2013 X5 3.5d vs. 3.5i comparisons

[seattle]

Originally Posted by sfmars

Just test drove the x5d.
...
Now to figure out a price.

Wow, I thought you were nowhere near the decision between diesel and gasser. That was quick!

[sfmars]

Well I figured I'd try to take advantage of the fact that there is still decent inventory on the diesels and the wifey wants a new car.

Thanks for your help. I attach pix if everything works out.

[TinyRK]

Just FYI, because some might not know:

Please make sure, that your have proper Diesel Gas Stations around.
I live in Illinois, where they push B20.

German Car Manufacturers might not warranty engines when Diesel other than B5 is used. And this "might" is what rang my alarm bell.

I quote Mercedes-Benz:

r: “Diesel fuels containing a higher percentage of biodiesel, (e.g. B6 to B20) according to ASTM D7467 as well as straight biodiesel (B100/100%) ASTM D6751 may cause severe damage to your engine/fuel system and are not approved.” In case there are any lingering doubts, one need only read the last page: “Any damages caused by the use of such non-approved fuels will not be covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.”

I assume BMW has the same statement hidden somewhere.

Anyway,
this was a dealbreaker for me here in Illinois, and that explains the rather large Diesel Inventory here in Chicagoland, I guess.


Also,
read here:Biodiesel Report: What B20 Means to You and Your Warranty – The Diesel Driver - The Joy of Diesel Driving

An October 20, 2012 letter to the car columnist in the Chicago Tribune illustrates the high level of confusion when it comes to higher-content biodiesel:

“We recently purchased a BMW X5 diesel SUV. The manual states that that diesel fuel cannot be over five percent bio or the warranty would be voided. However, in Illinois, about the only diesel fuel available is 11-20% bio… Both the BMW and Mercedes dealers say its okay to use 11 to 20% bio. However, when we asked them if BMW or Mercedes would agree to honor the warranty they both said no… However, we can’t understand how BMW can sell diesel cars in Illinois without disclosing the fuel is not readily available in Illinois.”

Several months ago, the Illinois-based owner of a 2009 Mercedes-Benz R350 BlueTec reported a two thousand dollar repair bill to “clean the engine and intake manifold from the residue left over from using B20 diesel fuel for 90K miles,” pointing out that this is “the only diesel fuel available in the state of Illinois!”

[sfmars]

Wow, I've never known of the B5 requirement. Thanks for the heads up.

Does anyone know what B rating is used in San Francisco? Also, anyone know who would have better diesel (Chevron, Shell, 76, Costco, Arco)? And is there a such thing as premium diesel fuel similar to Octane 91?

[bobsx5]

I also live in Illinois and found out after I bought my X5 diesel about the fuel requirement. Luckily, I live near a Meirs store that has a gas station. They only sell full petro diesel fuel. No Bio in their fuel. I guess I got lucky in that regard.

[sfmars]

I guess my question is, should I be looking for stations with B5? Or should I be using diesel fuel with no bio if possible ?