[BMW BRAD]

What's up fellas, I'm not sure about where you live, but here in Cali, they have started replacing diesel, with the new "Renewable" diesel. I don't know a thing about it other than it's supposed to burn cleaner. Does anyone know if this is something for us diesel owners to be concerned about? All three of my vehicles are diesels. I have an F250 diesel, a 328d and a 535d and want to know.

[FaRKle!]

Nothing to be concerned about, but it doesn't have as high energy density as regular diesel so you'll get worse fuel economy and lower range. Take that into account in your $/mile calculation (even with renewable diesel's lower $/gal in my area the $/mile was greater than regular diesel).

[BMW BRAD]

Originally Posted by FaRKle!

Nothing to be concerned about, but it doesn't have as high energy density as regular diesel so you'll get worse fuel economy and lower range. Take that into account in your $/mile calculation (even with renewable diesel's lower $/gal in my area the $/mile was greater than regular diesel).

Thank you for your insight FaRKle! So with that in mind, you don't feel any diesel additives are necessary? Thanks again, I value your input!

[FaRKle!]

Originally Posted by BMW BRAD

Thank you for your insight FaRKle! So with that in mind, you don't feel any diesel additives are necessary? Thanks again, I value your input!

CA tends to have better lubricity quality fuels compared to other states. I'd probably use an additive just as often as with regular diesel though.

[ReiChr]

Probably that means, that they also add "biodiesel" to the diesel?
They add this plant oil generated diesel to about 7 % to the diesel in germany.
If you pay extra, some gas stations offer "premium" diesel without or with less biodiesel.

[capt_slow]

See my post here on the same topic.

I first used the fuel around 2016 when Propel Fuels started distributing them around. But over time, it made its way to other brands notable Costco. Not long ago I noticed a ominous sign when filling up


Biomass-Based Diesel Blend contains biomass-based diesel or biodiesel in quantities between 5 percent and 20 percent

Reached out to Costco corporate and I got below response:

Costco's Biomassed diesel (R99) renewable diesel is a Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) made from 100% sustainably sourced renewable raw materials such as used cooking oil and animal fat from food industry waste. It is fully compatible with all diesel engines and current diesel fuel distribution infrastructure – from refinery to fueling service stations and end-users. R99 Diesel fuel has a similar chemical composition to fossil diesel. This means that it is a drop-in replacement for fossil diesel. A drop-in fuel can be used without any modifications, neat or blended at any ratio as well as meets ASTM D975 and EN 15490 specifications in compliance with OEM standards.

[zshafiqu]

I've used Propel's HPR diesel almost exclusively for a while now in my 328d, along with 76's variant (and some other rebranded renewable diesel products) here and there as well. They usually include lubricity additives in the fuel and the cetane ratings are much higher.

No issues to report here. I have noticed fuel economy numbers are slightly lower with renewable diesel, but it is usually priced much cheaper than standard diesel where I'm at ($1-$1.50 less per gallon) since they want you to use it. You should see less DEF usage too.

Note renewable diesel != biodiesel, see https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/.

[closetwagonlover]

Sorry to bring this thread from the dead...

Does anybody know if there is any difference in the renewable diesels offered by the the different gas stations in California?

I try to stick to shell #2. but I wonder if they basically all get it from the same provider...

I dont think there is any regular Diesel available in SoCal

[ssf556]

Why would you use a fuel that gives you less MPG....seems counterproductive.

[mmm-five]

Originally Posted by ssf556

Why would you use a fuel that gives you less MPG....seems counterproductive.

Maybe the single-digit % MPG loss is mitigated by a 25% lower cost?