ADBLUE HEATER
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 477
Likes: 30
From: Maricopa, AZ
2012 S63, 2013 E350 Bluetec
ADBLUE HEATER
I know this topic has been posted before, many times it seems, but nothing is too current. I have a '13 ML350BT with 66,000 miles on it. The CEL came on. A couple of days later it started acting like it didn't have as much power as it should on the freeway. Acceleration was slow. In city driving it didn't shift right and would stay in gear much longer than normal before upshifting.
Took it to the dealer who diagnosed that the AdBlue heater needed replacing and quoted a price of $2,100. I have an extended warranty through Endurance, but they don't cover emission related parts even though I have their most expensive plan.
I'm thinking I have to escalate this to MB regional and maybe corporate. I'm going back to the dealership to pick up the car later today and will talk with the general manager. He seems like a reasonable guy and I'm hoping he'll go to bat for me.
Anyone else have some recent experience with this?
Took it to the dealer who diagnosed that the AdBlue heater needed replacing and quoted a price of $2,100. I have an extended warranty through Endurance, but they don't cover emission related parts even though I have their most expensive plan.
I'm thinking I have to escalate this to MB regional and maybe corporate. I'm going back to the dealership to pick up the car later today and will talk with the general manager. He seems like a reasonable guy and I'm hoping he'll go to bat for me.
Anyone else have some recent experience with this?
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A gaggle of MB's
It is "rarer" to see AdBlue heater fault in the W166/X166 - and it is not uncommon for contaminated DEF to cause this - or buildup of Ure1
DEF contamination to metal - for example using a metal/funnel/filler - just casual DEF exposure to metal can cause crippling contamination to the DEF and to the system.
"Some" AdBlue heater failures with higher mileage Sprinter - have removed the tank/heater (coffee pot" and let sit full with water overnite to dissolve urea crystals - emptied/reinstalled/refilled with clean DEF.
Other high mileage owners (Sprinter and ML/GL) have gone to "SCR EMULATOR" which in essence removes the DEF controls - so you run without DEF and without faults. Do a ebay search - about $700 out of Eastern Europe.
Under "goodwill" - escalating makes sense - it may be possible to come to a a accomdation/shared-cost on the AdBlue heater in your situation.
Under Mercedes Extended new car Warranty - or under Mercedes Certified Pre-Owned Warranty - if that had been in place you would have been covered..
DEF contamination to metal - for example using a metal/funnel/filler - just casual DEF exposure to metal can cause crippling contamination to the DEF and to the system.
"Some" AdBlue heater failures with higher mileage Sprinter - have removed the tank/heater (coffee pot" and let sit full with water overnite to dissolve urea crystals - emptied/reinstalled/refilled with clean DEF.
Other high mileage owners (Sprinter and ML/GL) have gone to "SCR EMULATOR" which in essence removes the DEF controls - so you run without DEF and without faults. Do a ebay search - about $700 out of Eastern Europe.
Under "goodwill" - escalating makes sense - it may be possible to come to a a accomdation/shared-cost on the AdBlue heater in your situation.
Under Mercedes Extended new car Warranty - or under Mercedes Certified Pre-Owned Warranty - if that had been in place you would have been covered..
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 595
Likes: 38
From: Boston area
2019 GLS450
It is "rarer" to see AdBlue heater fault in the W166/X166 - and it is not uncommon for contaminated DEF to cause this - or buildup of Ure1
DEF contamination to metal - for example using a metal/funnel/filler - just casual DEF exposure to metal can cause crippling contamination to the DEF and to the system.
"Some" AdBlue heater failures with higher mileage Sprinter - have removed the tank/heater (coffee pot" and let sit full with water overnite to dissolve urea crystals - emptied/reinstalled/refilled with clean DEF.
Other high mileage owners (Sprinter and ML/GL) have gone to "SCR EMULATOR" which in essence removes the DEF controls - so you run without DEF and without faults. Do a ebay search - about $700 out of Eastern Europe.
