refilling the ADBlue tank
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 82
Likes: 1
From: Valley Springs, CA
2017 Jaguar XE (TDI)
refilling the ADBlue tank
I purchased my 2011 CPO E350 Blutec about 6 weeks ago and I'm still learning about the vehicle. I have no idea if the dealer topped up the ADBlue tank before selling me the vehicle, so I'll just wait to see when the warning light comes on. The vehicle has just over 13,000 miles on it and if I understand what's recommended here, the tank would normally be topped off at the next service, which I believe is at 20,000.
I don't plan on allowing MB to fill my ADBlue tank with their expensive fluid when I can purchase it so much cheaper at a local truck stop, but my question is " do I just unscrew the cap on the tank and use a funnel to add the fluid"? That seems way too easy.
And by the way, our last vehicle was an 05 CLK 500, which was a great little sports car, however, we love the comfort, looks and features of this Blutec. And up here in the foothills we're getting 37 - 38 MPG, which is fantastic for a full size luxury vehicle.
I don't plan on allowing MB to fill my ADBlue tank with their expensive fluid when I can purchase it so much cheaper at a local truck stop, but my question is " do I just unscrew the cap on the tank and use a funnel to add the fluid"? That seems way too easy.
And by the way, our last vehicle was an 05 CLK 500, which was a great little sports car, however, we love the comfort, looks and features of this Blutec. And up here in the foothills we're getting 37 - 38 MPG, which is fantastic for a full size luxury vehicle.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 599
Likes: 6
From: Maryland
2022 E450 Prior:2021 S580 2012 E350BT, 2013 GL350BT, 2009 ML320BT, 2006 E320CDI, 1987 260E
Buy the half gallon container from Mercedes Benz, VW or Audi for around $10. The container has a special neck which screws on and makes it very difficult to spill or overfill. After you add the half gallon, cut a hole in the bottom of the container and use it as a funnel going forward with the DEF you buy from anywhere else. The container stops you from overfilling but just be conscious of how much you are putting in you don't end up with a lot of left over in your "funnel". If you do a search some members have posted better descriptions with pictures. It's an easy enough job just take your time.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
2012 GL350
I have used the funnel method, but for my last fill up at 40K, I bought a battery operated fuel transfer pump. It makes it easy to control how much you are filling at the push of a button. It is basically the same price as buying a MB refill bottle. I was hoping to use it to drain the DEF tank, but the solid extraction tube does not fit in the fill of the DEF tank.
Last edited by SiGe35; Apr 6, 2013 at 07:45 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
2012 GL350
DEF is diesel exhaust fluid, AdBlue is the trademark name, I think from VW since they really invented this system and it is sold / licensed to the whole diesel / trucking industry.
MB wants its owner to empty the tank every 20K and refill it. I had read their concern is the fluid over the 20K period will evaporate over time and possibly throw off the concentration in the tank. Not sure how true this is but it does out gas / evaporate; because I have opened the cap and received a strong waft of the urea when I fill it up every 10K.
Here is a video about it, towards the end there is an actual MB engineer servicing the system.
MB wants its owner to empty the tank every 20K and refill it. I had read their concern is the fluid over the 20K period will evaporate over time and possibly throw off the concentration in the tank. Not sure how true this is but it does out gas / evaporate; because I have opened the cap and received a strong waft of the urea when I fill it up every 10K.
Here is a video about it, towards the end there is an actual MB engineer servicing the system.
Last edited by SiGe35; Apr 6, 2013 at 07:57 PM.
Trending Topics
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
C43AMG/ ML55AMG/ 944Turbo
DEF is diesel exhaust fluid, AdBlue is the trademark name, I think from VW since they really invented this system and it is sold / licensed to the whole diesel / trucking industry.
MB wants its owner to empty the tank every 20K and refill it. I had read their concern is the fluid over the 20K period will evaporate over time and possibly throw off the concentration in the tank. Not sure how true this is but it does out gas / evaporate; because I have opened the cap and received a strong waft of the urea when I fill it up every 10K.
Here is a video about it, towards the end there is an actual MB engineer servicing the system.
