Fourdiesel

nynd - Don't worry overly much about measuring the AdBlu put in. I know of no M-B requirement to measure and input to the computer the amount of AdBlu put in the system. Even of the tank isn't quite full, it makes no difference. Next time you will just put a little more in. The car will use what it uses and the amount added during maintenance doesn't matter.

nalaskier

Yes, the truck will tell you when to add adblue. So it doesn't really matter if you don't fill the tank completely. I made the mistake at A service to use Mercedes overpriced adblue. When I took my C class in for a service a few months later and told my SA that I wouldn't buy MB adblue. I worked it out that on my next B service (which was 3 weeks ago) I would provide the adblue. They also have to flush the adblue system on B service. They filled it up with my VW adblue at no additional cost. Normally the adblue is an extra cost above your A/B service. VW adblue cost me $14 for 2.5 gallons. Buy 3 of these to fill your tank.

43221B

Guys, the notion that you have to know the level of adblue so that you don't overfill is rediculous. The adblue tank is external. There is one cap that you take off to access the second cap which is external to the passenger compartment. If you overfill, the adblue runs down the outside of the tank. No big deal. Adblue is non toxic and biodegradable. I've slightly overfilled my adblue tank and all it does is run down and out a small drain hole on the bottom of the black protective cover that is behind the hitch. It dries to a powder and you would never know anything had ever leaked. Make sure you don't contaminate the adblue when you fill (dirty funnel) and you are good to go.

nynd

Well, based on that even better. What is the expectancy of a full fill. Would it empty after about 10 000 miles? I guess, at every 3000 or so, just add a couple gallons (if it is a 7 gallon tank). That way, I guess your not messing with the concentration level (read something of that somewhere).

I saw that it looked to be filled with a special bottle, is this the case or do you just remove a flap/cap and pour it in?

43221B

I used just under 5 gallons in 10,000 miles and I had many hours idling, far more than any typical owner would have. I did no towing. The tank capacity is 8.3 gallons. Purchase the 2.5 gal jugs and a CLEAN funnel. Did I say clean funnel? The jugs come with a cheap hose attached that you can cut to an appropriate length. Just sit the jug in the Jack compartment and let it fill. The cap on the exterior tank has weird threads that require you to lift the cap as you turn to remove. Fill at 10,000 miles and just pay attention when you get close to adding 5 gallons. You can easily kink the hose to stop filling.

nynd

Appreciate the info.

Best place to get this compliant Adblue is VW dealer?

43221B

I bought mine at a truck stop. 2.5 Gal jugs go from $9.99 to around $13.00. You have to purchase them in the truck parts store which is usually on the side where all the truck pumps are. The retail stores that are on the side where car pumps are don't sell it.

Others have posted that NAPA is selling it. My understanding is that 2011 Ford F-Series Powerstroke trucks are using it so Ford dealerships I would think sell it. Pretty much, you should be able to get it about anywhere. There is an Adblue locator on the Detroit Diesel (owned by Daimler) website. All diesel truck engines manufactured after Jan 1, of this year must use Adblue. The exception are engines made by Navistar (International) which use a different technology that is technically EPA compliant but only because they are using credits for having cleaner engines than other companies during the last decade. Eventually, Navistar will have to have the same emissions levels as other manufacturers. They exclusively use exhaust gas recirculation to lower NOx which other diesel manufacturers feel is inferior because it makes the engine run hotter requiring more cooling capacity and more engine displacement (slightly worse fuel economy) to generate the same HP.

43221B

btw, there are actually a few truck stops that have installed Adblue or DEF (generic name) pumps. Common sense would tell you that you should see more of these pumps in the near future.

nynd

Good info. Will check around, appreciate the insight.

StevethePilot

Huh - I never thought about that! (Then again, as Stumblefoot and NevadaJack will tell you, I can run a little short on common sense!)

43221B

This page has a video showing the complexity of filling an adblue or DEF tank.

http://www.freightlinertrucks.com/sc...le-choice.aspx

And how much are they asking to fill up an adblue tank at MB dealerships?

Fourdiesel

43221B said he had many hours idling and no towing and used but 5 gal AdBlu in 10,000 mi. That is exactly what is expected for those conditions. The purpose of AdBlu is to change the NOx produced by a diesel to nitrogen gas and water in the presence of a catalyst. Since the engine produces very minimal amounts of NOx at idle and low power because the combustion temperatures are low, the ECU pumps little AdBlu into the exhaust stream. All diesels produce more NOx at higher power levels. The ECU is programmed to account for this and pushes more AdBlu at higher power levels. So, if you often tow heavy loads up long hills expect to need to add AdBlu more frequently.
Also keep in mind that AdBlu does NOT reduce the NOx to zero, just to within the allowed limits for fleetwide average usages.

nynd

Just to close the books on this one - I picked up my 2010 GL350 last week and love it. Took alot of advice from people on this site so many thanks to those that shared their opinions/comments. I use to have a 4.8i X5 (2008) loaded with all options and the sport pack. The integration of everything on the GL and the gas mileage is so awesome - you have to love it. Also picked up some DEF for the down the road refilling (got the 2.5 gallon container as someone has mentioned here from a truck stop - the ISO compliant one).

Again - many thanks.

43221B

Nynd, Congrats on the new GL. I'm coming up on a year in a week or so and I find myself liking my Bluetec even more than when I first purchased it. It's a great vehicle.

mp0i

Adding Adblue is like adding windshield cleaner fluid, no big deal. The best place to by it is at a VW dealer. All you need is a funnel, nothing could be easier. C'mon guys really, if you can add windshield cleaner fluid you can add DEF.

Texas993

The video link above was most helpful. Filling the Adblue tank via the truckstop pump seems like a familiar process...

HamburgO

The Mercedes diesel is awesome, and I only wish they sold the 8cyl. over here!!!Just a little more oomph from 0 would be nice ...

If you decide on the 350, look into getting the power-booster kit from Brabus. It adds a few HP and ft.lbs.... needs to be installed to a fairly new engine.