Under "goodwill" - escalating makes sense - it may be possible to come to a a accomdation/shared-cost on the AdBlue heater in your situation.
Under Mercedes Extended new car Warranty - or under Mercedes Certified Pre-Owned Warranty - if that had been in place you would have been covered..
DEF contamination to metal - for example using a metal/funnel/filler - just casual DEF exposure to metal can cause crippling contamination to the DEF and to the system.
"Some" AdBlue heater failures with higher mileage Sprinter - have removed the tank/heater (coffee pot" and let sit full with water overnite to dissolve urea crystals - emptied/reinstalled/refilled with clean DEF.
Other high mileage owners (Sprinter and ML/GL) have gone to "SCR EMULATOR" which in essence removes the DEF controls - so you run without DEF and without faults. Do a ebay search - about $700 out of Eastern Europe.
Under "goodwill" - escalating makes sense - it may be possible to come to a a accomdation/shared-cost on the AdBlue heater in your situation.
Under Mercedes Extended new car Warranty - or under Mercedes Certified Pre-Owned Warranty - if that had been in place you would have been covered..
How rare is this type of failure? I have to find my receipt for the exact mileage, but I think it was around 40k miles that we got the check engine light. Dealer replaced the AdBlue heater under warranty. Now seeing that it is over $2k to replace, glad it went when it did. Besides the initial factory fill, I can attest to the fact that at no point was any fluid ever in contact w/ metal as I always filled it myself w/ the plastic funnel. Unless of course the dealer topped it off w/o my knowledge. Between this and some reports of oil leaks (which we also had early on), being under warranty again is becoming a strong reason to get another one.
Last edited by skw; Sep 6, 2015 at 07:11 AM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 477
Likes: 30
From: Maricopa, AZ
2012 S63, 2013 E350 Bluetec
Should mention that this truck is leased (I'm way, way, way over on miles). The dealer is working with me on a pull ahead program, but I still have 7 payments left. He said he can "forgive" 3-4 of them, but not 7 and the balance would either have to be paid in cash or the negative would be rolled into the next vehicle. I'm thinking I'll either buy this one or get a certified pre-owned so I have the unlimited mileage warranty.
Last edited by ChuckinTucson; Aug 28, 2015 at 11:49 AM. Reason: Added more information
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 477
Likes: 30
From: Maricopa, AZ
2012 S63, 2013 E350 Bluetec
It is "rarer" to see AdBlue heater fault in the W166/X166 - and it is not uncommon for contaminated DEF to cause this - or buildup of Ure1
DEF contamination to metal - for example using a metal/funnel/filler - just casual DEF exposure to metal can cause crippling contamination to the DEF and to the system.
"Some" AdBlue heater failures with higher mileage Sprinter - have removed the tank/heater (coffee pot" and let sit full with water overnite to dissolve urea crystals - emptied/reinstalled/refilled with clean DEF.
Other high mileage owners (Sprinter and ML/GL) have gone to "SCR EMULATOR" which in essence removes the DEF controls - so you run without DEF and without faults. Do a ebay search - about $700 out of Eastern Europe.
Under "goodwill" - escalating makes sense - it may be possible to come to a a accomdation/shared-cost on the AdBlue heater in your situation.
Under Mercedes Extended new car Warranty - or under Mercedes Certified Pre-Owned Warranty - if that had been in place you would have been covered..
DEF contamination to metal - for example using a metal/funnel/filler - just casual DEF exposure to metal can cause crippling contamination to the DEF and to the system.
"Some" AdBlue heater failures with higher mileage Sprinter - have removed the tank/heater (coffee pot" and let sit full with water overnite to dissolve urea crystals - emptied/reinstalled/refilled with clean DEF.
Other high mileage owners (Sprinter and ML/GL) have gone to "SCR EMULATOR" which in essence removes the DEF controls - so you run without DEF and without faults. Do a ebay search - about $700 out of Eastern Europe.
