Availability of diesel #2 or B5
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GL350
Availability of diesel #2 or B5
My wife has a 2014 GL350 Bluetec and we'll be traveling around the country some in it. Since she bought the vehicle, we learned that in some states it's difficult to find diesel #2 or 5% or less biofuel. Illinois seems to be the poster child for this but I'm trying to find out in what other states we may have trouble finding #2 or <B5.
I searched biodiesel fuel threads in this forum, but didn't find any addressing this issue. Regardless what state you live in, please post as to whether diesel #2 or 5% or less biofuel is available or hard to find in your state (or other states known to you).
One other thing, if I'm in a pinch and have to fuel up with B20, am I likely to do any damage to the vehicle in one tankful? That sounds like a question that would have been asked at some point in this forum, but I didn't see it if it was.
I searched biodiesel fuel threads in this forum, but didn't find any addressing this issue. Regardless what state you live in, please post as to whether diesel #2 or 5% or less biofuel is available or hard to find in your state (or other states known to you).
One other thing, if I'm in a pinch and have to fuel up with B20, am I likely to do any damage to the vehicle in one tankful? That sounds like a question that would have been asked at some point in this forum, but I didn't see it if it was.
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You shouldn't have any problems if you plan. With a Bluetec, you can drive across most states on a single tank, and, the ones you cant traverse in a single tank (e.g. Texas, Alaska, etc.) will have #2 diesel at every truck stop. If you have to use B6-Bwhatever, just fill up in quarter tank increments until you can find a supported fuel, then fill up the remainder of the tank with the correct fuel.
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GL350
Part of planning ahead is to know in what states getting good fuel is an issue. And as for every truck stop having diesel #2, that's apparently not true in Illinois. So if anyone out there has information about states where Diesel #2 is hard to find, please pass it along. Knowing which states have readily available diesel #2 is also very helpful. Thanks.
Last edited by Dog hauler; Sep 12, 2013 at 09:02 PM.
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From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
http://www.biodiesel.org/using-biodi...retail-map#map
Christian County for one has B5 .
This maps covers info on all B5 & B11 outlets US wide.
Here is another. All googled. http://alternative-fuel.findthedata.org/d/b/B5
Christian County for one has B5 .
This maps covers info on all B5 & B11 outlets US wide.
Here is another. All googled. http://alternative-fuel.findthedata.org/d/b/B5
Last edited by Carsy; Sep 14, 2013 at 01:38 AM.
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http://www.biodiesel.org/using-biodi...retail-map#map
Christian County for one has B5 .
This maps covers info on all B5 & B11 outlets US wide.
Here is another. All googled. http://alternative-fuel.findthedata.org/d/b/B5
Christian County for one has B5 .
This maps covers info on all B5 & B11 outlets US wide.
Here is another. All googled. http://alternative-fuel.findthedata.org/d/b/B5
does not represent service areas or product availability, but rather the physical locations where these retailers are located. Please contact these businesses for additional information including service areas, pricing and availability.
The second map appears to be more useful, but upon filtering by stations with B5, I'm presented a list of stations that say "Biodiesel (B20 and above)" Unless you're getting different results, I'm not sure how we can use those maps to find approved fueling stations.
I researched extensively upon purchasing our 2011 Bluetec ML and came up with little to nothing for support. Even asked my dealer and MB corporate. The dealer was actually interested but also didn't have any answers for what to do in states like IL. Corporate simply sent me a brochure stating that B5 was the only approved biofuel. Ultimately we make sure the tank is full upon leaving Indiana and fill up again after we exit IL. I believe Minnesota is the other state where biofuel is heavily subsidized making owners of current gen diesels risk warranty issues. There is no doubt the engines will run on the bio blends higher than B5, the question is more of long term effects. If you're truly in need of fuel you can likely fill up with what is available and then fill the rest with good fuel as soon as possible.
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GL350
jkeatz, that's pretty much what I was thinking. Although I appreciate the responses with the links to stations where you can get biofuel, what I really need to know is in what states it's hard to find diesel #2 or <B5. If folks would post whether it's easy or hard to find #2 or <B5 in their state or area, it would be very helpful. If people will do that, I think that in fairly short order we'll have a list of states where finding good fuel is/isn't an issue.
Meanwhile, you may want to check this link to see where you can get #2 in Illinois: https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...50faa8ddb6b1f5
I take it from your post, jkaetz, that #2 is readily available in Indiana. Please let me know.
