[QC135Vert]

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Hi All,

I read an early article on the 328D that stated BMW warranties only up to B5 or B7 diesel fuel. But after a little bit of research it looks like most US companies do B15 or higher diesel.

Do you know what affect this has, and what is meant by BMW won't warranty this? If I got a 328D would I have to search for those companies that sold B5 or B7?

I found the article: http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/2...new-york-2013/


Thanks!

[BavarianFanatic]

I don't think your numbers are correct with respect to what the US companies are producing. The DO blend up to B20, but it's for heating oil, not diesel. Any diesel blends I've seen are less than B5. Here's a press release from Sunoco refernecing B2...

http://www.sunoconewsroom.com/go/doc...-State-Parkway

And to answer your original question, without a doubt they'll void the warranty if they learn you've been running unapproved fuel. This of course relates to any fuel-related issues you might encounter.

[jdong]

I've literally seen just one B15 pump in this area, and it's prominently labeled with "BioDiesel" advertising and bold warnings to consult your manual before putting it in.

So no, I don't think "most" diesel in the US is a B15 blend or higher.

[QC135Vert]

Sorry if I had the wrong information. Thanks for clearing it up for me. Do diesel pumps normally label what the b-level is?

[Mak135i]

Availability of bio-diesel is state dependent. Generally, if you're in a state that provides incentives to refiners AND there is a good supply of bio fuel, refiners will blend the fuel to meet Federally mandated "renewable fuels" quantities. So, in IA and IL, bio-diesel is readily available and some blends are up to B20 grade. However, the dispensers have to be clearly labeled...especially at branded (BP, Shell, Exxon, etc.) stations. Down here in LA, we have almost no access to bio-diesel and when it is made available, it is below B5 blend (does not require labeling).

Long story short, stick to branded diesel, and read the labels!

[QC135Vert]

Thanks for the information.

Unfortunately I am right on the border between Iowa and Illinois, so I am worried about availability of b5 diesels.

Does anybody have any suggestions on good place or websites to track down b5 diesels?

Does anybody actually use B10/B15 bio-diesels and not have issues?

Thanks.

[Bimmerfestool]

Originally Posted by QC135Vert

Thanks for the information.

Unfortunately I am right on the border between Iowa and Illinois, so I am worried about availability of b5 diesels.

Does anybody have any suggestions on good place or websites to track down b5 diesels?

Does anybody actually use B10/B15 bio-diesels and not have issues?

Thanks.

Are you sure you want to drive a car you have to chase fuel for?

[QC135Vert]

Originally Posted by Bimmerfestool

Are you sure you want to drive a car you have to chase fuel for?

Yea that is what I need to decide. I need to search around town here to see what grade the diesel pumps have first.

But it is pretty worrisome.

Does anybody occasionally put in a tank of B10 and B15 if you can't find anything else? Is there an additive that can be put into the tank if you have to do that?

[CirrusSR22]

I'm surprised it's so low. The new Chevrolet Cruze Diesel is approved for B20

[sparkyg]

Good diesel is like good gas. For fuel you gotta use Top Tier and I suspect for diesel you need it to prevent any combustion issues and injector issues.

[BavarianFanatic]

OEM approval for higher percentages will come in time. They just need to be sure they have the appropriate french fry filters in place.

But seriously, biodiesel does not do well in cold climates (it gels) and it can attack hoses and seals on non-bio rated vehicles. It also has a lower energy content than petroleum diesel so you'll use more. The low level blends are OK for most vehicles whether they're outfitted with compatible rubber or not.