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Couple more newb questions about this Bluetec

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Old 05-06-2017, 04:30 PM
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Couple more newb questions about this Bluetec

Never thought in a million years that I'd own a diesel, so here are a few questions;


#1 I, being old school, turn the key to on, then wait a few seconds before turning the key. No lights come on and then go out, so I'm guessing not necessary...? Will I need to in colder temps?


#2 Is it possible to give this vehicle some throatiness at the exhaust pipe? My god, so quiet it hurts


#3 Again, being old school, should I put in a quart of gasoline in the tank when filling up in the winter?
Old 05-07-2017, 08:58 AM
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Originally Posted by peter2772000
Never thought in a million years that I'd own a diesel, so here are a few questions;


#1 I, being old school, turn the key to on, then wait a few seconds before turning the key. No lights come on and then go out, so I'm guessing not necessary...? Will I need to in colder temps?


#2 Is it possible to give this vehicle some throatiness at the exhaust pipe? My god, so quiet it hurts


#3 Again, being old school, should I put in a quart of gasoline in the tank when filling up in the winter?
1. The colder it gets, the longer the time it is between pushing the start button and it actually turning over.

2. Part of the charm is how quiet the diesel is.

3. Absolutely not!
Old 05-07-2017, 10:43 AM
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Thanks for the reply.


I screwed up enough courage to flip thru the owners manual for about 30 minutes, which is what I should have done instead of asking here. But at 400+ pages....


Anyhow, I read that the preglow light is on until the plugs have sufficiently warmed up the chamber. Are you saying that if I hit the starter and it's too cold, the engine will automatically delay and then start? If so, that's pretty cool.


Really have trouble comprehending that a diesel doesn't need anything special in winter climates. I know I'm going back too far, but I remember my dealer buddy lending me a new 90's GM pick up with the then-new 6.5 litre diesel. Tried to start it right away the next morning at +/- 30*F, it would have none of it...


Diesels have come a long way, evidently.
Old 05-08-2017, 07:55 AM
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Originally Posted by peter2772000
Thanks for the reply.


I screwed up enough courage to flip thru the owners manual for about 30 minutes, which is what I should have done instead of asking here. But at 400+ pages....


Anyhow, I read that the preglow light is on until the plugs have sufficiently warmed up the chamber. Are you saying that if I hit the starter and it's too cold, the engine will automatically delay and then start? If so, that's pretty cool.


Really have trouble comprehending that a diesel doesn't need anything special in winter climates. I know I'm going back too far, but I remember my dealer buddy lending me a new 90's GM pick up with the then-new 6.5 litre diesel. Tried to start it right away the next morning at +/- 30*F, it would have none of it...


Diesels have come a long way, evidently.
Today's diesels are a lot different than those prior. Get in, press the brake and the start button, and that's it. The fuel at the gas stations are switched to a "winter blend" for the colder months. Today's cars have a complete separate (and overly complicated) emissions system. So the trade off is now keeping an eye on and being prepared for the failure of those components. The engine itself will keep going. The ad blue heater, etc, are where your issues will be.
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Old 05-08-2017, 09:46 AM
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Originally Posted by peter2772000
Thanks for the reply.


I screwed up enough courage to flip thru the owners manual for about 30 minutes, which is what I should have done instead of asking here. But at 400+ pages....


Anyhow, I read that the preglow light is on until the plugs have sufficiently warmed up the chamber. Are you saying that if I hit the starter and it's too cold, the engine will automatically delay and then start? If so, that's pretty cool.


Really have trouble comprehending that a diesel doesn't need anything special in winter climates. I know I'm going back too far, but I remember my dealer buddy lending me a new 90's GM pick up with the then-new 6.5 litre diesel. Tried to start it right away the next morning at +/- 30*F, it would have none of it...


Diesels have come a long way, evidently.
Download the manual PDF. Then you can search for just the info you want.
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Old 05-08-2017, 03:55 PM
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Originally Posted by skw
Today's diesels are a lot different than those prior. Get in, press the brake and the start button, and that's it. The fuel at the gas stations are switched to a "winter blend" for the colder months. Today's cars have a complete separate (and overly complicated) emissions system. So the trade off is now keeping an eye on and being prepared for the failure of those components. The engine itself will keep going. The ad blue heater, etc, are where your issues will be.