BTW, I think I read a post on this form recently that the Minnesota subsidies weren't in effect yet, so #2 is still available in Minnesota. At least for now.
Meanwhile, you may want to check this link to see where you can get #2 in Illinois: https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...50faa8ddb6b1f5
I take it from your post, jkaetz, that #2 is readily available in Indiana. Please let me know.
BTW, I think I read a post on this form recently that the Minnesota subsidies weren't in effect yet, so #2 is still available in Minnesota. At least for now.
Last edited by Dog hauler; Sep 19, 2013 at 05:20 PM.
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GL350
I received a PM from a fellow who is familiar with some states and I'm hearing from other folks, as well. I can't personally verify any of this so if your experience in finding diesel #2 in listed states is different, please feel free to chime in. That said, it looks like the following states have readily available diesel #2:
Arizona
Indiana
Iowa
Maryland
Wisconsin
So far, it's only in Illinois where it looks to be an issue finding #2, with Minnesota perhaps soon to follow but it hasn't yet. So here's the list of bad states where it's tough to find #2 (again, keep in mind that I can't personally verify the information so if your experience is different, by all means say so):Indiana
Iowa
Maryland
Wisconsin
Illinois
Minnesota (not yet, but apparently soon)
I'd love to hear from other folks about their states and I'll add them to the list. Thanks!
Minnesota (not yet, but apparently soon)
Last edited by Dog hauler; Sep 20, 2013 at 02:01 PM.
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From: Central Pennsylvania
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I have driven up and down the east coast extensively. I have NEVER had an issue or any difficulty at all in finding #2 diesel. In fact, only folks new to diesels are still worried about the old days when diesel was difficult to find in the US. Thanks to the huge numbers of diesel pickup trucks and VW TDis, there has been a proliferation of diesel availability everywhere in the US. The information that you seek on locations, etc. is for all intensive purposes irrelevant today. The Illinois situation is unique, but, VW, Audi, and BMW have all reconciled the >B6 issue. MB is just slow. The truth is, no damage is going to occur. If you are this obsessive about voiding your warranty due to fuel availability, a MB diesel was probably not a good decision. I would just go out and enjoy the car. When the low fuel light comes on, fill it up again, and keep going. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff, and this is truly miniscule.
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From: Maryland
2014 GLK250 BlueTEC, 2012 BMW 335is Conv.
No problems in Maryland. Or anywhere in the mid-Atlantic, as far as I know.
I-95 runs through the eastern states and it's a very popular road for all kinds of commercial vehicles that run on diesel. When you get away from 95, out in the rural and agricultural areas, then you start seeing more privately owned diesel pickup trucks so diesel fuel is common out there too.
I-95 runs through the eastern states and it's a very popular road for all kinds of commercial vehicles that run on diesel. When you get away from 95, out in the rural and agricultural areas, then you start seeing more privately owned diesel pickup trucks so diesel fuel is common out there too.
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I have driven up and down the east coast extensively. I have NEVER had an issue or any difficulty at all in finding #2 diesel. In fact, only folks new to diesels are still worried about the old days when diesel was difficult to find in the US. Thanks to the huge numbers of diesel pickup trucks and VW TDis, there has been a proliferation of diesel availability everywhere in the US. The information that you seek on locations, etc. is for all intensive purposes irrelevant today. The Illinois situation is unique, but, VW, Audi, and BMW have all reconciled the >B6 issue. MB is just slow. The truth is, no damage is going to occur. If you are this obsessive about voiding your warranty due to fuel availability, a MB diesel was probably not a good decision. I would just go out and enjoy the car. When the low fuel light comes on, fill it up again, and keep going. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff, and this is truly miniscule.
A similar situation will occur if legislation is approved forcing ethanol content > 10% into gasoline. Will the existing cars run? Sure? How long? Who knows. Nevermind the fact that increasing ethanol content will reduce the fuel mileage of every gasoline powered vehicle across the board. Changing fuel standards should be something done very infrequently or else it could severely hamper the longevity of existing vehicles.