Under "goodwill" - escalating makes sense - it may be possible to come to a a accomdation/shared-cost on the AdBlue heater in your situation.
Under Mercedes Extended new car Warranty - or under Mercedes Certified Pre-Owned Warranty - if that had been in place you would have been covered..
Last edited by ChuckinTucson; Aug 28, 2015 at 11:50 AM. Reason: Spelling
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 477
Likes: 30
From: Maricopa, AZ
2012 S63, 2013 E350 Bluetec
Just talked to my indy shop and they will install it as long as it comes with instructions.
The guy just emailed me a link to the instructions. Price is going down to $449 on 9//1. Nice.
The guy just emailed me a link to the instructions. Price is going down to $449 on 9//1. Nice.
Last edited by ChuckinTucson; Aug 28, 2015 at 03:04 PM. Reason: Added more information
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 1,117
A gaggle of MB's
Just know I have not done the SCR eliminator job myself - although I have seen it in a couple of high mileage Sprinters - you might try MB "goodwill" on the AdBlue heater - might adjust that cost down 50% - more and more mileage on your rig is not going to "improve" the financials - cleanest to move to the next new rig as soon as you can..
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 477
Likes: 30
From: Maricopa, AZ
2012 S63, 2013 E350 Bluetec
You're right. 7 months remaining on lease. My sales guy told me if I can wait 3-4 months, it will be a lot easier than trying to trade now. It's either putting in a LOT of cash with the deal or rolling a lot of negative equity into the new deal. Without question I'm going to get into a low mileage CPO and buy the extra 2 years of warranty. Live and learn.
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
2013 ml bluetec 2013 ml63 2009 gl550
It is "rarer" to see AdBlue heater fault in the W166/X166 - and it is not uncommon for contaminated DEF to cause this - or buildup of Ure1
DEF contamination to metal - for example using a metal/funnel/filler - just casual DEF exposure to metal can cause crippling contamination to the DEF and to the system.
"Some" AdBlue heater failures with higher mileage Sprinter - have removed the tank/heater (coffee pot" and let sit full with water overnite to dissolve urea crystals - emptied/reinstalled/refilled with clean DEF.
Other high mileage owners (Sprinter and ML/GL) have gone to "SCR EMULATOR" which in essence removes the DEF controls - so you run without DEF and without faults. Do a ebay search - about $700 out of Eastern Europe.
Under "goodwill" - escalating makes sense - it may be possible to come to a a accomdation/shared-cost on the AdBlue heater in your situation.
Under Mercedes Extended new car Warranty - or under Mercedes Certified Pre-Owned Warranty - if that had been in place you would have been covered..
DEF contamination to metal - for example using a metal/funnel/filler - just casual DEF exposure to metal can cause crippling contamination to the DEF and to the system.
"Some" AdBlue heater failures with higher mileage Sprinter - have removed the tank/heater (coffee pot" and let sit full with water overnite to dissolve urea crystals - emptied/reinstalled/refilled with clean DEF.
Other high mileage owners (Sprinter and ML/GL) have gone to "SCR EMULATOR" which in essence removes the DEF controls - so you run without DEF and without faults. Do a ebay search - about $700 out of Eastern Europe.
Under "goodwill" - escalating makes sense - it may be possible to come to a a accomdation/shared-cost on the AdBlue heater in your situation.
Under Mercedes Extended new car Warranty - or under Mercedes Certified Pre-Owned Warranty - if that had been in place you would have been covered..
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Ml350 bluetec
My adblue heater just failed. My ML has 56,000 miles, so it's just out of warranty. I have not yet contacted the dealer. (Had an independent mechanic pull the codes.)
It seems ridiculous that such and expensive component would fail on a car only 3 years old.
It seems ridiculous that such and expensive component would fail on a car only 3 years old.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 595
Likes: 38
From: Boston area
2019 GLS450
Understand that internet forums make up a small minority of owners. With 4 examples here all within the 2-3yr mark, I would say it is safe to include a check of the adblue heater as part of an inspection when purchasing used or just about to go out of warranty.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Ml350 bluetec
Fabbrisd1, I did google as you suggested, and I'm not seeing any threads indicating that the failures are caused by DEF contamination.
