Re: Any Other Cars Aside from these that are biodiesel compatible?

With the increase in interest over the past few years for diesel cars followed by the nonstop increase in the price of conventional fuels, interest in biodiesel also greatly improved.  This was further heightened by the discovery that low percentage biodiesel blends (B5 which means 5% biodiesel plus 95% mineral diesel) can be used in place of mineral diesel without engine modifications in many diesel engines.  With the good lubricating properties of biodiesel, many enginescan actually run more smoothly in it.

There are however some issues presented by using higer percentages of biodiesel especially for those who wants to use the pure thing.  First, the ester-based fuel can degrade rubber as is found in many auto parts and car engine parts.  This means that rubber seals and pipig must be replaced with non rubber substitutes to bypass this problem.  Its viscosity also presents a problem as it can clog fuel lines, fuel filters and fuel injectors when cold.  This was solved by the use of heated fuel filters which made many other cars compliant to the use of the fuel.  I understand that there are national and EU standards developed which ensure the compliance of the fuel with EN14214 as well as EN590.

Considering these issues which car makes and models aside from the ones below are also biodiesel compliant.  Please include the blend wherewith it can operate like for example "can operate on high quality B100".

MERCEDES E320 CDI

3.2L 24-valve Inline 6 engine
201 hp @ 4,200 rpm
369 lb-ft @ 1,800 - 2,600 rpm
0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds
MSRP: $51,825.00

VW NEW BEETLE

1.9L TDI-PD 100HP
100hp @ 4000rpm
177lb-ft @ 1800-2400rpm
MSRP: $17,630 - $20,835

1.9L TDI-PD 100HP
100hp @ 4000rpm
177lb-ft @ 1800-2400rpm
MSRP: $18,670 - $21,555

VW JETTA WAGON

1.9L TDI-PD 100HP
100hp @ 4000rpm
177lb-ft @ 1800-2400rpm
MSRP: $19,670 - $22,555

VW GOLF TDI

1.9L TDI-PD 100HP
100hp @ 4000rpm
177lb-ft @ 1800-2400rpm
MSRP: $17,200 - $20,395

LIBERTY JEEP 2.8 TURBO DIESEL

Fuel Injection: Direct 23,000 PSI
Compression Ratio: 17.5:1
Power (SAE net): 160 hp @ 3800 rpm
Emission Controls: EGR, catalytic converters
Estimated EPA Fuel Economy mpg (City/Hwy): Automatic 21/2

I use to drive my old Cadillac but the recent fuel prices hurts me. I must find a new car which is compatible with a biodiesel.

If everyone is turning to biodiesel and diesel, can anybody tell me whats the price of gasoline i amerika?

Croatia:

Diesel  1.18$/l

Gasoline (petrol/Super Plus 98)  1.32$/l

1galon = 3,78 Liter

Right now in the northeast, regular gas is around $2/gallon, premium is $2.20 or so, and diesel is $2.30-2.40 or so.

Chris A

Considering these issues which car makes and models aside from the ones below are also biodiesel compliant.  Please include the blend wherewith it can operate like for example "can operate on high quality B100"

More information is needed.  The model year of those vehicles makes a difference, at least with the VWs.  2003 and earlier run B100 with no problems (other than the potential ones you mentioned).  Model year 2004-2008 vehicles probably can run B100, but the engine injection system changed slightly and people were unsure how it would react.  Anecdotally, B100 appears to be okay.  VW approves B5 use with these models, and I think even up to B20 use.

However, in 2009, VW has implemented Diesel Particulate Filters to improve emissions.  The problem is this also changed how the engine works slightly, and again the word on the street is that it is very unfriendly with high levels of biodiesel.  VW approves B5 usage, but no more.  A few people on the forums at www.tdiclub.com have taken upon themselves to use their 2009 TDIs as guinea pigs and are using B100.  Only time will tell how it works out, but the results have been mixed so far.  If you get a brand new 2009 VW, I would caution against going over B20. 

The thing to watch with '09s is your engine oil level.  If it starts to increase, that means biodiesel is making its way into your oil pan.  Too much of this will have adverse affects on your engine as the oil is being diluted.  The advice here, if you're committed to running a higher blend of BD, is to change your engine oil more frequently, say, every 5,000 miles.

Basically, diesel technology advances still do not make allowances for B100 use.  Older cars are better right now.

Oh, and welcome to the boards, by the way.

fraw

 

I use to drive my old Cadillac but the recent fuel prices hurts me. I must find a new car which is compatible with a biodiesel.

It's really not necessary to quote a person's entire post like that if it's REALLY long.  Especially if you're only adding a one-liner yourself....  

Unfortunately for me I did not have this information and recently purchased a VW 2009 Sportwagen, the main reason I decided on this vehicle is that I wanted a diesel that I could bill with biodiesel and now I discover that is not going to be the case.  I am very disappointed.

I am considering what my options might be.  I live in the Pacific Northwest and there is a pretty good biodiesel community here so perhaps someone locally can give me some advice.  The other consideration is that I am planning on moving to Vancouver, B.C. and there may be some resource up in Canada that I don't have access to in the U.S..  Sure hope that the diesel VW is going to be okay to take across the border.

Jan

Although I'm envious of those with a 2009 VW Sportwagen TDI, the new-ness warranty issues and emission control equipment do offer concerns for those wanting to run higher percentage blends of Biodiesel. It isn't as big a deal for me as I personally don't have a problem running blended fuels. In fact, I'd rather see a B5-20 blend as a national fuel in the U.S. -- something that is still possible if we can move from imported Palm Oil and Soybean only biodiesel. It will be interesting to see those willing to push the percentage limits, a study that at one time was being done as a joint venture between ADM and VW -- with the goal of approving VW TDI to run B20) Any updates on that testing now that the new 'clean diesel' and bluetech diesels are  out?

I might go with a blended fuel just to get something in the tank that is a biofuel, at least in part.  The mechanic at the dealership tried to be helpful but apparently there have been problems with even a low amount of biodiesel due to the "improvements" made to help burn up/burn off all the particulate matter of the petroleum diesel.

I'm not giving up yet!