AutoSaurus

Went to my normal fueling station to fill up on diesel this afternoon and with about 2 gallons to go I looked up and noticed the pump had a new label on it which indicated it was low sulfur versus ultra-low which is required in the GL320CDI. I immediately stopped and went inside to inquire expecting a run around or dumb looks but to my surprise I got someone who could help me determine if the tanks had been switched back to the old formula. After going through a few managers and a few phone calls, we ended up outside talking to a tanker driver who assured me that all the diesel they stock is ULSD and someone had inadvertently put up the wrong sign at the pump. You can bet they will be changed back soon!

So far no problems.

Germancar1

Well it won't cause immediate damage, but continual use will clog the filters much faster.

M

carpersn

Jack, are you saying that this pump HAD the ULSD label and then was switched back, or you just never noticed the label before...good grief, i can only imagine how i would've reacted...panic city. I am paranoid, and i have only filled up twice (in 3.5 weeks!)

AutoSaurus

Way back last year they put on the new ULSD label and its been on there since. However, yesterday I noticed a new LSD label (for 2006 and older models) in its place as if they had switched back. They didn't switch back it just gives the appearance that they did. All is well. Just be careful and don't be afraid to ask.

v8plus4

I don't think the nozzle on the LSD pumps even fit into vehicles requiring ULSD, do they? I took a new ML320CDI on a road trip last year, and couldn't figure out why the pump nozzle wouldn't fit into the car until I noticed that it was a LSD pump.

AutoSaurus

Went back to the Flying J today and the stickers were still applied. I spoke with the manager who seemed to know more about the situation than I expected. Apparently, Flying J corporate told them to put the old stickers back on the pumps but he assured me that the pumps had ULSD in them. So I fill up and am on my happy way.

Once back at the office, I write a nice little email to Flying J corporate via their website and get a personal phone call within 3 hours! I spoke with a gentleman who knew of the situation and he told me the reason was that they (Flying J) had plans to sell LSD along with the ULSD in the future so the stickers were applied. However, the stickers only say that 2007 vehicles must use the ULSD and not necessarily that the pump has LSD in them. It really is misleading. The reason they plan to sell the LSD again is because it cost .35 less and therefore can make money on it.

Overall, I was impressed that he called (has MB ever done that!?) but still a little concerned that if they put LSD back in how will I know? He says that the pumps can't be 'converted' back to LSD once going forward with ULSD but another pump can be dedicated to sale only LSD. Its confusing, I know.

So I guess for now....

carpersn

I don't know about you, but I don't care for that explanation...you'd never really know what you're using and they have an "out" if something were to happen. Why in the world couldn't they convert the pumps back? If it were me, jack, i'd be pumpin my diesel elsewhere for now...

on another note, i am READY FOR DIESEL TO GO BACK DOWN IN PRICE!!!

AutoSaurus

I agree with you. The more I think about it the more I should have pushed for them put the original signage back on the pump so they don't have an out as you said.

I paid 2.49 when everyone else around was at 2.59.

AutoSaurus

Just spoke with a petroleum representative for the Commissioner of Agriculture in my state....they have no control on what is in the pump and how its labeled as far as ULSD vs LSD. He called both Flying J's in our state and they said the LSD label covers them if they decided to put it in instead of the ULSD. He recommends not using them or documenting everything if I do fill up with it. He felt my pain and agreed with my frustrations over this.

I guess I'm going to pay about 10-15/gal cents more and use another dealer who I can trust.

carpersn

Well, i know it must be frustrating but better safe than sorry! And you know it would come back on you, not Flying J or MBUSA...

Isn't it nice to go so far on a tank of fuel, though...seems to lessen the pain of the $$$ fill-ups!

MJ50

i thought only bluetec required ULSD...

Nevada Jack

All 2007 MB diesels require the use of ULSD...

AutoSaurus

One better. ALL 2007 DIESELS REQUIRE ULSD. Wikipedia Entry

AutoSaurus

Went to fuel up today at the Shell station across the street from the Flying J and they were out of diesel! Had no choice but to go to Flying J and 'take a chance' but guess what? The new ULSD stickers are back on! So who knows what happened but maybe my phone calls mentioned earlier helped. Saved .17 a gallon this time!

Nothing like saving a buck or two.

StevethePilot

FEEL THE POWER!

cjh.

I went through a similar issue with my GL50. My wife was putting gas in the GL450, but didn't know it took premium. She pur regular unleaded in it. Luckily, the GL was just fine.

Danno4x4

You can actually run regular in your 450 and it will be just fine. Maximum power may be down a tad when you really get on it... (Barely noticeable) But the Engine Control Computer will retune the engine to compensate for the regular gas.

Don't think you will poison your vehicle by using regular.

Low Sulpher Diesel vs. Ultra Low Sulpher Diesel is another story. You actually can poison the vehicle if you use LSD where ULSD is called for.

Jack450

I recently bought another work truck and discovered a "bidding war" if you will on the trucks built in '06 that will run on either. Ended up with a 2007 Chevy built in '06 and paid more than I liked. Does Mercedes recommend putting additives like "Hot Shot" to clean and lube injectors. We use it on our trucks about every 4th fill up. Ford actually recommends it in a TSB.