MatthewR350

We own a one year old 2010 R350 BlueTec. After about 8,000kms we had the AdBlue warning light go on (we were in Cape Bretton and had just driven the Cabot Trail). Needless to say there was no MB dealer so we had to have some AdBlue shipped to us. A little upset to say the least...but we love the way the car drives.

Now a year into ownership and 6,000km away from Service B, the AdBlue light went off. Took it into dealer today and they added 19litres of the stuff. Now quite pissed as I was charged $157 for this.

So a couple of questions:
1) Is anyone with a 2010 R350 BlueTec experiencing similar issues?
2) Where is the cheapest place to buy AdBlue? I hear VW dealers sell it cheaper.

Any other feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks

matthew in montreal

lkchris

VW dealers have it

Truck stops have it

It's all the same stuff, produced to an ISO standard.

RobertG

Look for DEF fluid or UREA.

listerone

Can't speak for Canada but most VW dealers in the US carry it.Last time I checked a 2.5 gallon jug cost about $13 (US).AdBlue needn't be expensive or troublesome if you're willing to do a little legwork and spend a few minutes every year or so filling it yourself.BTW....last January I saw an R Class Bluetec on the Autoroute that heads east out of Montreal (can't recall the route number)...I wonder if that was you! :-)

taranch

Go see European Motorwerks on Jean-Talon. He'll get you the stuff for a fraction of the price.

smokersteve

Oreilly auto parts has urea.

Ted Flynn

Is there a difference between AdBlue, Urea, or DEF?

smokersteve

the 3 names that you listed are different names for the same thing with different levels of specifics. Urea is the actual fluid, DEF(diesel exhaust fliud) is the category for that fluid fluid, AdBlue is just a name.

listerone

Nope..."urea" is a chemical solution (element?...I'm no chemist) that makes up DEF (diesel exhaust fliud) that is sold under various trade names/brand names...including "AdBlue".

smokersteve

Some are even diluting it with distilled watter. I do not know how much, could be a little, could be allot, not sure. But they do it to save money cuz it is used through faster with the bigger diesel engines.

Ted Flynn

So, when buying the "DEF" for my 2011 BlueTec, should I make sure it's Adblue? (Just don't buy anything labeled "Urea"?)

Thanks

mercdriver

8,000kms seems awfully early to have had an indicator or ad more AdBlue...

smokersteve

Adblue is urea, urea is the fluid. urea is used for diesel exhaust systems. adblue is a name. You can buy any kind you want, they all do the same thing.

listerone

Unless it wasn't actually filled at the factory (or during pre-delivery prep).I've read more than a few times that this often happens.

RobertG

Urea is a synthetic urin;
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-urea.htm
I don't recommend relieving yourself into that tank.

Benzo 003

I've read in the diesel forums that the best deals were being found at Shell Stations for roughly 6.00 a gal for DEF...

David Aller

I have a 2009 R320 Bluetec approx 90,000 kms. Check engine light + Check Adblue / Operators Manual lights came on couple weeks ago. MB dealer in Blainville (just north of Montreal) cnfm'd Adblue was low and needed refill (20 litres) but main problem was defective Exhaust Gas Recirculation Temperature Sensor, which they replaced (total $ 500.00 approx incl. Adblu refill). A week later I left the car parked at the airport for ten days and when started up again, the CEL and Adblu warnings came back, this time saying "18 Starts Remaining". Dealer then replaced Fill Level Sensor unit, at totally ridiculous cost of $ 1,250.00 + labour (they said codes for compatibility of new Temp Sensor didn't work so Fill Level Sensor had to be replaced) . Immediately leaving the dealer lot, sign came on saying "Key Not Authorized for This Vehicle"....but vehicle continued functioning. Two hours later, CEL and Adblu warning lights came back on....again! Dealer now has vehicle and doing all sorts of computer analysis but can't find source of problems....freaking me out as I just took another 3-yr lease on the vehicle, after excellent performance the first 3 years...warranty had just expired and now these very expensive problems are starting. Anybody have any similar experiences or advice to offer?

Ted Flynn

Might want to see what's up with that.

I decided to start running my own AdBlue and so far I'm 14,678 miles on the same tank and no light so far.

And - I did get my stuff at the VW dealer for $13.

Hydrocarbons

Hi guys,

By introduction, I am a petroleum products distributor and major supplier of Diesel Exhaust Fluid aka DEF in the US. ( I'm in the market for a Diesel GL and came across this MB forum). DEF is a careful mixture of 32.5% pharmaceutical grade urea and 67.5% deionized water. My dealerships pay me about 1.75 per gallon for bulk DEF.

There seems to be a lot of misinformation about DEF and I'm pleased to be a resource for anyone who has questions. Now I'm off to try and find a diesel GL...

smokersteve

Thanks. I will keep you in mind with my diesels

GLFAN

I was notified kindly by our GL350 that it was time to schedule the first service. When I called the dealership, they quoted $280 or so for the oil change and then an additional $200 for the Adblue service.

I had been reading posts of drivers/owners doing this themselves. When I asked if we could just do the Oil change and I would take care of the Urea, the service manager warned " you had better let us do it, if you ever have a maintenance issue and it's Adblue related, Mercedes won't honor your warranty" Is this real, has anyone else received a statement like this?

Over Lunch today, I went to see a friend at an Audi Dealership. They have the same Urea chemical and charged me $22 to fill the tank. No labor. They said that on the Q7's, etc that the Urea is included with the service. I saw how the GL's were filled and it's so easy I'm going to do this myself next time.

If anyone has had an issue with veiled threats of "or Else" please let me know It's been a year now and our GL's average MPG is 23.5 (a lot of city driving

Ted Flynn

Okay - an update.

I made it 17,000 miles on my tank of ad blue & then a light came on telling me to check it.

Very easy to add. AutoZone sells 2.5 gallon jugs of DEF that is ISO compliant with MB standards for $13.

I added 5 gallons and we'll see how far I make it.

I very much like my dealer, but they were charging $130 every 10,000 mile service.

An easy win.

kembartiga

DEF usable life?
HYDROCARBONS - your expert comment please: does DEF lose effectiveness in reaction with nitrogen oxide over time? It seems some DEF suppliers quote a 2-year shelf life. This would be consistent with MB specification to flush the DEF tank and refill every 2 years.

johnnydee

I think that's ridiculous and wouldn't have believed it unless it was something MB said!
Adblu is consumed in the exhaust cleaning process how would it be sitting around waiting to be flushed?

RobertG

Shelf life is dependent on ambient temperature.