2008 CDI Limp Mode using B100

[austinmc]

I'm pretty sure that my 2008 CDI read that the emissions were off while using some virgin B100, so the check engine light went on (no problem), but about 500 miles later it started going into "Limp Home Mode." Is there anyway to disconnect that sensor so I continue to use biodiesel without fear of knocking down to 40 mph on the freeway?

[KarTek]

Have you checked or had it checked to determine what code it's throwing?

I'd be careful about running B100 right off the bat in a new, sophisticated car. Try ramping up from B5 to B20, etc... As far as I know, most manufacturers will only warrant blends of 5% or less.

[TMAllison]

08 would be a Bluetec right?

Why run bio in the cleanest burning diesel on the planet?

Why run B100 and void your warranty?

Get the codes read and report back. Probably will have something to do with the urea system....?

PS: What does VIRGIN Bio mean to you? Commercially prepared? Homebrew? Straight veggie oil?

*edit* - BTW, limp home mode is generally a trans fault where the trans puts inself into second and reverse gears only. I'm guessing you've been burning veggie oil or something having a higher viscosity than D2 tht has clogged your fuel filter or injection system reducing its ability to provide sufficient fuel under higher demands. The codes will point toward the problem.

[DieselAddict]

As much as I like the environment and the idea behind biodiesel, I would not under any circumstances run B100 in a brand new diesel like the Bluetec. Maybe B20 max but even that could void your warranty. B100 burns differently from petrodiesel and may not be compatible with the sophisticated emission equipment. It's also less stable oxidation-wise and may break down under the extremely high injection pressures. My advice would be to wait until we have synthetic, 2nd-generation biofuels before running them full strength in a high tech machine like the Bluetec. What does your owner's manual say about biodiesel? I bet it says to either use none or 5% max.

[H-townbenzoboy]

Congrats. You've just voided your warranty!

[austinmc]

It's not Bluetec, so I'll check the codes - could be the B100 cleaned out the gunk in my fuel system and clogged the fuel filter.

[TMAllison]

Its a brand new car, there is no gunk in the tank.

What is VIRGIN B100?

[jkoebel]

Wow, what a mistake...

[Motorhead]

I know that the 5.9 Cummins Common rail engine isn't supposed to run B100. They recommend NO more than B20. Because of the extreme high pressure on the common rail (24,000psi) the bio can polymerize under pressure and ruin the fuel system clogging it up.
Sure hope you didn't do that!

[DieselAddict]

Originally Posted by austinmc

It's not Bluetec

It's not? Are you outside the US? It's helpful to list your location. In the US all MB CDI's 2007 or newer are Bluetec.

[austinmc]

Originally Posted by DieselAddict

It's not? Are you outside the US? It's helpful to list your location. In the US all MB CDI's 2007 or newer are Bluetec.

This from Popular Mechanics, July 2008: Their SUVs and crossovers, the five-seater ML-Class, the seven-passenger GL-Class and the six-seater (with an option for seven) R-Class, now get the option of a 50-state-legal diesel engine: the 320 CDI Bluetec.

This car came from Florida (with 8,000 miles on it) and did not have the Bluetec option, but it's still very touchy emissions-wise.

But, I appreciate all the information and will be looking into what's up.

[TMAllison]

I'd suggest draining your tank and replacing the fuel filter immediately. You've already proved B100 is too much. Continuing to burn it will possibly do further damage.

If it continues to run poorly, you should take it to the dealer to have it scanned with SDS. They can see MAF, 02 exhaust and other data which will help determine what was occuring at the time you lost power. OBDII scanners wont provide that info.

[DieselAddict]

Originally Posted by austinmc

This from Popular Mechanics, July 2008: Their SUVs and crossovers, the five-seater ML-Class, the seven-passenger GL-Class and the six-seater (with an option for seven) R-Class, now get the option of a 50-state-legal diesel engine: the 320 CDI Bluetec.

This car came from Florida (with 8,000 miles on it) and did not have the Bluetec option, but it's still very touchy emissions-wise.

But, I appreciate all the information and will be looking into what's up.

I don't see any non-Bluetec E-class diesels for the 2008 model year:
http://www.edmunds.com/mercedesbenz/eclass/2008/index.html#search=open.eq..amp.p.eq.cvehicledata%23%23-1%23%23-1%7E%7Enf12%7C%7C4d657263656465732d42656e7a

Which engine does yours have? The inline 6 or V6? What does it say on the trunk lid?

If you do decide to go to the dealer, make sure you don't have any bio in your tank, even traces of it. You warranty is intact unless they find out you ran bio or bad fuel.

[moxieman2]

Mercedes only recommends a maxium of B5 Biodiesel in any of there engines. I have seen a '07 GL320CDI completely shut down due to biodiesel. I wouldn't ruin such a nice car just to try to cut down on emissions....ULSD is clean enough!

[winmutt]

*shakes head* nice way to void the warranty................................
I would believe you are up ***** creek without the paddle.

It may have decided you were not running ULSD? I agree with draining the tank and praying.