Biodiesel For C320 CDI????

[Paulopt2248]

I am considering running my C320 CDI on biodiesel. It is claimed biodiesel is better for the environment, having a zero carbon footprint and that it produces better performance and greater fuel economy. Biodiesel currently sells between 102-110p per Litre, which is a reasonable saving on the current forecourt prices for regular diesel (131.9 in my local supermarket).

From what I have read it seems that any diesel vehicle produced up to 2004 can be driven on 100% biodiesel. However, cars produced after 2004 are recommended to be run on a 50/50 ratio of biodiesel and regular diesel. A fuel filter change is recommended after running on biodiesel for a short time, as the fuel cleans out any muck in the fuel lines.

Mercedes-Benz do not currently endorse the use of biodiesel, but many other volume manufactures do, such as VW for example. So I imagine that any remaining warranty on my vehicle would be cancelled out.

Does any one here have any experience of biodiesel and running a Merc on this type of fuel??

Paul

 

[Blobcat]

I haven't seen any threads on here recommending or using bio-diesel in the very high pressure CDI engines. Whilst I can see the benefits to the wallet on fill ups (>£100 to fill mine now) I would be very wary of using bio-diesel in my 320CDI & possible expensive issues.

 

[RFdesigner]

I've used a couple of litres of cooking oil to get me home once. Engine ran much more quietly, less smokey etc.

There are two potential problems, one is the thickness issue, the other is that bio-diesel is supposed to be an excellent solvent so not only will it clean out your fuel lines and tank, hence the fuel filter change, but it can attack fuel lines if they are not of suitable material.

I do not know if this is an issue with mercs.

I researched the whole subject and decided it was quickly losing much value as the potential problems outweighed the savings which due to market dynamics will always be small, for me access to regular supplies of bio-diesel was possibly the biggest issue. In my opinion Bio-diesel and Dino-diesel will always be similarly priced due to market forces, unless there is a genuine major long term supply issue with one of them.

regards

Derek

 

[wireman]

There are several unanswered questions about Bio in regard to the possibility of seals within the fuel system abruply failing as a result of chemical attack by some of the components of the fuel, this damage could be very expensive to repair.
On a common rail engine there are other additional problems associated with the fuel viscosity (mostly with straight veg oil) causing excessive stress to the injectors and the HP pump, again this is expensive to repair.

I am reluctant to run my 20 year old 124 on it and would not entertain doing it to a car of any substantial value.

 

[FIBAMAN]

I am considering running my C320 CDI on biodiesel. It is claimed biodiesel is better for the environment, having a zero carbon footprint and that it produces better performance and greater fuel economy. Biodiesel currently sells between 102-110p per Litre, which is a reasonable saving on the current forecourt prices for regular diesel (131.9 in my local supermarket).

From what I have read it seems that any diesel vehicle produced up to 2004 can be driven on 100% biodiesel. However, cars produced after 2004 are recommended to be run on a 50/50 ratio of biodiesel and regular diesel. A fuel filter change is recommended after running on biodiesel for a short time, as the fuel cleans out any muck in the fuel lines.

Mercedes-Benz do not currently endorse the use of biodiesel, but many other volume manufactures do, such as VW for example. So I imagine that any remaining warranty on my vehicle would be cancelled out.

Does any one here have any experience of biodiesel and running a Merc on this type of fuel??

Paul

VW do not endorse the use of bio diesel in my wifes Jetta (07 model), in fact the book states definitely no and there is very clear label on the fuel filler also - do not use bio diesel

 

[colechelle]

also washes out the lube on the high pressure pump, also you have the late injectors in the 642 engine, think what you might save in fuel will be nothing compeard to £400 for pump, £350 each injector and end of warrenty!!!! are you really saying money in the long run??

 

[Paulopt2248]

Bio Diesel

Dear Members,

Thank you for your postings regarding the use of biodiesel in my C320 CDi. After further consideration I WILL NOT be using biodiesel in my car anytime soon.

On a lighter note....recently on a steady cruise from Suffolk to London the trip computer recorded 51.1mpg which I thought that was excellent. On the return trip it registered 50.8mpg. And I average figures in the late 40's every time I venture onto the motorway.

It says much about the engineering efficiency of the engine that a V6 3.0 litre motor can achieve these remarkable fuel consumption figures. Twenty five years ago, I once achieved 39mpg from a 1.0 litre Mini Metro with four people on board.

Cheers Paul