Mercedes-Benz AdBlue Technology - YouTube
MB wants its owner to empty the tank every 20K and refill it. I had read their concern is the fluid over the 20K period will evaporate over time and possibly throw off the concentration in the tank. Not sure how true this is but it does out gas / evaporate; because I have opened the cap and received a strong waft of the urea when I fill it up every 10K.
Here is a video about it, towards the end there is an actual MB engineer servicing the system.
Mercedes-Benz AdBlue Technology - YouTube
AdBlue has a shelf-life and will eventually crystallize causing damage to bluetec injection components. The reason Mercedes service guidelines suggest complete replacement of the fluid every 20k.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 82
Likes: 1
From: Valley Springs, CA
2017 Jaguar XE (TDI)
If I understand this correctly, diesel trucks also have to have this fluid. Since the long haul trucks rack up miles very quickly my guess is that they must have pretty large tanks for this stuff, and I just don't imagine them stopping to empty their tanks and refill them every so often. While I can understand that we certainly don't want this stuff to crystallize in our tanks, emptying the tanks of any remaining fluid every so often just doesn't seem to be the right way to maintain them.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
C43AMG/ ML55AMG/ 944Turbo
If I understand this correctly, diesel trucks also have to have this fluid. Since the long haul trucks rack up miles very quickly my guess is that they must have pretty large tanks for this stuff, and I just don't imagine them stopping to empty their tanks and refill them every so often. While I can understand that we certainly don't want this stuff to crystallize in our tanks, emptying the tanks of any remaining fluid every so often just doesn't seem to be the right way to maintain them.
You make a good point. I'm sure the commercial long haul manufacturers have a service schedule with similar guidelines. AdBlue dries into a sticky residue rather quickly when exposed to the atmosphere. I'm sure this product can seriously clog and damage system components if proper maintenance isnt done.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 82
Likes: 1
From: Valley Springs, CA
2017 Jaguar XE (TDI)
Don't you think that adding more every 20,000 miles would mix with or dilute what was left enough that it wouldn't coagulate or get thick. I'd really like to hear from some owners who have gone through this process.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 42
Likes: 6
From: Florida
2020 560S
I need to add fluid every 10,000 miles in the E (each service interval). Understand the tank hold 2.5 gallons. Imposable to see the fluid level in the tank. Because it's corrosive I did not use a dowel or something to check the level. When low, the message will say you have 20 starts remaining of fluid remaining and will count down with each successive start. We were traveling when it happened so I bought a small container, i gallon, and plastic funnel.No problem in adding. Then I confessed to the dealer that I added the gallon because he said they can't measure level.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
GLK 250 Bluetec
Check Your owners manual for fluid capacities, my GLK 250 is more like 7.4 gallons. I use a small flash light to monitor the tank level, you can fill it to the very top.
Also recommend buying a cheap fluid transfer pump and keeping it for adblue use only. They are great, you can use it to fill the tank and to empty out the tank, all for $8.
http://www.harborfreight.com/multi-u...ump-66418.html
Also recommend buying a cheap fluid transfer pump and keeping it for adblue use only. They are great, you can use it to fill the tank and to empty out the tank, all for $8.
http://www.harborfreight.com/multi-u...ump-66418.html
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 82
Likes: 1
From: Valley Springs, CA
2017 Jaguar XE (TDI)
I bought a 2.5 gal container at Wally World. It came with a plastic tube that was easy to use. When it was time for my 20,000 mile service I had my wife hold a funnel and I poured. Using a small flashlight showed that the fluid was very close to the top, so I consider it done until the next service interval.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
2010 ML350 BlueTec, 2005 F150, 1985 MB 300TD
I thought about making an AdBlue bottle into a funnel, but didn't care for the possibility of contamination and the need to return left-over DEF fluid to the DEF container. I got a couple of empty AdBlue bottles from a dealer, unscrewed the check valves from the bottles and refilled them from a 10 quart DEF container. The problem I ran into is that when I tried to remove the bottle and check valve from the tank nipple after filling, the bottle would unscrew from the check valve. 
