Home Forums Articles How To's FAQ Register
Go Back   Xoutpost.com > BMW SAV Forums > X5 (E70) Forum
Arnott
User Name
Password
Member List Premier Membership Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Xoutpost server transfer and maintenance is occurring....
Xoutpost is currently undergoing a planned server migration.... stay tuned for new developments.... sincerely, the management


Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 08-10-2018, 04:19 PM
Best4x4xFAR's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Maryland
Posts: 370
Best4x4xFAR is on a distinguished road
Whistle Lets Talk Diesel Fuel and Additives? Yes? No? Maybe?

Okay, so I know BMW's line on additives is no..

I can't seem to find a minimum recommended Cetane rating in my owner's manual or online, though it seems VW recommends around 50 Cetane as a minimum, and that most European Diesel starts around 52 and goes up to mid 60's for 'premium Diesel' offerings..

I also am finding as I do more and more research that Diesel fuel in general is of wildly varying quality in the good ole USA..

Appears the Federal Government mandates Sulfur content and a minimum of 40 Cetane rating, and not much else, and suppliers seem to have found no market for 'premium' fuels, and they are therefore almost non existent..

It also seems some states have higher mandates for minimum Cetane ratings (Texas and California, for example seem to have a minimum of 50 if I understand correctly)..

I've heard claims that higher Cetane ratings can help reduce that just off idle, less than pleasant Chatter/Rattle (I'm completely fine with the Diesel idle noise, and underway/load noises BTW, but this one grates on me, as it just doesn't feel right, almost like knock in a gas engine to me), but my main concern is getting the best performance/mileage and longevity out of our new (to us) X5 35d..

So if what I am reading is right, and most Diesel fuels available in my area barely meet a minimum Cetane rating of 40, maybe there is something to additives for Diesel Fuels (would still love to know what BMW's recommendation is for Cetane rating, and I've seen writings about the big three domestic Diesel truck makers testing engines on, and factory filling with minimum 50 Cetane Diesel).

I've also read peoples recommendations to buy from a high volume fueling station, but I don't really live near a highway station that I can be sure of good Diesel turn over. Finding out the amount of Diesel fuel a station moves also seems problematic, as no one at the station has a clue, or information on anyone I can talk to that might. I even went as far as 'talking to' one of the truck drivers resupplying a station, without much clarity..

It also seems nearly impossible to ascertain the actual Cetane rating of fuels at the pump, with most being unmarked, or showing the minimum requirement.

And it also seems like important factors like lubricity, detergents, anti-gel, and such are a shot in the dark as well, with little to no regulation..

To top it off, my research so far seems to suggest that Maryland seems to have some pretty crappy Diesel, as far as I can tell from multiple Diesel oriented forums (VW, Merc, big 3 trucks, etc)...

Southern States seems to be about the only fuel supplier I can find locally with a premium product (Brochure), but the closest station is a half hour plus drive away, and not near any place I travel to regularly.

So I started trying to research additives..

There seems to be a lot of good said about a couple of them..
And was wondering if there was any first hand experience here with usage? Maybe even from the crowd running tunes?

They seem to tout more power, smoother running and better fuel economy..

Snake Oil, or the real deal?

The ones that I've become interested in are:

HotShots Diesel Extreme (couple of times a year) along with
HotShots EDT (Every Day Treatment)

and

Redline Diesel Fuel Catalyst

I've heard some claim that these treatments can help reduce the use of DEF as well, by lowering the need for Regen cycles.

I didn't realize what a headache fueling a Diesel was going to be. Wish I could be like most and not think about this stuff, but that's just not me..
__________________
~Scott

--------------------
Black Sapphire Metallic/Sand Beige '13 E70 35d, SP, NAV, Tech, Comfort Access/Seats
20" Style 214's Wrapped in Continental DWS06 Extreme Contacts

(SOLD) Alpine White/Sand Beige '06 E53 3.0, SP, PP, CC, RC, NAV, Sat Radio
19" Style 63's
Wrapped in Bridgestone Dueler HP Sports-- Summer Shoes
18" Style 131's Wrapped in 255/55-18 Nokian WRG2 SUV's -- Winter Boots
Reply With Quote

Sponsored Links

  #2  
Old 08-10-2018, 04:52 PM
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: NW
Posts: 123
AlpineX is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by Best4x4xFAR View Post
I've also read peoples recommendations to buy from a high volume fueling station, but I don't really live near a highway station that I can be sure of good Diesel turn over. Finding out the amount of Diesel fuel a station moves also seems problematic, as no one at the station has a clue, or information on anyone I can talk to that might. I even went as far as 'talking to' one of the truck drivers resupplying a station, without much clarity..

