CEL Question and Biodiesel in Oregon
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Portland, Oregon
2008 GL 320 CDI
CEL Question and Biodiesel in Oregon
Have a 2008 320 CDI that has a check engine light problem that hasn't been resolved. Been to dealer 10,000 miles ago to check this. They replaced fuel filter, air filter and supposedly reset system. After driving, CEL came on again. They CEL goes out after 100 - 200 miles but often comes on again sometime after filling with diesel. Just had the vehicle in for 40K service to have them check it again they said multiple 02 sensor precat codes (02 upstream open circuit, 02 thrust value below limit, part load fault value below limit 02). They rest Lambda values suspecting this wasn't done when the air filter was replaced previously. After driving for a day or two, CEL comes on again.
Now I am wondering if the biodiesel in Oregon has anything to do with this. In Oregon, the law requires gas stations to pump biodiesel, not sure if its B15 or not. I live in the Portland area, any other diesel owners have this problem?
Now I am wondering if the biodiesel in Oregon has anything to do with this. In Oregon, the law requires gas stations to pump biodiesel, not sure if its B15 or not. I live in the Portland area, any other diesel owners have this problem?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,128
Likes: 792
NGL450 w/EORP, S550
Have a 2008 320 CDI that has a check engine light problem that hasn't been resolved. Been to dealer 10,000 miles ago to check this. They replaced fuel filter, air filter and supposedly reset system. After driving, CEL came on again. They CEL goes out after 100 - 200 miles but often comes on again sometime after filling with diesel. Just had the vehicle in for 40K service to have them check it again they said multiple 02 sensor precat codes (02 upstream open circuit, 02 thrust value below limit, part load fault value below limit 02). They rest Lambda values suspecting this wasn't done when the air filter was replaced previously. After driving for a day or two, CEL comes on again.
Now I am wondering if the biodiesel in Oregon has anything to do with this. In Oregon, the law requires gas stations to pump biodiesel, not sure if its B15 or not. I live in the Portland area, any other diesel owners have this problem?
Now I am wondering if the biodiesel in Oregon has anything to do with this. In Oregon, the law requires gas stations to pump biodiesel, not sure if its B15 or not. I live in the Portland area, any other diesel owners have this problem?
I also don't see why they would have to reset lambda values after changing an air filter. The car reads the resistance in flow across the filters and should adapt on its own.
BTW Oregon law only forbids you from pumping your own gasoline, not diesel. You are therefore free to assure the quality of the fuel you put in your own car.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Portland, Oregon
2008 GL 320 CDI
Biodiesel
I did fill up this morning, I was mistaken about the biodiesel rating. The pumps state B5 S15, so the max is 5%. The Union 76 was out so I filled up at the Shell station. In regards to testing the O2 sensors the dealer did and tested O.K. Drove to Lincoln City this morning but the light never went out. Engine runs fine, I re-set the MPG computer around McMinville and drove about 60 miles between 50 - 65 mph and got 30 MPG when I arrived. Impressive fuel mileage, although the latter part of the trip was slightly downhill to the coast.
Its puzzling, I've been living with this for awhile but I'm nervous if something else goes wrong to trigger the CEL I won't notice because its already on.
Its puzzling, I've been living with this for awhile but I'm nervous if something else goes wrong to trigger the CEL I won't notice because its already on.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 711
Likes: 11
From: NW corner of CONUS
2008 GL 320 CDI, 2004 VW V10 Touareg TDI
B5 is OK per Mercedes. More is not. It turns out that the ability of biodiesel to not change physical properties (viscosity, 'gummyness' etc) at the high pressures and temperatures inside common rail diesel injections is poorer than it is for dinodiesel. In other words, it just isn't as stable at those pressures and temperatures.
REQUIRE the dealer to cure the CEL!
REQUIRE the dealer to cure the CEL!
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 903
Likes: 23
From: B.C.
GL 320cdi, Chevrolet Avalanchero, GLE 350 (on order)
The truth is that the engine can handle way more than B5. You can hear it from Benz (DC) and Bosch officials in the vids you can see in this thread:
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...e-answers.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...e-answers.html
Last edited by Brocktoon; Nov 24, 2010 at 11:27 AM.
