Secret Biodiesel Test
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 898
Likes: 9
From: Woodstock, IL
His 2019 RAM Cummins Turbo Diesel Laramie; Her's 2007 ML320 CDI P3; Mine BMW R1200R
Secret Biodiesel Test
Well, I found a Shell station far out in the farming areas of IL, and they sell 20% Soy USLD Biodiesel. Price...$3.95 per gal. I am now on my 2nd tank of this.
Yes I know MB panics over 5%. Yes I know they don't need any excuse to sidestep paying for warranty claims, but so far, its been good.
Actually, it been great. Engine is a little quieter, revs smoother and feels a little peppier. Also I get around 780 miles to the tank now, instead of the usual 700. I have seen where others have tried this with similar results. Anyone else tried recently and care to comment?
Also FYI, in IL fuel stations do not have to disclose the percent of biodiesel mix, so it is possible some stations are selling higher concentrations and the drivers don't know it. This station just happens to use it as a promotion so they disclose it.
Yes I know MB panics over 5%. Yes I know they don't need any excuse to sidestep paying for warranty claims, but so far, its been good.
Actually, it been great. Engine is a little quieter, revs smoother and feels a little peppier. Also I get around 780 miles to the tank now, instead of the usual 700. I have seen where others have tried this with similar results. Anyone else tried recently and care to comment?
Also FYI, in IL fuel stations do not have to disclose the percent of biodiesel mix, so it is possible some stations are selling higher concentrations and the drivers don't know it. This station just happens to use it as a promotion so they disclose it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 242
From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
Good luck--you're going to need it.
See
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w211...mysteries.html
and
Understanding the Post-Injection Problem - Biodiesel Magazine
See
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w211...mysteries.html
and
Understanding the Post-Injection Problem - Biodiesel Magazine
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,236
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From: DFW
2022 E350 Diamond White Metallic, 2016 GLC300 Dakota Brown Metallic
I feel sorry for your poor diesel. I would not put any more biodiesel in it above B5. If something happens you are cruisin for a big bill.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 898
Likes: 9
From: Woodstock, IL
His 2019 RAM Cummins Turbo Diesel Laramie; Her's 2007 ML320 CDI P3; Mine BMW R1200R
It not for sale, and won't be. So no worries there. Also there is no difference in the vehicle with the fuel changeover.
From what I hear in Illinois, gas stations do not have to post the bio mix content of diesel, so you don't know what you are putting in your tank anyways. Plus, isn't Shell a reputable fuel company?
From what I hear in Illinois, gas stations do not have to post the bio mix content of diesel, so you don't know what you are putting in your tank anyways. Plus, isn't Shell a reputable fuel company?
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: missouri
2005 E320 CDI, 2009 SLK350 (wife's toy), 2007 ML320 CDI,2001 dodge 1 ton diesel
We ran biodiesel in our over the road trucks last year. We ran a B10 mixture, mainly in Caterpillar C-12, 3306 and 3406 engines. I also ran it in my E320 CDI. We could not find any change in fuel mileage (up or down). We only ran a quality Bio diesel (meeting ASTM 5271 (? I don't remember exact ASTM number)) I could not tell any difference, but some drivers said their trucks had more power. I think that only in their mind, as Soy oil has slightly less BTU/gallon than diesel fuel. We logged about 250,000 miles and 40,000 gallons of fuel with no effects on any fuel pumps or injectors. We stopped using Biofuel in November, due to possible cold weather problems with Bio fuels. This spring, Biofuels price has increased, and it is no longer economical to run it. Last year we saved between $.05 and $.10/gallon. We will run it again as soon as it becomes advantageous to change back to it. Bio that doesn't meet the ASTM standard can cause problems in your fuel system. Bio will also clean your system, and you may have to change fuel filters if there is much dirt/sludge/buildup in your system. Older vehicles may see some problems with rubber products if the Bio percentage is very high.
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 898
Likes: 9
From: Woodstock, IL
His 2019 RAM Cummins Turbo Diesel Laramie; Her's 2007 ML320 CDI P3; Mine BMW R1200R
After 3 tanks of this, I must admit there is really not much difference. The station I am using now claims to only sell 100% ULSD, and the ML runs the SAME. It did sound quieter on biosoy, so I think that is why I thought it felt faster, according to my seat pants dyno.
Bottom line, if I see biodiesel at a price I can't refuse, I won't refuse it.
Bottom line, if I see biodiesel at a price I can't refuse, I won't refuse it.