Aren't you the optimist LOL.... Luckily this truck is covered 'till October 2018 under an extended warranty, then October 2019 for the powertrain.
What if I just ignore the Adblue system? Other than a PITA "Adblue" or "check engine "light, it shouldn't affect the performance, right? Only downside will be increased emissions?

Originally Posted by Barry45RPM
Download the manual PDF. Then you can search for just the info you want.

I did bud. That's my reference to the 400+ pages. Head hurts already
Old 05-09-2017, 05:29 AM
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Once the adblue tank is close to empty, you will have some warnings on the dash. 20 starts remaining, 19 starts remaining... etc until the car wont let you start. There is no risk for the engine to run without adblue. But this is a legal thing. The car has to have adblue operating to be in the class of emission it is homologated for (Euro 6 in Europe). Without ADBlue, the car is not homologated anymore.
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Old 05-09-2017, 03:52 PM
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You're going to tell me that no one has come up with a doohickey or dongle that plugs into somewhere and tricks the computer into thinking that Adblue reigns supreme as usual.


Honestly, I don't mind spending the bucks for Adblue. It's the big bucks for repairs that has me skittish.
Old 05-09-2017, 11:20 PM
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Originally Posted by peter2772000
You're going to tell me that no one has come up with a doohickey or dongle that plugs into somewhere and tricks the computer into thinking that Adblue reigns supreme as usual.


Honestly, I don't mind spending the bucks for Adblue. It's the big bucks for repairs that has me skittish.
Not that simple as things will plug up in no time without adblue, the CAT converter will be the first to go.

It's possible to do a DEF system delete, but...will you hang onto this car long enough to make it pay?, plus the obvious, not emission compliant.
Old 05-10-2017, 03:14 AM
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Ok, got it. Live with it.
Old 05-12-2017, 01:06 PM
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Originally Posted by peter2772000
Thanks for the reply.


I screwed up enough courage to flip thru the owners manual for about 30 minutes, which is what I should have done instead of asking here. But at 400+ pages....


Anyhow, I read that the preglow light is on until the plugs have sufficiently warmed up the chamber. Are you saying that if I hit the starter and it's too cold, the engine will automatically delay and then start? If so, that's pretty cool.
Yep, this is exactly what it will do.
Until ambient temps get into the lower 40's the preglow is less than 1 second on ours. Most times the light is out so quick it just looks like the test cycle all the other lights go through.
Originally Posted by peter2772000


Really have trouble comprehending that a diesel doesn't need anything special in winter climates. I know I'm going back too far, but I remember my dealer buddy lending me a new 90's GM pick up with the then-new 6.5 litre diesel. Tried to start it right away the next morning at +/- 30*F, it would have none of it...

Diesels have come a long way, evidently.
They have. We visit family in Wisconsin on an annual basis and have seen overnight temps in the 10 degree F range. The preglow was still only a few seconds and it fired right up without a hint of difficulty.
Old 05-12-2017, 04:03 PM
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*shakes head in wonderment* LOL
Old 05-28-2017, 08:47 AM
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Just FYI and IMHO,
AdBlue is very inexpensive, self service and not to worry about. Can go 10, 15000 miles or more between fill. Buy a box at Walmart.
If you bought official MB CPO, you need to consider the extra 2 years coverage. Refundable if you sell car prior to kicking in extension, and transferable as a retail sales feature. Call someone like Jeff Jackson at tafel Mercedes for a discounted quote, compare to your selling dealer but buy from the guy who quotes you straight up, don't just use him. You're one who values coverage from tenor of this post. MB parts and labor are high, high. Unlike adblue DIY.

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Old 05-28-2017, 10:48 AM
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[QUOTE=peter2772000;7141123]Aren't you the optimist LOL.... Luckily this truck is covered 'till October 2018 under an extended warranty, then October 2019 for the powertrain.
What if I just ignore the Adblue system? Other than a PITA "Adblue" or "check engine "light, it shouldn't affect the performance, right? Only downside will be increased emissions?


Aint I?

