jamesa403

Does anyone know a site where I can download a POI file for my Garmin GPS that will tell me where the Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel stations are located? I have a Bluetec and live in Canada, but I drive into the US many times. Thanks

Jim

240D 3.0T

Every station in the USA sells ULSD. The very very few that haven't had their tanks certified will have the pump(s) clearly labeled.



You should get that bluetec garbage gutted and programmed out of the system, its bad for the environment.

uberwgn

I've created a master diesel fuel file using several files taken from POI Factory for my Garmin. I find additional stations under the built-in POI under "Auto Services -> Truck stops".

FWIW, the production split between LSD and ULSD is 20/80 'til the year 2010. The vast majority of what you'll find at traditional retail outlets is ULSD contrary to pump labels.

240D 3.0T

That 20% goes to off-road applications (Rail, marine, industrial, etc) because of their lax emissions standards. In 2010 the off-road standards will match the on-road standards, thats when ULSD production will go 100%.

As I said, every fuel station sells ULSD no matter what the sticker says (except off-road). The ones showing LSD are simply too lazy/cheap to get their tanks/pumps cleaned and certified for ULSD. They will procrastinate to the last minute of 2010 and either shut down or give in to getting certified.

harvid

What's wrong with the BlueTec system?

240D 3.0T

It makes the engine consume significantly more fuel, its dirty to produce, reduces engine life, restricts the exhaust, very expensive to make and is only a "feed good" device to make the exhaust look clean.

How is it "green" when they make the fuel economy go down significantly and waste so many resources to make the expensive filters (They cost $5000 to replace)?

harvid

Yes, I've gathered that there is a lot of politics on this forum when it comes to diesels, which I have no desire to wade into at this point as this is only the first diesel I've owned (second Benz; I miss my B200 Turbo, but just not enough space for me, the wife, three beagles and whatever offspring are in the future). If anything, I'm probably wondering more about the long-term reliability of all the creature comfort and electronic items on a modern Benz.

As for alterations, the vehicle is leased, so at most I would only consider looking at is a KD-Box (I've only had the R320 the last month, but it is simply a great car, so I do plan buying it out at the end of the 39 month term).

Just out of curiosity, I was asking about the KD-Box from the shop that installs them up in Oakville ON, and they said that such an installation would not affect the MB warranty. Does anyone on the forum know otherwise?

ima55r2

Once you know what to unplug...its really easy. Before I take it to the dealer, it takes me about two minutes to take out the kd-box and deal with two plugs. I plan out dynoing mine in Jan to verify the 25% gains in hp and torque.

Not every station in the US sells diesel fuel, but all the stations with diesel and all the truck stops that I have been to have ULSD.

240D 3.0T

Just removing the box is not a guarantee they won't figure it out. There are plenty of ways to know a box has been installed from tamper evidence on the main harness connections to logs in the ECM.

You don't need to remove it anyways. No dealer can legally void or deny a warranty claim just based on the use or presence of an aftermarket device, unless the device caused the problem/failure.

ima55r2

The wiring harness isn’t altered one bit...the box is a plug-in. The only data logging I’ve seen is shown as a fault code or it’s done live.

The box adds hp and torque so some jerk SA could attribute any problems to added stresses to the engine, transmission, or suspension. Brabus and Carlsson both sell similar units, so I’m not worried about something breaking.

harkgar

If it is the Kleemann KD box you may need to do some wiring job. It is not so straightforward. There is only one Kleemann dealership in Toronto - the same one you mentioned. The Carlsson box is a true plug and play and so is the Bullydog box. The later is US$600 plus US$20 shipping and taxes. The Carlsson is double the price.

harvid

Have you tried the more than one box or something other than the Kleemann? Is there one in particular that is felt to be superior or safer for the engine? Thanks in advance.

harkgar

I have not tried any tuning box as my car is still under warranty. The Kleemann box needs "splicing" of wires so it takes longer to do and is more difficult to return to normal when claiming warranty. The Carlsson and Bulldog boxes are true plug and play ones so I would choose them first.

I have been calling Carlsson in Florida since early 2007 a few times and got the same story. They can sell me one for MY 2005 but MY 2006 needs a new box from Denmark and they are still waiting. To be quite honest I think they cannot be bothered to import boxes for the very few 2005-2006 cars. There is more demand for the Bluetecs and AdBlue V-6 engines so it is worthwhile for them to stock these ones.

Bullydog has a tuning box for both the CDi and the Bluetec engines. The model number for my car is 44627 and you can get your number from the Bullydog website. The price difference is big. Carlsson quoted me US$1,200.00 back in 2007. Bullydog's website quoted US$599.99. Bullydog makes this box because the Dodge Sprinter van uses the 2.7 liter 5 cylinder MB engine and the box can be used for these diesel cars too.

I intend to buy and use the Bullydog box and if it is good I shall let you know.

ima55r2

You obviously haven't seen the Kleeman KD-box. Go to their website and you will see that it is only a plug-in...there is no splicing of the wiring harness. I know because I have one on my GL. You can order one from any US dealer.

I'm not sure what is difficult for you, but I said before in an above post that I can plug it in in a snap. It goes into an existing plug and comes out just as easy too.

harkgar

Your GL has the newer V-6 diesel engine. My in-line 6 can be different. There are photos posted on this blog showing more than 6 different wires coming off the box, not 2 as in the Carlsson and Bullydog. The same person said splicing is necessary. I cannot confirm or deny this as I have not seen one.

The local Kleemann agent said it will take him an hour to install. The other brands quoted 20 minutes.

harvid

Thanks for the info on the boxes. I'll likely be looking into one this coming spring.

harkgar

Meanwhile you should enjoy the Bluetec with the 7 speed transmission. I quite like the R320 CDi myself as it has lots and lots of room and AWD. You must have enjoyed the recent snow storms. 10 cm is expected midnight tonight.

The guy in Carlsson USA contacted me to confirm that no tuning box is available for the inline 6 so I have to go Bullydog.

harvid

I love the R320 BlueTec. By far the nicest car I ever owned, yet very practical. And with the way the weather has been in Southwestern Ontario so far this year, it was a great year to get a car with AWD!

harkgar

As I am typing slushy snow is accumulating outside. I wish I have a 4 Matic R320 CDi as a second car.

This afternoon I ordered a Bullydog diesel module for my inline 6 from California. It is coming by UPS so it should arrive in the next few days.

harvid

Do let us know how it works out. I haven't seen too many people commenting on this particular box. Most posters usually talk about Kleemann or Carlsson, so your experience with this unit would be invaluable.