Does BMW support the use of Biodeisel?

[pocketdoc]

The only thing I have found is a mention of their support for B5 (5% BD).

I have a local service station that sells B20, and can get B99.

I suspect they will not allow its use.

I came from a Lexus 400h with 23-26 MPG. I have so far (800 miles) averaged 21 MPG. Very disappointing, but I find it hard to drive this car like a Grandma (to get the best MPG). Fun to drive, though!

This diesel should have lower climate change emissions.

[ranchhand]

B5 (5% biodiesel) max as an additive in the advanced diesel engines.

[Craig]

Yep, only 5% is allowed. You don't get as much MPG with bio diesel either...

Craig

[jaaX3]

We also just got rid of our 2006 RX400h (mother-in-law now has it) where we were getting 24.5-25.5 mpg. I'm at 24 mpg in our X5d so far for the fist 400 miles. I don't drive like a grandma, but I do keep it under 3,500 rpms for break-in. And there is plenty of power down there, no need to rev too high in this beast.

[Fraser]

Here in Australia BMW recommend that you don't use biodiesel blends but say its engines should tolerate up to 5% biodiesel.

[Fraser]

This is a list of potential problems with biodiesel*:

• Biodiesel may be less stable than conventional diesel fuel, so precautions are needed to avoid problems linked to the presence of oxidation products in the fuel. Some fuel injection equiupment data suggest such problems may be exacerbated when biodiesel is blended with ultra-low sulphur diesel fuels.

• Biodiesel requires special care at low temperatures to avoid an excessive rise in viscosity and loss of fluidity. Additives may be required to alleviate these problems.

• Being hygroscopic, biodisesl fuels require special handling to prevent high water content and the consequent risk of corrosion and microbial growth.

• Deposit information in the fuel injection system may be higher with biodiesel blends than with conventional diesel fuel, so detergent additive treatments are advised.

• Biodiesel may negatively impact natural and nitrile rubber seasl in fuel systems. Also, metals such as brass, bronze, cooper, lead and zinc may oxidize from contact with biodiesel, thereby creating sediments. Transitioning from conventional diesel fuel to biodiesel blends may significantly increase tank sediments due to biodiesel's higher polarity, and these sediments may plug fuel filters. Thus, fuel system parts must be specially chosen for their compatibility with biodiesel.

• Net (100%) biodiesel fuel and high concentration biodiesel blends have demonstrated an increase in NOx eshaust emission levels.

• Biodiesel fuel that comes into contact with the vehicle's shell may be able to dissolve the paint coatings used to protect external surfaces.

* This info comes courtesy of the FCAI, the umbrella body for the automotive industry in Australia.

[Meiac09]

biodiesel is like ethanol. Watch it fuck your engine up bigtime. Notice that in all the California airnazi states every TT engine dies after 3,000 miles?

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by Meiac09

biodiesel is like ethanol. Watch it fuck your engine up bigtime. Notice that in all the California airnazi states every TT engine dies after 3,000 miles?

Not sure about the TT petrol engines in the US, but I don't run ethanol blends in my Range Rover V8 for the same reason why I don't run biodiesel in my X.