Finding diesel fuel on the go?
 

Hello there. Great info on these forums. Thanks to all the knowledable contributors. I'm considering an X5 diesel purchase and I wonder what people's experiences are in terms of finding stations with diesel fuel. I have learned about the mapquest site which seems very useful for locating stations near home/work/other frequented places. How about on a road trip? Does the iDrive or NAV have any easy way to search for nearby diesel? I'm just a little wary of relying on highway signs or having to search for a station when off the highways. Of course, the 500-600 miles per tank that people seem to get makes this less frequent...but still could be a major headache. I suppose one could "plan ahead" a little more, but it's never been my strong suit, and my wife likes to drive on fumes...I swear, it's like a game for her to see how long she can have her MINI on -- miles to go before she gets gas, heh. Thank you in advance for your input.

Ironically, you will probably find it easier to find diesel when in the 'country' than in metro areas. Rural areas have a much higher % of vehicles that use diesel. So most stations in rural areas tend to sell diesel. If they didn't handle diesel, they'd lose out on quite a bit of business and not just for diesel. For example, I won't buy gasoline from any local station that does not carry diesel, just to encourage them to do the right thing :) OTOH metro areas in the US have such a low diesel population -- at least for now -- that many stations can afford not to handle diesel. But even though not all stations in metro areas handle diesel, there are usually plenty that do. You just have to look a bit.

While you are thinking about it, keep your eye open as you pass stations. Diesel prices are usually the bottom one on signs and have a green background. The pump handles are also green. So it is pretty easy to spot a station that handles diesel.

Funf Dreisig

If you have an iPhone there is an app that will not only tell you where diesel pumps are, but also the prices. In my metro area diesel is everywhere, no trouble at all finding it.

I have found some EXXON stations here have YELLOW handles for their diesel and require use of the adapter to refuel.

I always go inside and ask when their diesel was delivered and the number of gallons delivered just to be sure its fresh.

Hmmm.. I wonder if there is a fairly consistent color code that identifies the passenger vehicle size nozzle (green) vs the truck size nozzle (yellow) :dunno:

Funf Dreisig

Ranchhand, what is the difference between yellow handle and green one ?

I am pretty sure my CA programmed my NAV to show diesel gas stations throught the POI.

Navi Can Find Diesel
 

It is an option to select diesel when searching for automotive services.

I have programmed button #6 to give me diesel stations. I have tried it and it works very well. Wherever I am, pressing the button will list all local diesel stations. It's documented in the user manual but it took several tries to get it to save. Thanks to a member who encouraged me to try again:thumbup:

I too was paranoid about diesel but have found it to be a non issue in the two months I have owned the car. There are several websites including gasbuddy and mapquest where you can get prices too. I plan ahead when I am going out of town. I only use Shell. Using google, I locate the stations on my route and email them to the car. That way, I don't even have to use the programmed button. As I said, it was just paranoia on my part. There are plenty of diesel stations and many ways to locate them.

I was returning from Maine last evening.....6 degrees F outside......I was pushing to see how far I could go on a tank of fuel, and got a little too close from my passenger's comfort. I found that the best way to find Diesel stations is to have the Nav on a route....and chose the find stations along route option. This will give you a look ahead to find a station.

I ignored my '60 miles to empty message' and went by a couple of stations, then with about 15 miles to empty.......I had 1 ahead at 12 miles.......when we got of the interstate, I was at "0", and nursed it along for 3 miles to the Hess station. I put 22.372 gallons into my 22 gallon tank............whew.....

When I restarted at the pump, the check engine light came on.......I think she was mad at me..........It stayed on another 40 miles, and when I hooked up my OBD tool this am, I get a P0420 code............which is an 02 sensor/catalyst code............a code that I cannot clear.............So I'm wondering if it's just a coincidence, or is it because of the seriously cold temps ?

i haven't had issue finding diesel around chicago... i just have issue finding the right kind... it seems quite a few of the stations around here mix biodiesel in B5-B20... and alot of the stations have the wrong handle (the big truck handles) instead of the green one that fits...

but what i found best was i just pay the 200 a year for bmw assist.. whenever i need diesel and don't know where to get it I just call the concierge and they'll do the leg work, down to calling the station and finding out what kind they have etc...

-john

YELLOW handle has a smaller gasoline type nozzle. It will not trip the filler valve so you must insert the BMW supplied adapter into the filler neck. Be aware that the pump will NOT cut off when your tank is full!!

The GREEN handle has a larger nozzle and works with the advanced BMW diesels.

Don't know why the two different sizes.

The manager at the EXXON stations said he will find out why they have the smaller nozzle but I haven't been back yet.

around here the BP's are black handle always... sometimes they work sometimes they dont... all the mobils up here have the truck handles that are HUUUGE. I've only had success with citgo and speedway up here in chicago.

-john

Yellow should be Ethanol E85!!!!

Handles here are green for diesel. Yellow for E85 Ethanol...

Craig

I guess any color goes then.
I always look for the GREEN ULSD label on the pump to make sure.

Well..
I guess my hope for something approaching a color code standard to help consumers quickly/easily identify the correct pump/handle that will dispense the proper fuel for their vehicle is asking way too much. After all, in most cases using the wrong fuel will only damage their fuel system and possibly destroy their engine/vehicle. :rolleyes:

Funf Dreisig

Luckily nothing serious, like increasing pollution.
:thumbup: