W221 S350 - AdBlue - How Long Until The Car Stops Working?

[DSK]

So since buying the car, I've covered 2,500miles and kept the AdBlue tank brimmed as per forum advice on other threads on the matter.

I was coming back from Milton Keynes during the early hours of the morning, enjoying the car at times on deserted roads and stretches, a few miles from home the 'Check Adblue See Owners Manual' message and EML popped up.

Now, what I do not know is, when and if the car will stop working as I've seen some posts stating that the car simply won't start/run. How do I know if it will fail to run?

I have a basic code reader, is it worth clearing the code or, just leave it alone?

(The car is booked in with MB Centre on the 13 June for new brakes and a service and they have added the AdBlue diagnostics to the list, assuming this modern bullsh!t which is supposed to be so superior to simple robust engineering can make it until then).

 

[Blobcat]

Normal procedure is you get a 500 miles countdown until it won’t start. All down to the system not being able to ascertain how much AdBlue is in the tank.

 

[DSK]

Normal procedure is you get a 500 miles countdown until it won’t start. All down to the system not being able to ascertain how much AdBlue is in the tank.

So would that be as of when the light came on last night or, would I get a new counter advising on the 500 mile count down?

Good job I no longer do 1,000 miles a week as modern crap wouldn't stand a cat in hells chance of getting me from A to B!

 

[Blobcat]

So would that be as of when the light came on last night or, would I get a new counter advising on the 500 mile count down?

Good job I no longer do 1,000 miles a week as modern crap wouldn't stand a cat in hells chance of getting me from A to B!

The ones I’ve seen come up as a warning in the dash advising of the countdown. Not sure when they brought it in, I’ve seen it on newer than 2016 Mercedes

Ironically you’d be much better off with an AdVlue Euro 6 doing 1,000 miles a week - they much prefer being used. The AdBlue crystallises from being sat around which knackers up the level sensor and dosing valve.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

As far as I know all EU6 ADBLUE specced vehicles are obligated to not run if the system malfunctions so in the U.K. this was introduced circa 2012 with Mercedes cars - and yes the countdown means what it says as it’s linked to the ECU

 

[ajlsl600]

Tho it didn't prevent other dramas I pumped out my adblu when car parked for three month then refilled it with new when I took it out in May. Fat lot of good tho as car was still a brick due to being inpossiblee to get hbrake(electronic crap) off even after running it around a week without issue. I really think makers are at deliberately making unwilling consumers out of us post warranty...

 

[Jim2]

Tho it didn't prevent other dramas I pumped out my adblu when car parked for three month then refilled it with new when I took it out in May. Fat lot of good tho as car was still a brick due to being inpossiblee to get hbrake(electronic crap) off even after running it around a week without issue. I really think makers are at deliberately making unwilling consumers out of us post warranty...

They design and build them,and you and me all the other helpless customers test them.

 

[DSK]

I started it upto today and the EML is still on but the message is gone.

MB Centre stated that if a count down is in progress then I would see it, so it may just be a case of a clogged injector, re-calibration, nox sensor etc etc. I said, I don't really care, even if its needs a new f*cking tank etc just make sure its spot on after the 13th as I do not have the time or patience for this bullsh!t with cars.

 

[mioba]

Uggggg another adblue tale of woe. The adblue counts down as mentioned.
I am pretty sure the adlue countdown will
not trigger an EML - as its a countdown warning. The EML could well be totally unrelated - but let MB Centre clarify.
Adblue systems are trash - been covered to death here, the adblue deteriorates - cyrtallising out on the sensors. creating implausible readings, sensors not sold seperately and its a new tank needed - big money.

If I was you, do some research on what the crytals are and what dissolves them and try and flush the tank. I am a chemist originally and if I had these adblue issues - assuming thats the problem, that would be my first point of action.

Keep us updated and good luck

 

[Blobcat]

Uggggg another adblue tale of woe. The adblue counts down as mentioned.
I am pretty sure the adlue countdown will
not trigger an EML - as its a countdown warning. The EML could well be totally unrelated - but let MB Centre clarify.
Adblue systems are trash - been covered to death here, the adblue deteriorates - cyrtallising out on the sensors. creating implausible readings, sensors not sold seperately and its a new tank needed - big money.

If I was you, do some research on what the crytals are and what dissolves them and try and flush the tank. I am a chemist originally and if I had these adblue issues - assuming thats the problem, that would be my first point of action.

Keep us updated and good luck

Adblue triggers an amber EML

 

[mioba]

Adblue triggers an amber EML

ok thanks for clarifying

 

[V6Matty]

The countdown can be reset if parts are on back order

 

[DSK]

Uggggg another adblue tale of woe. The adblue counts down as mentioned.
I am pretty sure the adlue countdown will
not trigger an EML - as its a countdown warning. The EML could well be totally unrelated - but let MB Centre clarify.
Adblue systems are trash - been covered to death here, the adblue deteriorates - cyrtallising out on the sensors. creating implausible readings, sensors not sold seperately and its a new tank needed - big money.

If I was you, do some research on what the crytals are and what dissolves them and try and flush the tank. I am a chemist originally and if I had these adblue issues - assuming thats the problem, that would be my first point of action.

Keep us updated and good luck

So on this point some Googling shows 2 options for anti crystallisation solutions.

Total has patented a product called clearnox, which to my understanding is a solution that one would use instead of ad blue itself. Unable to find any retailer for it though.

3RG in France have also produced an ad blue anti crystallisation additive and which is said to be dosed at 250ml per 10l of ad blue. Again doesn’t seem to be easily available.


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[mioba]

the 3rg is on ebay 18 pounds

3rg anti crystal

 

[Wighty]

So on this point some Googling shows 2 options for anti crystallisation solutions.

Total has patented a product called clearnox, which to my understanding is a solution that one would use instead of ad blue itself. Unable to find any retailer for it though.

3RG in France have also produced an ad blue anti crystallisation additive and which is said to be dosed at 250ml per 10l of ad blue. Again doesn’t seem to be easily available.


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I’m surprised that Merc doesn’t sell it if it saves them doing all the remedial work to fix the Adblue after it has crystallised

 

[Wighty]

3RG - STOP CRYSTAL ADBLUE - Adblue Additive Cleaner Treatment - 250ml - 88059 | eBay

STOP CRYSTAL ADBLUE. ADBLUE ADDITIVE. Prevents clogging of the Adblue Injector. Increases the life of Adblue fluid. Suitable for all types of vehicles with Adblue system. Compatible with all types of Adblue fluids.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[mioba]

I’m surprised that Merc doesn’t sell it if it saves them doing all the remedial work to fix the Adblue after it has crystallised

Merc wont sell whats not in their packaging - if its IP protected then its becomes difficult.
Merc wont sell you something for 18 quid when they can replace the entire unit for 1k plus labour

 

[DSK]

I’m surprised that Merc doesn’t sell it if it saves them doing all the remedial work to fix the Adblue after it has crystallised

They earn more money by getting their lumps of recycled metal and plastic with stupid mood lighting back into the shop every week for;
- diagnostics
- sensors
- diagnostics
- software
- diagnostics injectors
- diagnostics
- tank replacements
- repeat
- sell the idiots another new car

Sad as it takes a lot for me to like a car. My life currently doesn’t have room for this tedious crap with cars.

Thanks for that eBay link, I’ll make an account and get some ordered.


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[Kev555]

Find reprogramming specialist and delete delete delete, no more bother

 

[DSK]

Find reprogramming specialist and delete delete delete, no more bother

Find reprogramming specialist and delete delete delete, no more bother

That’s a fair point! Whilst I’m neither for or against it I need to better educate myself to understand what negative impact there could be if adblue was not being used.


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