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Joined: Feb 2011
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2008 ML 320 CDI
After 3 tanks of this, I must admit there is really not much difference. The station I am using now claims to only sell 100% ULSD, and the ML runs the SAME. It did sound quieter on biosoy, so I think that is why I thought it felt faster, according to my seat pants dyno.
Bottom line, if I see biodiesel at a price I can't refuse, I won't refuse it.
Bottom line, if I see biodiesel at a price I can't refuse, I won't refuse it.
Thanks for any info
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Joined: Jan 2008
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2007 ML320 CDI
Come on guys..You are quoting Mercedes literature which is based on no real data. So before we all say the sky is falling, anyone with real PROOF that QUALITY B20 or higher is going to cause the engine to blow up, injectors to clog,etc?
I'm pretty certain there is no solid data to support your claims and some empirical evidence to suggest it isn't a big deal.
I'm pretty certain there is no solid data to support your claims and some empirical evidence to suggest it isn't a big deal.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 47
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From: Vancouver, BC
2011 ml350 Bluetec
Come on guys..You are quoting Mercedes literature which is based on no real data. So before we all say the sky is falling, anyone with real PROOF that QUALITY B20 or higher is going to cause the engine to blow up, injectors to clog,etc?
I'm pretty certain there is no solid data to support your claims and some empirical evidence to suggest it isn't a big deal.
I'm pretty certain there is no solid data to support your claims and some empirical evidence to suggest it isn't a big deal.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 68
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2007 ML320 CDI
I'm being a smart you know what just to make the point. The original poster knows it is a risk, but it isn't a $65,000 risk. It is a risk for whatever uncompensated engine repair bills he may require. Specifically just the injectors and fuel pump (which I admit are pricey) but it isn't a gamble of the whole vehicle (he isn't driving it off a bridge to see if it floats!)
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 898
Likes: 9
From: Woodstock, IL
His 2019 RAM Cummins Turbo Diesel Laramie; Her's 2007 ML320 CDI P3; Mine BMW R1200R
Never had an issue with this fuel after several tanks. Still have the car and it stills runs like a champ with 86000 miles now.
That fuel station was a distance from my house so I don't go there that often. Now I just fill up where ever I can find the best price at a station that seems to move the most fuel. I also run Power Service additives with every fill up.
My goal is to keep this car to 500000 miles, and so far so good.
Recently I have visited a few countries and seen these vehicles running happily on whatever diesel that country imports. Some don't even have ULSD and the ML's and E classes are zipping around like no tomorrow.
To each their own, but it's just a man made machine, not an elite athlete.
By the way, with my mileage I have no engine warranty whatsoever, so I am more than happy "risk" more than most.
That fuel station was a distance from my house so I don't go there that often. Now I just fill up where ever I can find the best price at a station that seems to move the most fuel. I also run Power Service additives with every fill up.
My goal is to keep this car to 500000 miles, and so far so good.
Recently I have visited a few countries and seen these vehicles running happily on whatever diesel that country imports. Some don't even have ULSD and the ML's and E classes are zipping around like no tomorrow.
To each their own, but it's just a man made machine, not an elite athlete.
By the way, with my mileage I have no engine warranty whatsoever, so I am more than happy "risk" more than most.
Last edited by dgiturbo; Feb 19, 2011 at 09:19 PM.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 898
Likes: 9
From: Woodstock, IL
His 2019 RAM Cummins Turbo Diesel Laramie; Her's 2007 ML320 CDI P3; Mine BMW R1200R
Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
04 sl 500, 07 ml 320 cdi
is it full syntetic oil? like the original one?
you are running 20% biodiesel now right?
changing it every 5000 miles in stead of 15.000 surely your ml will last a lot
you are running 20% biodiesel now right?
changing it every 5000 miles in stead of 15.000 surely your ml will last a lot
Last edited by Stesl; Feb 23, 2011 at 10:12 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,189
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
Come on guys..You are quoting Mercedes literature which is based on no real data. So before we all say the sky is falling, anyone with real PROOF that QUALITY B20 or higher is going to cause the engine to blow up, injectors to clog,etc?
I'm pretty certain there is no solid data to support your claims and some empirical evidence to suggest it isn't a big deal.
I'm pretty certain there is no solid data to support your claims and some empirical evidence to suggest it isn't a big deal.
How convenient for you.
Wonder why you would even own such a poorly engineered (in your mind) vehicle.
