I have had my 240D for 6 years, have never had a surge problem, always keep it in the garage, have never used additives (until this last tank-full) and never plug it in.

I wonder if the surging is related to turbochargers? It would seem that since the turbo is working with exhaust gases that may not be quite up to normal operating temperature, there could be more opportunity for instability. How many of these surging diesels are non-turbos?

Also, as a BP engineer, I would have to comment on the "Russian Crude Oil". I am not a petroleum engineer, but from what I understand, the refineries should be able to handle various qualities of crude oil. Refineries should know their capability of handling the crude before they feed it. We have a refinery in Texas that was redesigned to handle special low quality feedstock some years ago (mainly because crude in the lower 48 was deteriorating). All reputable refineries have quality standards that their final products must meet. I think if you stay with a major company and with a retailer who retains fresh stock, your concerns on fuel quality are unfounded.

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1976 240D
1987 560SL
2007 E320 Bluetec
1998 C280 (now son’s car)
1982 240D Manual - Sold