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Consider that Biodiesel is highly available in Europe. These same engines are running just fine overseas on Biodiesel. The politics behind it is that the US has yet to adopt a universal grading system for biodiesel, so, quality can vary. This was the case with the multitude of biodiesel startups. A lot has changed since then. A testament to that is that we are now seeing mainstream companies (Hess, Exxon, Sunoco, etc.) offering biodiesel blends. MB is standing their ground on this issue. Audi, BMW, and VW, all took the same stance initially; however, they realized that the risk to a modern diesel is minimal, while, the risk to customer loyalty is huge. MB will have to come around or ultimately become the only diesel car manufacturer that is not "50 state" certified, and, basically write off Illinois as a market for diesels. While I love my benzes, if I lived in Illinois, there is no way on earth I would purchase a new diesel until MB follows the same course as their competitors. Diesels are robust and will run on everything from diesel #2 to cooking oil. I don't understand why MB is being such a stick in the mud on this issue.
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GL350
Any way you slice it, ImInPA, MB doesn't want french fry grease run through their motors. I'm inclined to go with what a roomful of German engineers have to say on it, especially since I consider that warranty thing pretty important. Once MB says it's okay to run >B5, I'm all over it. I hear it's less expensive, even. Until then, if you want to fill up at McDonald's and don't care about your warranty, knock yourself out.
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From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
Being in IL, my plan is to use "Branded" B20 (Mostly BP) and fill up out of state with D2 as often as practical.
Since we use the GL primarily for trips, it is not that hard to keep it well over 50% on D2.
I also decided to keep the 10K oil change interval, and watch the oil level for increases (Per the VW letter), but not worry about it.
Since we use the GL primarily for trips, it is not that hard to keep it well over 50% on D2.
I also decided to keep the 10K oil change interval, and watch the oil level for increases (Per the VW letter), but not worry about it.
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GL350
Being in IL, my plan is to use "Branded" B20 (Mostly BP) and fill up out of state with D2 as often as practical.
Since we use the GL primarily for trips, it is not that hard to keep it well over 50% on D2.
I also decided to keep the 10K oil change interval, and watch the oil level for increases (Per the VW letter), but not worry about it.
Since we use the GL primarily for trips, it is not that hard to keep it well over 50% on D2.
I also decided to keep the 10K oil change interval, and watch the oil level for increases (Per the VW letter), but not worry about it.
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From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
Don't forget to check this link: https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...50faa8ddb6b1f5 If one of those sources is near you, perhaps you'll never need to use fuel >B5 and you'll still have a warranty.
I bought my GL with 96K miles.
Warranty is not a concern.
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Any way you slice it, ImInPA, MB doesn't want french fry grease run through their motors. I'm inclined to go with what a roomful of German engineers have to say on it, especially since I consider that warranty thing pretty important. Once MB says it's okay to run >B5, I'm all over it. I hear it's less expensive, even. Until then, if you want to fill up at McDonald's and don't care about your warranty, knock yourself out.
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Just to add my 2 cents.
I have a 2006 E320 CDI.
Been all over the west, Cal,Wash,Ore,AZ,Nev,Idaho,Col,NM,UT,WY,Montana.
No problem finding Diesel #2.
I only have a problem with price, more than UL Gas, why?
I have a 2006 E320 CDI.
Been all over the west, Cal,Wash,Ore,AZ,Nev,Idaho,Col,NM,UT,WY,Montana.
No problem finding Diesel #2.
I only have a problem with price, more than UL Gas, why?
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GL350
When I get responses to most states, I'll start a new post with a complete list. Again, thanks for your input.
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GL350
What I wonder about diesel prices is why they don't always go up or down with the price of gasoline. In general, gas and diesel prices move in the same direction. But, in my observation in Arizona, there are plenty of instances where the price of gas is going up and the price of diesel is constant or even going down. The opposite is sometimes true, as well. There are even times when diesel is the same price or less than regular unleaded. Most of the time, diesel is more, of course, but not always.
There are no doubt ordinary market factors that go into it and if someone knows (as opposed to taking a wild guess) why, I'd like to hear the explanation.
There are no doubt ordinary market factors that go into it and if someone knows (as opposed to taking a wild guess) why, I'd like to hear the explanation.
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2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
Prior to 2000, diesel in the US generally was $.50-$.70 cents below regular. It is MUCH less expensive to refine than gasoline, and provides a higher yield per barrel as well. The diesel prices in the US are artificially high. As diesel is identical to home heating oil, the oil companies did not miss a step when it came to screwing home owners using oil heat. Of course, in the US, two big oil men were placed in the executive branch in 2000. From then on, diesel/home heating oil prices no longer reflected the costs. Similar price gouging can be seen with kerosene prices. As folks need to heat their homes, the oil companies have a captured market. A shame, because diesel could really move the US towards energy independence more quickly than any other technology out there at the present time.
