Mercedes 2005 E320 CDI Biodiesel Conversion - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JimmyL · #16 01-27-2007, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

If one can afford a CDI, then they are probably smart enough to run the correct fuel in it....

(and spell horizon.....)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

ahhh, thank you for making my point............

#17 01-27-2007, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

ahhh, thank you for making my point............

No problem. I couldn't find a good one of him next to his CDI.

Just these:

aklim · #18 01-27-2007, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

No problem. I couldn't find a good one of him next to his CDI.

Just these:

I don't think he really qualifies. He has enough money to pay for the damages that might occur so what difference to him is there? Most of us don't have that kind of money so we are more cautions about the whole thing. Willie can afford to satisfy his quirks.

bluhorizan · #19 01-27-2007, 07:01 PM

Thanks for all the replies! My interest in pursuing this project is to see if it can be done effectively with the goal of creating a modern, environmentally friendly vehicle with the latest safety and driving features. It is clear that SVO and Biodiesel are carbon neutral and cleaner than the latest hybrid vehicles. I live in California and new diesel passenger vehicles are not sold due to emission restriction of levels of carcinogenic particulates and pollutant gases. So despite the warranty issues and skeptisism of any cost savings, are they any who are up to the challenge?

greasybenz · #20 01-27-2007, 07:06 PM

there is a member in the SF bay area who has bought a CDI and is planning on running biodiesel in it.
My opinion, if your going with any modern diesel stick with quality diesel or biodiesel. Dont try SVO on these engines unless you have the pile of cash locked up in a swiss bank account ready to pay for a new engine if the engine decides to break from the SVO kit. Biodiesel is a good choice overall, you dont have to modify the engine in any way and if its of good quality (meeting ASTM specs) then you should be trouble free.

TheDon · #21 01-27-2007, 07:22 PM

some nut on the greasecar.com forum converted his brand new 06 E320 CDI to run on 100% veggie... like I said.. some nut

justinperkins · #22 01-27-2007, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

If they have a limit of B5, you can be sure they have a way to test for it. you can also be sure if they have ANY reason to to check it, they will to avoid paying $$$ to replace a fuel system component. VW is known to be the same way.

I don't agree. How could a *dealership* state with fact that you have used a biodiesel quantity above B5? They may be good, but they're not that advanced.

I for one know many people run biodiesel (B80 or higher) on new TDIs, still under warranty. They have biodiesel stickers on their bumper. They take their car in for warranty service and nobody has ever said anything or voided their warranty.

#23 01-27-2007, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinperkins

I don't agree. How could a *dealership* state with fact that you have used a biodiesel quantity above B5? They may be good, but they're not that advanced.

You may not agree, but it can be done. They can test fuel samples for non-petroleum based contents. Technology is far from limited. All they have to do is send in a fuel sample to a lab and they can break down the fuel content to parts per million if they wanted to go that far.

If they have taken their TDI's in for non-fuel related issues like a turbo, EGR, or a general service, then the techs may not have noticed. If they have had fuel system service (Fuel pump, injection pump, injectors, etc) with Biodiesel higher than B5 in their tanks and the techs did not report it, that's just incompetence on the technicians part.

justinperkins · #24 01-27-2007, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

You may not agree, but it can be done. They can test fuel samples for non-petroleum based contents. Technology is far from limited. All they have to do is send in a fuel sample to a lab and they can break down the fuel content to parts per million if they wanted to go that far.

If they have taken their TDI's in for non-fuel related issues like a turbo, EGR, or a general service, then the techs may not have noticed. If they have had fuel system service (Fuel pump, injection pump, injectors, etc) with Biodiesel higher than B5 in their tanks and the techs did not report it, that's just incompetence on the technicians part.

Yes it can be done, but with a substantial cost. I thought you were saying it was something they could just test for, if they were suspecting something. As some others have said, since it costs so much to test they need to weigh the cost of the test against the estimated repair costs.

I agree about the incompetence part, dealerships are not generally known for the superb staff though so it's not really surprising.

#25 01-27-2007, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinperkins

Yes it can be done, but with a substantial cost.

Right. I doubt it's as simple as sticking a test strip into the tank. But when a single injector runs in the $300 range and the high pressure pump in the $650 range, a lab test quickly becomes cheaper for them than just replacing the part.

justinperkins · #26 01-27-2007, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

Right. I doubt it's as simple as sticking a test strip into the tank. But when a single injector runs in the $300 range and the high pressure pump in the $650 range, a lab test quickly becomes cheaper for them than just replacing the part.

Yup, I'd be wise about my biod usage on a "still under warranty" diesel, but would still use it nonetheless.

aklim · #27 01-27-2007, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinperkins

Yes it can be done, but with a substantial cost. I thought you were saying it was something they could just test for, if they were suspecting something. As some others have said, since it costs so much to test they need to weigh the cost of the test against the estimated repair costs.

I agree about the incompetence part, dealerships are not generally known for the superb staff though so it's not really surprising.

Cost of what tho? If they know you are using BD, they can void your entire warranty so any engine issues in the future and you are SOL. So, in future, they won't have to fix your entire motor.

Maybe not but their warranty adjusters are out there looking for ways to deny a claim.

#28 01-27-2007, 11:14 PM

It would be a pretty big risk with a CDI. If I was that worried about saving the planet, I would just buy a used TDI for about 1/5 the cost and get 40 mpg on either petro or bio-diesel.

justinperkins · #29 01-28-2007, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig

It would be a pretty big risk with a CDI. If I was that worried about saving the planet, I would just buy a used TDI for about 1/5 the cost and get 40 mpg on either petro or bio-diesel.

How is a TDI any less risky than a CDI? If biodiesel isn't good for a diesel, it wouldn't be good for either one.

greasybenz · #30 01-28-2007, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

Right. I doubt it's as simple as sticking a test strip into the tank. But when a single injector runs in the $300 range and the high pressure pump in the $650 range, a lab test quickly becomes cheaper for them than just replacing the part.

its a $500 test, in that case a $200 injector seems like the cheaper option. Again they can only deny your warranty claim if they can prove that biodiesel or anything that would deny the warranty claim was the cause of the problem. Otherwise they cant just simply deny your warranty claim or charge you the labor and parts if its within the warranties coverage.