There are diesel cars and trucks in your area.

*Look for brand name, low price, main thoroughfare.*

Log your tanks, and buy full tanks. Use a credit card for easy proof of purchase.



If not posted, verify that the fuel is B5 dieesel, not B20 or any other mixture. I fill almost exlusively at Unilcol 76 and Chevron, and really only about 4 or 5 stations depending where in the area I am.
__________________
--------------------
03 3.0 Alpine/Blk (sold) Sport, Prem, CWP, PDC, Xenon
10 35d Titanium/Blk - Sport, Lux Seating, Prem, CWP, Tech, Rr Climate, CA
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 08-10-2018, 05:29 PM
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Central Pennsylvania
Posts: 35
DSE70 is on a distinguished road
I like hotshots products. The edt comes in a nice bottle that you can squeeze up one ounce for each fill-up. I think it makes the truck run smoother - maybe it does or maybe it's in my head but either way it is pretty inexpensive for the satisfaction.

Just make sure you are using autodiesel and don't let the forums scare you. Change your fuel filter at proper intervals and everything will be fine.

Fuel quality is not just a concern with diesels anyway, I was having trouble with my e90 330xi - turns out that the Rutter's gas station by my home was using 15 percent ethanol on a 10 percent standard.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 08-10-2018, 11:17 PM
Chris F.'s Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Northeast
Posts: 1,618
Chris F. is on a distinguished road
Cetane doesn't have anything to do with lubricity, which should be your primary concern with the Bosch fuel pump that is used in todays diesels. Bosch designed the pump with euro specs in mind, and US diesel fuel has lower SCAR ratings than Europe due to our low sulfur fuel (thanks EPA)

Having said that, the Bosch pump really needs fuel with a higher lubricity (SCAR) rating.

This has been talked about ad-nausem in the diesel truck world, and it will apply to the X5 as I believe it uses the Bosch CP4 fuel pump.

I highly advise using Opti-Lube XPD. It is one of the best lubricity additives available, and also is a CETANE booster and contains anti-gel for the winter. You can search online for more information on it.

Chris
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 08-11-2018, 04:31 AM
wpoll's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 4,659
wpoll will become famous soon enough
Quote:
Originally Posted by Best4x4xFAR View Post
Okay, so I know BMW's line on additives is no..

I can't seem to find a minimum recommended Cetane rating in my owner's manual or online, though it seems VW recommends around 50 Cetane as a minimum, and that most European Diesel starts around 52 and goes up to mid 60's for 'premium Diesel' offerings..

...
Is this what you are looking for?

BMW diesel engines require fuels in compliance with EN 590 with a minimum cetane number of 51. The use of heating fuels, marine fuels or biodiesel fuels is prohibited. *The use of larger parts of fuels such as "biodiesel" or "rapeseed methyl ester" will result in leaks that can cause considerable subsequent damage. Exception: M47, M51, M57 with SA201 ”RME Version”.

From here...

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...ontrol/1Vl13sA
__________________
Wayne
2005 BMW X5 3.0d (b 02/05)
2001 BMW F650GS Dakar (b 06/01)
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 08-11-2018, 06:07 AM
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Eastern PA
Posts: 253
Mackskibum is on a distinguished road
Stanadyne Performance Formula. Only additive marketed by a diesel fuel injection component manufacturer.
__________________
Dave

'05 325xi
'10 E70 35d
'85 911 Carrera
'66 911 Work in progress
'91 Chevy C1500
'95 Jeep Cherokee
‘18 Jeep JLU
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 08-13-2018, 09:31 AM
Best4x4xFAR's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Maryland
Posts: 370
Best4x4xFAR is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by wpoll View Post
Is this what you are looking for?

BMW diesel engines require fuels in compliance with EN 590 with a minimum cetane number of 51. The use of heating fuels, marine fuels or biodiesel fuels is prohibited. *The use of larger parts of fuels such as "biodiesel" or "rapeseed methyl ester" will result in leaks that can cause considerable subsequent damage. Exception: M47, M51, M57 with SA201 ”RME Version”.

From here...

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...ontrol/1Vl13sA
So this would lead me to believe that most readily available fuels in my are probably 10-11 points lower than BMW requires..

Not clear on what he exception refers to however? Isn't the engine in my 2013 the 'M57Y'? So would that fall under the exception, or no, and what is the exception I am left wondering..

This gets more confusing by the day.. LOL!
__________________
~Scott

--------------------
Black Sapphire Metallic/Sand Beige '13 E70 35d, SP, NAV, Tech, Comfort Access/Seats
20" Style 214's Wrapped in Continental DWS06 Extreme Contacts

(SOLD) Alpine White/Sand Beige '06 E53 3.0, SP, PP, CC, RC, NAV, Sat Radio
19" Style 63's
Wrapped in Bridgestone Dueler HP Sports-- Summer Shoes
18" Style 131's Wrapped in 255/55-18 Nokian WRG2 SUV's -- Winter Boots
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 08-13-2018, 02:42 PM
wpoll's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 4,659
wpoll will become famous soon enough
The exception refers to the use of biodiesel and is only relevant to an M57 enigine vehicle if the vehicle has the SA201 option. All other M57 variants (inc. mine and probably yours) need cetane 51 and no biodiesel.

Here in NZ the minimum cetane rating is 50, although it is possible to get lower rated diesel fuel (marine diesel for instance).
__________________
Wayne
2005 BMW X5 3.0d (b 02/05)
2001 BMW F650GS Dakar (b 06/01)
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 09-17-2018, 11:54 AM
Ricky Bobby's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Posts: 9,344
Ricky Bobby will become famous soon enough
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris F. View Post
Cetane doesn't have anything to do with lubricity, which should be your primary concern with the Bosch fuel pump that is used in todays diesels. Bosch designed the pump with euro specs in mind, and US diesel fuel has lower SCAR ratings than Europe due to our low sulfur fuel (thanks EPA)

Having said that, the Bosch pump really needs fuel with a higher lubricity (SCAR) rating.

This has been talked about ad-nausem in the diesel truck world, and it will apply to the X5 as I believe it uses the Bosch CP4 fuel pump.

I highly advise using Opti-Lube XPD. It is one of the best lubricity additives available, and also is a CETANE booster and contains anti-gel for the winter. You can search online for more information on it.

Chris

This post should be STICKIED - Opti-Lube has great proven lubricity ratings for all its products -



XPD is the one you want to use "all season", here in the South where our temps rarely get low enough to need the Anti-Gel, I keep a quart of XPD on hand during winter, and I use a combinaton of their Summer formula (higher cetane boost) and the XL (most lubrication and deposit control) -


Use it every tank, it will save your fuel pump - and please change your fuel pump more often than BMW's recommended 33,000 miles, and prime the fuel pump when you do change it (scarring it on a dry start WILL damage the fuel pump)
__________________
2018 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins 68RFE
19k miles -Bright White/Black - Big Horn Sport - Crew Cab Short Bed
2013 X5 35D (CEO's) - Born on 5/17/2013 -
82k miles - Alpine White/Cinnamon Brown/Premium Pkg, Sport Activity/Premium Pkg and Sound/20" Style 214/Running Boards

Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 09-18-2018, 10:31 AM
Best4x4xFAR's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Maryland
Posts: 370
Best4x4xFAR is on a distinguished road
Interesting Articles I've come across related to this:

BF Exclusive: Is US Diesel Fuel Quality a Concern? BMW Responds - BimmerFile

BMW USA News



https://www.bmwdirectparts.com/oem-p...16-83192296922

https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...16-83192296922

(So BMW Has a Diesel Additive, they just don't sell it in the US?)
__________________
~Scott

--------------------
Black Sapphire Metallic/Sand Beige '13 E70 35d, SP, NAV, Tech, Comfort Access/Seats
20" Style 214's Wrapped in Continental DWS06 Extreme Contacts

(SOLD) Alpine White/Sand Beige '06 E53 3.0, SP, PP, CC, RC, NAV, Sat Radio
19" Style 63's
Wrapped in Bridgestone Dueler HP Sports-- Summer Shoes
18" Style 131's Wrapped in 255/55-18 Nokian WRG2 SUV's -- Winter Boots
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:39 AM.
vBulletin, Copyright 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd. SEO by vBSEO 3.6.0
© 2017 Xoutpost.com. All rights reserved. Xoutpost.com is a private enthusiast site not associated with BMW AG.
The BMW name, marks, M stripe logo, and Roundel logo as well as X3, X5 and X6 designations used in the pages of this Web Site are the property of BMW AG.
This web site is not sponsored or affiliated in any way with BMW AG or any of its subsidiaries.