There wasn't enough clearance to get a good grip on the check valve with the bottle attached. I bought a couple of 1-1/2 plastic plumbing fittings at Lowe's, their stock number 23903. This fitting has a 1-1/2" male pipe thread, wrench flats and a cylindrical section. I cut the cylindrical section off and beveled the cut edges. I skived some material out of the bore of the threaded section (the end opposite the wrench flats is smaller because of mold draft) until it was a light press fit over the check valve assembly. I roughed up the check valve OD and fitting ID with emery paper and put a light coat of epoxy resin on the check valve OD and plumbing fitting ID. I pressed the fitting onto the check valve, with the wrench flats facing the check valve cap, until the dimension from the plumbing fitting shoulder to check valve end was one inch. Now, I can grab the wrench flats with my fingers and remove the bottle and check valve as an assembly! 
There wasn't enough clearance to get a good grip on the check valve with the bottle attached. I bought a couple of 1-1/2 plastic plumbing fittings at Lowe's, their stock number 23903. This fitting has a 1-1/2" male pipe thread, wrench flats and a cylindrical section. I cut the cylindrical section off and beveled the cut edges. I skived some material out of the bore of the threaded section (the end opposite the wrench flats is smaller because of mold draft) until it was a light press fit over the check valve assembly. I roughed up the check valve OD and fitting ID with emery paper and put a light coat of epoxy resin on the check valve OD and plumbing fitting ID. I pressed the fitting onto the check valve, with the wrench flats facing the check valve cap, until the dimension from the plumbing fitting shoulder to check valve end was one inch. Now, I can grab the wrench flats with my fingers and remove the bottle and check valve as an assembly!
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
2010 ML350 BlueTec, 2005 F150, 1985 MB 300TD
Clarify a dimension
I thought about making an AdBlue bottle into a funnel, but didn't care for the possibility of contamination and the need to return left-over DEF fluid to the DEF container. I got a couple of empty AdBlue bottles from a dealer, unscrewed the check valves from the bottles and refilled them from a 10 quart DEF container. The problem I ran into is that when I tried to remove the bottle and check valve from the tank nipple after filling, the bottle would unscrew from the check valve. There wasn't enough clearance to get a good grip on the check valve with the bottle attached. I bought a couple of 1-1/2 plastic plumbing fittings at Lowe's, their stock number 23903. This fitting has a 1-1/2" male pipe thread, wrench flats and a cylindrical section. I cut the cylindrical section off and beveled the cut edges. I skived some material out of the bore of the threaded section (the end opposite the wrench flats is smaller because of mold draft) until it was a light press fit over the check valve assembly. I roughed up the check valve OD and fitting ID with emery paper and put a light coat of epoxy resin on the check valve OD and plumbing fitting ID. I pressed the fitting onto the check valve, with the wrench flats facing the check valve cap to a depth of one inch. Now, I can grab the wrench flats with my fingers to remove the bottle and check valve as an assembly!
There wasn't enough clearance to get a good grip on the check valve with the bottle attached. I bought a couple of 1-1/2 plastic plumbing fittings at Lowe's, their stock number 23903. This fitting has a 1-1/2" male pipe thread, wrench flats and a cylindrical section. I cut the cylindrical section off and beveled the cut edges. I skived some material out of the bore of the threaded section (the end opposite the wrench flats is smaller because of mold draft) until it was a light press fit over the check valve assembly. I roughed up the check valve OD and fitting ID with emery paper and put a light coat of epoxy resin on the check valve OD and plumbing fitting ID. I pressed the fitting onto the check valve, with the wrench flats facing the check valve cap to a depth of one inch. Now, I can grab the wrench flats with my fingers to remove the bottle and check valve as an assembly!
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
2010 ML350 BlueTec, 2005 F150, 1985 MB 300TD
Clarification and Comment
Clarification: The plumbing fitting flats face away from the check valve assembly cap. I.E., toward the bottle end of the check valve.
Comment: I scored a line above the check valve locking ring with a snap blade knife and deepened it with a very thin pull saw blade from Hobby Lobby. Then I broke the locking ring off with needle nose pliers.
Comment: I scored a line above the check valve locking ring with a snap blade knife and deepened it with a very thin pull saw blade from Hobby Lobby. Then I broke the locking ring off with needle nose pliers.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 401
Likes: 31
From: CT
GL 450, 993TT, Cayenne Diesel, 964C4
DEF fluid for 2014 GL-350 Bluetec?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 401
Likes: 31
From: CT
GL 450, 993TT, Cayenne Diesel, 964C4
