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New Diesel Owner in North Dakota

Old Oct 4, 2009 | 07:23 PM
  #1  
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ML320 Bluetec
Red face New Diesel Owner in North Dakota

Just landed an ML320 Bluetec. I'm very excited, but I've never owed a diesel before. Since I'm in ND and the temps can be expected to get to -30 I was wondering if anyone with experience would help me on these two questions:

1) Do I need additional fuel additive on the coldest ND nights to prevent gelling if I fuel up in ND with their winter blend? I do have to leave my car outside overnight on occasion.

2) There is no block heater on this car. Is there an after-market unit that I can have installed that you all recommend.

"Thanks a bunch" from ND
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Old Oct 5, 2009 | 02:06 AM
  #2  
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From: Federal Heights, CO
1982 300D VNT, 1980 240D 3.0T, 1982 300TD
Originally Posted by tahdo
1) Do I need additional fuel additive
No. The owners manual specifically states not to use any kind of additives.

2) There is no block heater on this car. Is there an after-market unit that I can have installed that you all recommend.
It isn't needed on that model. It will start fine that cold, but it will help.
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Old Oct 5, 2009 | 05:13 PM
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'10 CL550, '12 GL550
Buy your fuel at high-volume stations to ensure you get up-to-date winterized fuel.
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Old Oct 9, 2009 | 12:56 AM
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ML320 Bluetec
went to MB dealer...

I went to the dealer. They initially recommended a pan heater and recommended an anti-gelling additive in the winter. I took the vehicle in to get the pan heater installed but the mechanic ultimately suggested I not do it because some insulation on the pan would have to be removed. They still recommended the fuel additive in the winter though. I guess I'll stick with that. I asked about block heaters and they said the new MB diesel doesn't have a "plug" in the block to install such a heater. I'm wondering what the neighbors to the north do with these new bluetecs...or are they invincible.
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Old Oct 19, 2009 | 08:35 PM
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From: Vancouver British Columbia
09 E320 Bluetec
Originally Posted by tahdo
I went to the dealer. They initially recommended a pan heater and recommended an anti-gelling additive in the winter. I took the vehicle in to get the pan heater installed but the mechanic ultimately suggested I not do it because some insulation on the pan would have to be removed. They still recommended the fuel additive in the winter though. I guess I'll stick with that. I asked about block heaters and they said the new MB diesel doesn't have a "plug" in the block to install such a heater. I'm wondering what the neighbors to the north do with these new bluetecs...or are they invincible.
this is going to be my first winter with my E320 and im interested on how it will do
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Old Oct 19, 2009 | 08:47 PM
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98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
Originally Posted by sunny_j
this is going to be my first winter with my E320 and im interested on how it will do
How do you like your diesel? Any problems so far? What are you getting mileage wise ?
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Old Oct 19, 2009 | 10:46 PM
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From: Vancouver British Columbia
09 E320 Bluetec
Originally Posted by C43AMG
How do you like your diesel? Any problems so far? What are you getting mileage wise ?
i like it alot, with the KD box it makes it alot of fun to drive. only thing that i dont like is the lag but i guess there is nothing i can do about it. i have 11,5**kms on it and only had to update the software for the tranny once becuase it was shifting hard. otherwise its been rock solid. i average about 8-9L/100km and 6L/100 on hwy
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Old Oct 20, 2009 | 11:02 AM
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98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
Originally Posted by sunny_j
i like it alot, with the KD box it makes it alot of fun to drive. only thing that i dont like is the lag but i guess there is nothing i can do about it. i have 11,5**kms on it and only had to update the software for the tranny once becuase it was shifting hard. otherwise its been rock solid. i average about 8-9L/100km and 6L/100 on hwy
Thanx for the info !
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Old Oct 21, 2009 | 02:26 PM
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09 E320 Bluetec
Originally Posted by C43AMG
Thanx for the info !
are you planning on getting a bluetec?
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Old Oct 21, 2009 | 03:50 PM
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98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
Originally Posted by sunny_j
are you planning on getting a bluetec?
Thinking about a 2006.I hear the inline 6 is the preffered diesel choice.My only fear is the 1st time my GF fills it up with gas.
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