I am writing you because I am trying to find a true and honest answer from Mercedes about biodiesel. Since Mercedes won't budge from their typical answer " Mercedes doesn't authorize/recommend the use of more than 5% biodiesel..." for obvious warranty and financial reasons and maybe even lobbying from large oil corporation.
Without taking much risk I am pretty sure Mercedes is cushioning the you know what on this.
Therefore I am really trying to find out What is the real max ratio
of biodiesel the ML320 CDI will take without damaging the injectors or
ramp considering a high quality of Biodiesel meeting ATSM standards.
I understand a high level (B80... to 100?) of biodiesel may damage the high tech engine, however not knowing if the cause could be the quality of the biodiesel. I have read some people toasting their engine after running B100 but also read some people using B100 just fine on CDI engines. But from 5% to 100% there is a very broad scale.
I have read and read online and I haven't found my answer.
what is the safe zone.... 20%...50%...70%? I kind hope the ladder but kind of
doubt it as well. I would be happy with 50-60% but have no way to make sure
nor have I feedback from other users.
I know you ain't a mechanic or an RD engineer on CDI engine but I sincerely hope you will give a more honest answer than the typical " protect my ass" answer from mercedes.
I am writing you because I am trying to find a true and honest answer from Mercedes about biodiesel. Since Mercedes won't budge from their typical answer " Mercedes doesn't authorize/recommend the use of more than 5% biodiesel..." for obvious warranty and financial reasons and maybe even lobbying from large oil corporation.
Without taking much risk I am pretty sure Mercedes is cushioning the you know what on this.
Therefore I am really trying to find out What is the real max ratio
of biodiesel the ML320 CDI will take without damaging the injectors or
ramp considering a high quality of Biodiesel meeting ATSM standards.
I understand a high level (B80... to 100?) of biodiesel may damage the high tech engine, however not knowing if the cause could be the quality of the biodiesel. I have read some people toasting their engine after running B100 but also read some people using B100 just fine on CDI engines. But from 5% to 100% there is a very broad scale.
I have read and read online and I haven't found my answer.
what is the safe zone.... 20%...50%...70%? I kind hope the ladder but kind of
doubt it as well. I would be happy with 50-60% but have no way to make sure
nor have I feedback from other users.
I know you ain't a mechanic or an RD engineer on CDI engine but I sincerely hope you will give a more honest answer than the typical " protect my ass" answer from mercedes.
Thank you
I've been burning 99% biodiesel since 2001 in a VW TDI. The only time I had a problem was after the fuel switchover to ULSD in 2006. The ULSD caused the seals in my injection pump to shrink and crack resulting in a substantial fuel leak (after swelling under B99.) VW was, as it turns out, wise not to warrant over B5. About $1,500 later, I had a rebuilt pump with synthetic vitton seals that wouldn't swell, or shrink regardless of fuel type. No problems since.
You take your warranty into your own hands if you run more that B5, but, in my opinion, you are a modern day hero and patriot for doing what you can to reduce our dependency on foriegn oil. I cannot advise you to run more than the manufacturer's suggestion, however. Might I suggest keeping your eye on other MB CDI/Bluetec drivers who put BD in their tanks? I'd say 50,000+ problem-free miles is the proof in the pudding.
Essentially, in my (rather ignorant and uneducated) opinion, the threats include seals and other rubber components, not to mention impurities in the fuel such as water, or <gulp> solids.
How does MB (warranty) look at performance mods, such as ECU remapping Tuning or plug n play chips? Does MB work with Brabus, Kleenman..etc.. and support any of these?
How does MB (warranty) look at performance mods, such as ECU remapping Tuning or plug n play chips? Does MB work with Brabus, Kleenman..etc.. and support any of these?
thanks
Basically, if anything goes wrong with the engine due to the aggressive programming/modifications, you're hosed. My advice, buy an extended warranty from the tuner, and get something on paper that says they are insured in case they go belly-up.
In an effort to serve the Mercedes-Benz community, fire away, I'll do my best to answer any questions you may have. I work for a Penske-owned Mercedes-Benz dealership (publicly held) in a top five automobile market, Phoenix, AZ.
Question you may have been afraid to ask your salesperson? General question about an ML? Post it here.
AZ.Benz
Hi everyone, new guy onboard. I have owned a few Mercedes and I am looking at a new vehicle. My lease is coming up and I am in line for a new ML. I am trying to choose between a slightly optioned ML 550 or a fully loaded ML 320 Bluetec. I am 95% of the way deciding on the Bluetec but there is a variable that is bugging me: Towing. The 2008 320 CDI can tow 7,200 lb but the 2009 has been de-rated to 5,000 lb. What gets me is that the GL 320 Bluetec is rated at 7,200 lb and the ML 550 is rated at 7,200 lb. How come in the ML 320 Bluetec application it is only rated at 5,000lb? MY suspicion is that it is an emission issue given the 50 state legal variant with the Urea injection. I have to tow a boat that is around +5,500 lb depending on the fuel and gear load and I don't want a vehicle that struggles.
Does anyone here have any insight on the issue? I am tempted to tow with the Bluetec and see how it goes. And I know that the 550 is kickass, but I already have a few gas guzzlers (plus boat). 25 mpg is looking good right now in an SUV.
Vehicle: 08 ML320CDI, 04 CLK 500, 06 MB R350 , 04 FORD SuperDuty King Ranch
Location: Colorado, USA
Posts: 82
CPO Incentives for August out yet...?
AZ Benz: I wanted to ge the new CPO Finance Rates for August from my local MB Finance manager but he's out on vacation at the moment... Have the new CPO rates from MB Financial come out yet and if so, what vehicles are included..?
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