Do you use B5-B20 in your DPF car?

[bigb]

I was wondering if it is best to avoid using bio-mixed fuel in the late model DPF TDI? It's sometimes hard to find diesel that doesn't contain at least 5% and I have noticed up to 20% at some pumps. I know Mercedes blames it for damaging their fuel systems and is one of the reasons they chose to pull their diesel lineup from the US market.

 

[CrazyMonkey]

The owner's manual states that up to 5% biodiesel is okay and that they will honor the warranty up to 20% if that's the only thing available in your area. Around here, all that is available is 5% or 20%. I have yet to find straight diesel, even at the truck stops (although I did find some on a road trip through Utah). I stick to the 5%.

 

[740GLE]

Also lots of stations have the B5 label as a catch all and if you read it'll state up to 5%, not guaranteed 5%.

I believe Illinois is the only state that has mandated B20 at all pumps.

 

[GreenLantern_TDI]

I couldnt imagine how bio at such a low content could do any damage to the fuel system. Its lubricating properties are superior to straight D2. I would think its benificial.

 

[bigb]

Also lots of stations have the B5 label as a catch all and if you read it'll state up to 5%, not guaranteed 5%.

I believe Illinois is the only state that has mandated B20 at all pumps.

That is what I figured as well. The sticker is on Quick Trip pumps and Safeway (not sure if Safeway is B20, it used to be) but I didn't see the sticker on the Circle K pumps or the Shell pumps here.

 

[sprstu]

Minneapolis is all B10 now and if it has been made well the Bio should be a benefit to the system. The only thing it could harm is if you have a much older diesel with lots of buildup in the system the Bio will loosen that and possibly clog lines and injectors.

 

[Mike in Anchorage]

I couldn't imagine how bio at such a low content could do any damage to the fuel system. Its lubricating properties are superior to straight D2. I would think its beneficial.

I had an injector plug up in my '09 TDI. Just under 100k on the odometer. The biodiesel is a longer chain of stuff, so is a good lubricant, but also plugs up more easily, especially under heat. My TDI guru told me to go back to petrodiesel. Since I sold back the '09 to VW and now drive a '15, I only use the biodiesel a couple of times a year.

 

[Fixmy59bug]

I had an injector plug up in my '09 TDI. Just under 100k on the odometer.

Out of curiosity, What blend of biodiesel were you using?

I had a 2009 from late 2008 - late 2012 and used B20 until I traded it in towards my 2013 Passat.

Granted, it had 60k when I traded it, but if you were running B100 I could see that being the cause of your problem.

 

[Lightflyer1]

I have used up to B20 since 2012 on my 2013 Passat and now my 2015 Beetle. No issues ever. I have no idea what actual percent as it only says up to 20%. So it could be anywhere from none to 20%. B100 is almost non existent here now so no worries there.

 

[Mike in Anchorage]

Out of curiosity, What blend of biodiesel were you using?
I had a 2009 from late 2008 - late 2012 and used B20 until I traded it in towards my 2013 Passat.
Granted, it had 60k when I traded it, but if you were running B100 I could see that being the cause of your problem.

The sicker said 5%, and the receipt said 10%. I suspect it varied from 2 to a bit under 10%. Be aware also, that in Alaska, the anti-gel additives add to the complexity. We run basically D1 with additives for about half of the year. It'
s akin to jet fuel in many ways, I've been told.