Bluetec owner with biodiesel concerns
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 63
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From: MN
12 ml350 bluetec, 08 bmw 135i, 12 F250 PSD
Bluetec owner with biodiesel concerns
Our 2012 350 Bluetec has been a wonderful vehicle for our family needs and planned on keeping it for years to come. We currently have around 85k on the ML and it still runs flawlessly with great power and fuel economy.
My concern is that Minnesota has recently passed a B20 mandate for biodiesel which goes into effect next April. Our ML has been out of warranty for a while now, and I understand that Mercedes recommends no higher than B5 in the bluetec, but starting next year, I'm not going to have a choice. During the Spring/Summer months fuel stations will be required to sell b20 and then switch over to b5 in the colder months. My question is, will i have serious issues running b20 from April-Oct? My Mercedes tech does not have a definitive answer, but is telling me that i will have to continually check oil levels and change oil every 5k miles...and fuel filter more often. I guess if that's all I need to worry about, I'm ok with that as I change oil around 7-8k miles anyways, and changing it earlier is not a big deal. I'm mostly concerned about injectors, fuel rail, engine sludge etc.
Does anyone have experience or advice on running B20 in the Bluetec?
My concern is that Minnesota has recently passed a B20 mandate for biodiesel which goes into effect next April. Our ML has been out of warranty for a while now, and I understand that Mercedes recommends no higher than B5 in the bluetec, but starting next year, I'm not going to have a choice. During the Spring/Summer months fuel stations will be required to sell b20 and then switch over to b5 in the colder months. My question is, will i have serious issues running b20 from April-Oct? My Mercedes tech does not have a definitive answer, but is telling me that i will have to continually check oil levels and change oil every 5k miles...and fuel filter more often. I guess if that's all I need to worry about, I'm ok with that as I change oil around 7-8k miles anyways, and changing it earlier is not a big deal. I'm mostly concerned about injectors, fuel rail, engine sludge etc.
Does anyone have experience or advice on running B20 in the Bluetec?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2015
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From: Miami, FL
2003 CL 600
It won't affect the injectors, the major issues are contamination and sludge, which earlier oil changes and more frequent fuel filter changes will address. Make sure you're using the best possible oil to avoid sludge issues.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 63
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From: MN
12 ml350 bluetec, 08 bmw 135i, 12 F250 PSD
Thanks for the info italianjoe. This makes me feel a bit more at ease.
I'm wondering if there are any bluetec owners that have been running b20 for extended periods of time who could chime in as well. I believe Illinois is a b20 mandate state for the past few years. Any Illinois residence who can comment?
I'm wondering if there are any bluetec owners that have been running b20 for extended periods of time who could chime in as well. I believe Illinois is a b20 mandate state for the past few years. Any Illinois residence who can comment?
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Barrington IL
2015 E 250, 1999 BMW M Roadster, 1939 International Harvester, 2023 GLC
My 2005 CDI here in Chicago are ran perfect at 225,000 miles before selling. Many tanks were purchased outside the state.
My new 2015 MB diesel with the add blue with 22k so far so good.
My new 2015 MB diesel with the add blue with 22k so far so good.
