What are the differences/benefits?

 

1) In my opinion, bluetec collects air polution and storage within the vehicle. When it is full, it needs to be empty by the dealer so less polution than CDI.

2) CDI is not legal in California, the bluetec does.

 

CDI and Bluetec are the EXACT SAME ENGINE.

Bluetec has some more pollution "cleanup" stuff as part of the exhaust system.

"Advantages" are in the eye of the beholder.

Either

no extra stuff on 2007-8 models

or

I pollute less by driving a 2009.

BUT ...

corrolary with the 2009 model is standard fitment of runflat tires (extra "stuff" uses up room for spare tire) and the general consensus is that these tires are as bad as it gets.

 

Not quite.

The diesel particulate filter automatically cleans itself.

The car does require replenishment of fluid injected into exhaust to help clean it. This is at same intervals as oil changes, and is a minor thing at best.

Dealer "fills," not "empties."

 

BlueTec Uses a fluid (AdBlue : Urea), DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) & SCR that helps with Emissions making them "BIN 5" 50 State legal
Yes, needs AdBlue fluid refilled during service - Yes a down fall (Maybe)
CDI is not 50 State legal - "BIN 8"
Yes - OxiCat & KnoxStorage help with emissions but does not make it 50 State Legal.
Depending on what state you live in is Best for you.

 

Agree. My bad

The AdBlue system houses the DOC and particulate filter in a single housing. In addition to the NAC catalyst, ammonia is supplied by injecting a fluid called AdBlue into the exhaust upstream of the SCR catalyst. The addition of AdBlue fluid enables the SCR catalyst to reduce NOx emissions to a level even lower than the NAC-SCR system. AdBlue is carried in an on-board tank which can be replenished when the car is serviced; a gallon of AdBlue fluid lasts approximately 2,400 miles.


EPA loves bluetec because it produces less polution than CDI and I believe it legals in 50 states.

In the end, Advantage = Bluetec.

 

Great info on the AdBlue advantages.

But from the driver's perspective - any difference?

I have driven a CDI but not a Bluetec.

So - any difference in power/torque? Noise? MPG?

 

No one has mentioned the drop in fuel economy of 1-2 mpgs due to the Bluetec "feature". Of course i think it's a combo of the tank/collection system and the horrible tires, but alas, it is there.

 

You also are not allowed to put a KB box on the Blue Tec, but on the CDI you can.

I love the KB box - my car is a jet and the mileage is very good.

You will loose the spare tire area too & run flats are not liked by very many people.

 

There is not very many CDIs built for US sales especially compared to the amount of Bluetecs.

 

Yes, beginning with MY 2009 the number is zero.

Prior to MY 2009, the number of Bluetecs was zero.

 

Correct

 

I’m driving an E320 CDI... IN CALIFORNIA. Is that “legal” enough for ya???

 

1. Good job necroing an old thread.
2. Legal to sell new and legal to drive are two very different things.
3. I foresee California putting an outright ban on driving older diesel vehicles by 2050, if not sooner.

 

I don’t think so. They will certainly ban gasoline engine outright. They’re already doing it. The die has been cast. Diesels?? I doubt it. Besides, most people who love diesels love internal combustion gasoline as well. Anyone who wants to own and drives diesels, high performance gasoline cars, will have long ago already left the state and taken their tax dollars and production elsewhere. I’ve already moved my legal residence out of California but half the year I’m in San Diego. Not sure how long I’ll care to do that either. But my cars aren’t going anywhere. I can assure you of that.

 

Per vehicle, diesels pollute a lot more than their gasoline counterparts. 3/4 ton trucks and larger might not get the diesel ban as quickly, but I can almost guarantee you that older diesels without modern emissions equipment will get the ban sooner than newer diesel and gasoline cars (this goes for older gasoline vehicles with less strict emissions as well). That is if California doesn't decide to ban ICE passenger vehicles (anything smaller than a 3/4 ton truck) all at the same time.

 

The problem I experience with these engines is avoiding biodiesel. My major highway driving is New Mexico to Nebraska, and of course since these are farm states it's biodiesel everywhere. Mercedes permits only B5 but I see a lot of B20. I've had my diesel GL since new, but am now worried how long it will be feasible to make long trips with.