Bio-Diesel OK in new E-320? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

greasybenz · #1 12-11-2007, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aklim

But this ain't Germany and we don't have that sort of QC here for Bio.

We do have quality check standards, its just not mandated. Here is how to understand ASTM test results.

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=110004&highlight=biodiesel+pd

People just make things more complicated or harder then it really is, its not hard to ask for the test results and check. If the results are good the fuel is ok in your car, if the test results just barley meet the standard or just suck then run it at your own risk.

simple dude

aklim · #2 12-11-2007, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greasybenz

We do have quality check standards, its just not mandated. Here is how to understand ASTM test results.

if the test results just barley meet the standard or just suck then run it at your own risk.

If it isn't mandated, how does the company know whether you are getting the good stuff or not? If not, why should they warranty your car?

True. However, when it is under warranty, you are running it at THEIR risk. Again, why should they take the risk?

greasybenz · #3 12-11-2007, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aklim

If it isn't mandated, how does the company know whether you are getting the good stuff or not? If not, why should they warranty your car?

True. However, when it is under warranty, you are running it at THEIR risk. Again, why should they take the risk?

The vendor (unless he is getting it from some guy making it in his garage) will always get the ASTM test results for the biodiesel being pumped into the tanks that they have to sell to their customers. The same with gasoline or diesel, you can always ask the station for the ASTM test results for the diesel or gasoline you pump into your car. You can get a bad batch of diesel that will screw up your engine just as much as biodiesel.

My moms passat TDI doesnt take kind to crappy fuel, it will run like *****. We have gotten a bad tankfull of diesel from a beacon station, the engine idled terrible, fuel economy was bad, made it harder to start and ended up clogging the fuel filter. Soon after we put in diesel from the chevron station we normally fill up at and everything was back to normal. We decided never to go back and buy fuel from them.

But your point is valid, why should Mercedes Benz take the risk of the customer getting bunk fuel and screwing up the expensive fuel system? They shouldnt!

But thats not to say that properly made and tested biodiesel fuel will hurt the engine or fuel systems. Which is why i stress that if you are going to run biodiesel over the B5 limit in any late model diesel make 100% sure that the fuel has been tested and passed the ASTM test.

Otherwise YOU run it at your own risk and YOU are your own warranty, NOT Mercedes Benz.

#4 12-11-2007, 07:14 PM

In the last episode of Top Gear (Season 10 episode 09) they used 500 gallons of home made rape seed BioDiesel in a BMW 330d and ran it in the Britcar 24. Before the race even started they said the crankcase had fuel in it after too much methanol in the fuel ate the pump's seals.

aklim · #5 12-11-2007, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

In the last episode of Top Gear (Season 10 episode 09) they used 500 gallons of home made rape seed BioDiesel in a BMW 330d and ran it in the Britcar 24. Before the race even started they said the crankcase had fuel in it after too much methanol in the fuel ate the pump's seals.

Obviously, it wasn't properly made and tested. Like Greasybenz said, use at your own risk.

#6 12-11-2007, 07:38 PM

After the warranty is up, experiment with burning whatever you want.

But WHY would you experiment with a non-specified fuel while the car is under warranty? The mere (and maybe remote) possibility of being on the financial hook for replacement injectors

or the very complex emissions system

while the car is under warranty is too much of a risk!

MB would be 100% correct in rejecting any potential warranty claim if you were obviously not following manufacturer instructions!

TheDon · #7 12-11-2007, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrhills0146

After the warranty is up, experiment with burning whatever you want.

But WHY would you experiment with a non-specified fuel while the car is under warranty? The mere (and maybe remote) possibility of being on the financial hook for replacement injectors

or the very complex emissions system

while the car is under warranty is too much of a risk!

MB would be 100% correct in rejecting any potential warranty claim if you were obviously not following manufacturer instructions!

exactly.. My friend's TDI is out of warrenty so its running B100 without an issue and the new ML320 CDI is running the limited B5 just fine.. He doesn't want to push his luck with the Benz.

greasybenz · #8 12-11-2007, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

In the last episode of Top Gear (Season 10 episode 09) they used 500 gallons of home made rape seed BioDiesel in a BMW 330d and ran it in the Britcar 24. Before the race even started they said the crankcase had fuel in it after too much methanol in the fuel ate the pump's seals.

Someone didnt properly wash the biodiesel! Thats to bad, the methanol probably toasted the engine.

Hatterasguy · #9 12-11-2007, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greasybenz

Someone didnt properly wash the biodiesel! Thats to bad, the methanol probably toasted the engine.

$10k+ mistake, not worth the risk unless you have really, really deep pockets and don't give a damn.

That engine would have probably lasted 300k+ miles on regular No2 diesel.

aklim · #10 12-11-2007, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greasybenz

But thats not to say that properly made and tested biodiesel fuel will hurt the engine or fuel systems.

make 100% sure that the fuel has been tested and passed the ASTM test.

I agree 100% that properly made and tested biodiesel is fine in the car. I'd run it myself if it was appropriately priced.

Problem is most people don't do that until it is too late. Then they ***** that MB won't warranty the repairs.