JMcGlash

Anyone know which Mercedes can and can't run biodiesel? (Obviously all pre-W124 can)
I've heard mixed reviews about newer models.

240D 3.0T

No MB is certified to run higher than B5. Higher mixture in CDI models (anything after 2000) will destroy the fuel system.

dgiturbo

Wouldn't say "destroy". I have run B20 in my ML CDI about 40000 miles ago and there was no issue. Have 86000 now.
Agreed that the manual says no more than B5, but I have been to many other countries where they don't even have ULSD, or run higher bio content, and these CDI's are running around daily quite happy. Go figure.

lkchris

Mercedes USA has required its dealers to purchase VERY sophisticated testing equipment to determine quality of diesel fuel used in its engines. No warranty if > B5.

240D 3.0T

Melting all the fuel lines, killing the fuel pump and injectors isn't "destroyed"? Then whats your word for it, "altered"?

dgiturbo

Wait, what exactly are you running in your fuel system? Drain cleaner?

PLEASE PLEASE show an ACTUAL instance where this has happened because of the use of a commercially available diesel fuel higher than B5.
I would really love to see how fuel lines rated to handle pressures in excess of 20,000PSI would "melt" because of using higher Bio content diesel.
You should tell this info to CDI owners I have met in the Caribbean that run whatever diesel they can get/make. Amazing that they are still running strong... And mine also, I have run B20 in mine on several occasions, and since then put over 40000 miles without an incident. No "melting" or pump/injector "killing" here.



To the OP, if the vehicle has a Diesel Particulate Filter, (DPF) then you run the risk of damaging that part if you use higher than B5, according to MB's warranty brochure.

b4black

Not the case. Mercedes and others use post injection to get diesel fuel into the exhaust stream to regenerate the DPF. The post injection is the reason for limiting biodiesel to 5%. http://biodieselmagazine.com/article...ction-problem/

240D 3.0T

Have you ever used Biodiesel in a CDI? Have you ever used Biodiesel?
Diesel is an oil. Biodiesel is a solvent.

Google "Biowillie" and ask Willie Nelson how much it cost him to rebuild his CDI's fuel system.

Instead of trolling you should try to get information first.
FYI, very little of the fuel system sees high pressure. The rest of the system uses plastic and rubber hoses at pressures under 30psi.

Try using it regularly or in higher concentrations, then you might actually have a leg to stand on with your aggressive post.

That is false information. The catalytic converter is what is damaged by biodiesel exhaust.

240D 3.0T

That is false information. Please explain why models without a DPF, aka everything prior to 2007 and 07-10 ML and R CDI, have the same limit.

b4black

5% is a general limit that nearly every OEM placed on biodiesel. Prior to 2007 there were general quality concerns with biodiesel that have since been addressed by the ASTM standard. Yes, there may be some minor compatability issues with hoses and gaskets blend above B5, but that's a far, far cry from "destroy the fuel system".

Here in Illinois, most stations sell B11 for the last five years and our diesel cars & trucks run just fine.

b4black

Excellent point you should consider for yourself.

OM606

I'd never use biogarbage in my diesel. It says "diesel fuel only" for a reason!

allezdude

I live in the midwest, and now that winter is mostly out of the way, only 1 of the local filling stations are carrying "regular" diesel. The other stations are carrying a blend that contains "between 5 and 20 percent biodiesel." which is about 9 cents a gallon cheaper than "regular" diesel. The 1 station that still has regular diesel said he will probably be switching to the blend. Well, WTF are we supposed to do for fuel if "regular" diesel is unavailable? My car is still under warranty, and MB says not to run higher than 5% biodiesel blend. I don;t want to be left holding the bag is something goes wrong using the blend and MB says it was caused by the fuel!

Carsy

Is there a law to protect the consumer in your state ?.

If your car was sold there surely you can buy the correct fuel for it.

A little research may be required.

Good luck.

ImInPA

BioGarbage? With all due respect, the versatility of a diesel engine in fuel choices is a strong advantage. Rudolph Diesel's original compression-ignition engine ran on peanut oil. BioDiesel burns much cleaner than regual diesel and is renewable to boot. The primary reason for limiting the amount of Biodiesel is becaues there is a VERY wide range of quality and no enforced "pump" standards. I read about an outfit in Maryland that was mixing kerosene in with their biodiesel to address gelling issues with a particular batch. Until there are "at-the-pump" standards and regulations, it is in the manufacturer's best interest to limit the allowed amount of biodiesel.

b4black

I'm guessing you live in Illinois. We have had B11 here for about 5 years now. The State waives the sales tax when the diesel is blended with more than 10% biodiesel. Talk to you local dealership. I bet they have not denied any warrenties due to B11.

freesoul

Here's a guy reporting 30K miles on mostly B100 in his 2005 E320 CDI http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...d.php?t=301466

I've got over 30K miles on mostly B100 in my 1995 E300D

biodiesel when used as an additive boosts lubrication and cetane. It has 8% less BTU per gallon and in cold weather suffers from gelling at higher temps.

Petrodiesel is disgusting toxic fuel. Flame away

freesoul

Untrue, biodiesel is biodegradable and less toxic than table salt. Now the emissions created is another story.

Some of us do what we can to have less of an impact on our environment. Some of us don't and try to insult others who make an attempt

edwinwalke

Don't think I will try it on my french fries.

2slowcdi

A few years ago when I have a VW TDI the first time I went to get Bio Diesel the place selling it the sales guy stuck his finger in the Bio Diesel and stuck his finger in his mouth and then looked at me and said taste it so I did. B100

I did get to see how Bio Diesel melted the hose on the pump at the station.
I had to have special seals put in the injection pump and I replaced the return fuel lines as they where getting soft.

The biggest problem with Bio Diesel is Quality Control.
Common Rail Diesel Injection will not last with a marginal fuel and with no set standards on Bio Diesel its a crap shoot.
I used Bio Diesel for almost 60k all from the same place and then got a bad batch plugged the fuel filter ran bad.
After that it was hard to trust.
I still use it but no more that B10

2slowcdi

The only hose that I have seen that have with stood the effect of Bio Diesel it Viton hose and I have never seen it for a "gas" filling pump hose.
I'm talking about B100 fuel not say B5 , B10 , or B20 that will soften filling station pump hoses.

Also for every gallon of fuel source that it takes to make bio diesel you get three gallons back so you are two gallons to the good.

arturo71

Amen, to that, brother....it's time we all went to renewable fuels entirely....I've got my 1997e300d set up to run on WVO with a GreaseCar conversion kit.
Clean, green, renewable, and the fuel is free....Hard to beat that

Whargoul

Actually its the farthest thing from it.

It burns dirty, has higher NOx emissions and drastically reduces your engine lifespan. So much for clean.
It takes a lot of diesel to farm the base product, people get very fat consuming the food it cooks. So much for "green".
It takes more diesel to farm, process and transport the grease than you get out of it in your car. So much for renewable.
Companies recycle the grease to be used in products and burners designed to run on grease, which means you're stealing. So much for free.

Any questions?