I had a ML350 for a lil over 3 yrs. In that time I had the adblue heater go twice, and there was 1 other issue w/ the emissions system but I can't remember specifics right now. All fixed under warranty. I did read about kits that eliminate the system altogether but I wasn't planning on keeping it long term. For the DEF fluid, I have a VW dealer less than 4 miles away from me that I pass daily and I used to get the 2.5 Gal jug for about $10. Topped it off when doing my own oil changes.
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Old 05-28-2017, 12:35 PM
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+1, i also buy adblue from VW, the same iso code, and much cheaper.
Get a small like a bottle and 2.5 Gal containers, after you use small one, cut the bottom and use it as funnel.
Old 05-28-2017, 02:45 PM
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On vacation down in Palm Desert last month was quoted $170usd for an AdBlue tank fill by MB Palm Springs dealer when having my Service A done.
The $170 was a flat rate whether the tank needed 1 gallon or 6 (holds 7.3) and they claimed they couldn't tell me what level the current tank volume was at.
I opted out and bought a 2.5 gallon of DEF at Napa Auto for $15 (Peak DEF) and put it in myself. Peak case comes with extended spout so easy to use.
As I didn't know how much it might need I filled it slowly and eventually (5' maybe) put it all in. No spills, no mess, no fuss!
Saw the same AdBlue at Ralph's for a few bucks less even after.
Point is it's easy as a DIY, saves a ton over having dealer do it and I'll top up ever 10k km or so.
I've heard at the Service B they drain and clean the DEF tank so will cross that bridge when it comes.
Haven't looked for DEF here yet (BC) but I'm guessing at Napa, C Tire, VW or similar.
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Old 05-28-2017, 07:46 PM
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As I know Service B its every 20K or so, I did 20K and 40K at the dealer and they didn't do AdBlue drain or cleaning.
I don't see this in the book also, maybe this is something what single dealer recommend.
?!?!?!?!?
Old 05-29-2017, 02:50 AM
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Can't remember where I read that but would be great if they didn't "drain & clean" the AdBlue tank at the Bottom Service. Can't imagine what they'd want to charge for that.
Old 05-29-2017, 11:51 PM
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Originally Posted by TA Canada
Can't remember where I read that but would be great if they didn't "drain & clean" the AdBlue tank at the Bottom Service. Can't imagine what they'd want to charge for that.
I read a post where wrong AdBlue was used, dealer had to drain, they used vacuum sucker,
And charged 500$ for it.
Old 05-31-2017, 08:42 PM
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Hi, I'm hoping someone will be able to help! I have a 2012 ML350 Blutech, and the CEL came on. We scanned it and cleared the light, but the following codes came up and CANNOT find them anywhere to interpret...FD 00, FD 20 and FD 80. I did read on another MB forum that it could be the AdBlu heater, (but the codes were never mentioned on the posts), but I'm not sure if this is the case. If anyone can help, that would be great, as I'm reading that the AdBlu heater is NOT covered by MB (even though they are aware this is an issue with the 2012 ML350 Blutech) and is over $2K to replace. Oh, and I just had maintenance service done last month before the light came on. Thanks!!!!!

Last edited by ixch969; 05-31-2017 at 08:44 PM. Reason: forgot something to add
Old 05-31-2017, 11:33 PM
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Originally Posted by ixch969
Hi, I'm hoping someone will be able to help! I have a 2012 ML350 Blutech, and the CEL came on. We scanned it and cleared the light, but the following codes came up and CANNOT find them anywhere to interpret...FD 00, FD 20 and FD 80. I did read on another MB forum that it could be the AdBlu heater, (but the codes were never mentioned on the posts), but I'm not sure if this is the case. If anyone can help, that would be great, as I'm reading that the AdBlu heater is NOT covered by MB (even though they are aware this is an issue with the 2012 ML350 Blutech) and is over $2K to replace. Oh, and I just had maintenance service done last month before the light came on. Thanks!!!!!
Im not sure about the codes but maybe you need to try different scanner. I used Carista and looks like it reading codes right with description.
Just a thought!
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Old 06-01-2017, 03:13 AM
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Originally Posted by DanD.
Im not sure about the codes but maybe you need to try different scanner. I used Carista and looks like it reading codes right with description.
Just a thought!
Funny thing was, when we hooked the computer back up, it couldn't replicate the codes. My husband is taking it to a friend who deals with German autos tomorrow to see what he can find out. Unfortunately, I've added a LOT of miles to this car over the past year chauffeuring kids back and forth, so I really do hope it's nothing with the emissions or diesel issues.

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