Tomorrow I'm going to take my complaint to the dealer. I'll post on how things go...
Tomorrow I'm going to take my complaint to the dealer. I'll post on how things go...
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 119
Likes: 3
From: Indianapolis
car
This is a common failure, not only in Mercedes, but in other DEF system equipped brands sold in the U.S. They all use a common part (I believe it's Bosch, but I may not remember correctly). It's got nothing to do with DEF contamination(though maybe that's what Bosch is claiming).
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=438268
My tank heater was replaced on my 2012 Bluetec about a year ago, two weeks out of standard warranty, at the same time my oil cooler seals starting leaking (Bonus! Two fixes at the same visit). Fortunately, I had already been granted an extended warranty due to other issues. Of course, the DAY after I got the vehicle back from the dealer, one of my door handles failed.
Have continued to have expensive repairs since, still covered by warranty. This is definitely a vehicle I would not own beyond the factory warranty without a good extended plan.
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=438268
My tank heater was replaced on my 2012 Bluetec about a year ago, two weeks out of standard warranty, at the same time my oil cooler seals starting leaking (Bonus! Two fixes at the same visit). Fortunately, I had already been granted an extended warranty due to other issues. Of course, the DAY after I got the vehicle back from the dealer, one of my door handles failed.
Have continued to have expensive repairs since, still covered by warranty. This is definitely a vehicle I would not own beyond the factory warranty without a good extended plan.
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 92
Likes: 1
ML350
I wish some attorney on here would get serious about a class action.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Ml350 bluetec
My dealer says --- too bad, deal with it
Okay, they weren't that rude, but at 55,000 miles and just over 3 years old, they wouldn't help at all with my Adblue heater.
With my mercedes benz club discount, and sales tax added back on, the part was $1100.
Two different oil seal leaks right before my warranty expired required two weeks of my ML in the dealer's shop.
Now this.
Why doesn't Mercedes come down hard on their parts suppliers? These failures are not Mercedes' fault - rather it's Bosch (Adblue heater) and whoever made the gaskets for the oil cooler system for the turbocharger. Apparently Mercedes just doesn't care about reliability.
With my mercedes benz club discount, and sales tax added back on, the part was $1100.
Two different oil seal leaks right before my warranty expired required two weeks of my ML in the dealer's shop.
Now this.
Why doesn't Mercedes come down hard on their parts suppliers? These failures are not Mercedes' fault - rather it's Bosch (Adblue heater) and whoever made the gaskets for the oil cooler system for the turbocharger. Apparently Mercedes just doesn't care about reliability.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
2013 ml bluetec 2013 ml63 2009 gl550
If you look at the extended warranty cost for the diesel vs the gas ml, the diesel is 4,000 vs 2700 for the gassers. I think
Mercedes is trying to tell us something. Of course any of these numbers are a lot less than a years depreciation on a new one.
Mercedes is trying to tell us something. Of course any of these numbers are a lot less than a years depreciation on a new one.
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 88
Likes: 9
From: Central Ontario Canada
2025 AMG GLC43 Coupe, Past ‘12 ML350 & ‘17 GLE AMG43 Coupe, 2021 GLC 300 Coupe
We have a 2012 ML350 and just had to change the ADBlue heater @ 95,000 in September 2015. Fortunately we have the full MB extended warranty and there was no cost. It was a quick 1 -2 hour repair. The technician removed the fuel tank to remove the heater and replace it, then re-install the tank.
The dealer had the part in stock which indicates that this may be a "common" issue. The heater not working is really only a major issue in the cold weather, when there is risk of DEF freezing.
The dealer had the part in stock which indicates that this may be a "common" issue. The heater not working is really only a major issue in the cold weather, when there is risk of DEF freezing.
