED!!!

 

Tuner,

you have disabled your EGR and other useless pieces on your diesel ride. How are you going to pass emission or is it only a visual thing in your area? In Toronto up to 2006 MY light diesel engines (not trucks) need the visual test only meaning if the tester cannot see black smoke you pass immediately. If he sees black smoke and it puffs for under 15 seconds CONTINUOUSLY you will also pass which means you will pass if you pay the guy.

Sometimes it pays to own older diesel engines.

 

there is no emmissions tests in the State of Florida, thats all i know.....