X5 35d - Exhaust fluid - Page 16

FunfDreisig · #**151** 01-30-2010, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCL

...
Add to that the uncertain outlook for diesel engines in North America going forward, and it may take awhile for diesels to become commonplace. Chrysler, Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda, have all pulled back on their diesel engine programs according to the reports. That is really leaving it to the Germans (BMW, Audi, Mercedes, VW) and likely Mazda to convince North American consumers that diesels are now mainstream. I am not sure this thread will help that cause....

but..
FWIW my dogged posting on this issue is my attempt to uncover the truth about: how the 35d DEF system really works, what are the real 35d DEF issues, what are the DEF issues created by inexperienced BMW techs, and what we, as 35d owners, can do to reduce the impact of both on the enjoyment of our 35Ds

Funf Dreisig

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JCL · #**152** 01-30-2010, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FunfDreisig

but..
FWIW my dogged posting on this issue is my attempt to uncover the truth about: how the 35d DEF system really works, what are the real 35d DEF issues, what are the DEF issues created by inexperienced BMW techs, and what we, as 35d owners, can do to reduce the impact of both on the enjoyment of our 35Ds

Funf Dreisig

All of which are noble goals

Armand · #**153** 01-30-2010, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCL

... Chrysler, Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda, have all pulled back on their diesel engine programs according to the reports. That is really leaving it to the Germans (BMW, Audi, Mercedes, VW) and likely Mazda to convince North American consumers that diesels are now mainstream. I am not sure this thread will help that cause....

Could you point us to your source?

The trucking industry has already endorsed the SCR technology (Navistar the only manufacturer to fight it has also come around with an SCR-like system.) SCR is the system BMW is using. It's simple, efficient and environment friendly. Dealers are getting their hands around this new experience and there is bound to be some quality hiccups too. But this is the technology that made x535d what it is. Simply unique in the marketplace - V8 power with the efficiency of a 4 cylinder while complying with new much stricter EPA regulation. Sure you can wait a few years... or you could have big fun today and feel good about it too. The choice is yours

ard · #**154** 01-30-2010, 10:30 PM

1. Anyone with an interest in their car's service should ask for (demand?) copies of all service documents when they pick up their car. All the warranty records- which BMWNA requires the owner to sign, acknowledging the work was done- usually are stripped out of the single page you get from the cute girl. Good stuff like PUMA documents, DME dumps, Diagnostics, etc.

2. DEF has a "one year" shelf life. If after one year you still have DEF, the theory is flush and replace. If you use your DEF prior to one year, just fill it. There will be some rationalization as 'real life' and this anal-retentive "free BMW Service, we do everything over the top" process works themselves out.

As was pointed out, big trucks use DEF at a prodigious rate- so shelf life IN the vehicle isn't an issue.

A

JCL · #**155** 01-30-2010, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Armand

Could you point us to your source?

The trucking industry has already endorsed the SCR technology (Navistar the only manufacturer to fight it has also come around with an SCR-like system.) SCR is the system BMW is using. It's simple, efficient and environment friendly. Dealers are getting their hands around this new experience and there is bound to be some quality hiccups too. But this is the technology that made x535d what it is. Simply unique in the marketplace - V8 power with the efficiency of a 4 cylinder while complying with new much stricter EPA regulation. Sure you can wait a few years... or you could have big fun today and feel good about it too. The choice is yours

I wasn't referring to the use of SCR technology, which all the manufacturers will use when they use diesels in North America. I was referring to the cancellation of automotive diesel programs for passenger cars, as opposed to light trucks and heavy trucks.

Some of the hesitation by the auto manufacturers is due to investment limits (current economic climate). Others are concerned with the costs of certification for new diesel engines. Others don't want to gamble on the diesel adoption rates by US consumers, due to the fluctuating diesel prices brought about by refinery capacity limits. Others are looking at various states who are adding taxes specifically to diesel fuel (more so than gasoline) and thinking that this may be a trend. Check sites like AutoBlog, and other industry sites.

London Lad · #**156** 01-31-2010, 06:31 AM

Diesel engined passenger cars flourished in the UK because of the cheaper price of the fuel, improved MPG and perceived reduction in pollution. However over the last 25 years diesel has become more expensive than petrol, petrol cars have caught up with diesel in economy and diesel has be found to have its own pollution problems.

I would now only buy a diesel in an SUV or pick-up as I think its low down torque characteristics are useful in that type of vehicle. I would not choose diesel for a normal saloon car.

DocComix · #**157** 01-31-2010, 12:57 PM

Ladies,Gents,
I'm with my X5 35d in Europe and just had an oil change done. Since I read this forum (thanks to all at this point) i talked to the service crew upfront and told them about the exhaust fluid and the required refill.
They only did the oil change and are still trying to figure out how to get the fluid (purchase) and how to get it into the car. That put a big question mark on my face since I am under the impression that you only "refill" it.
The mechanic (called me 6 days after the oil change) said that they are looking for a special piece of equipment, worth approximately 1500 USD, to refill the fluid. His words were "it has to be done under pressure...".

My question is, can anyone please be so kind and post something here (pics, pdf) on the "how-to"?

I think that the BMW dealership just has no idea and tries to BS me.
Any help and comments are highly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!
Cheers,
Mark