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Mercedes-Benz's AdBlue diesel additive is EXPENSIVE!!! - READ ONLY

15 messages,  Last post on Jan 25, 2010 at 10:34 AM

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What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz, Car Values, Diesel, Scheduled Maintenance, Sedan, Wagon, SUV

Messages Page 2 of 2

#6 of 15 Re: Mercedes-Benz's AdBlue diesel additive is EXPENSIVE!!! [0patience] by gagrice

Jan 09, 2010 (3:34 pm)

Replying to: 0patience (Jan 09, 2010 2:48 pm)
There is probably a lot of misinformation on AdBlue going around. According to this UK site the average price for AdBlue is 39 pence per liter. If I got my calculation right that is about $2.36 per gallon. Of course we are not as far along as they are so hopefully the price comes down. At that price AdBlue is an insignificant factor in driving a vehicle that requires the stuff. Consumer Reports as they many times do, skewed the facts to promote their agenda.
 
I don't like the limp mode or the urea tank where a spare tire should be. Hopefully that all gets ironed out before they offer many more diesel vehicles.

#7 of 15 Re: Mercedes-Benz's AdBlue diesel additive is EXPENSIVE!!! [gagrice] by kernick

Jan 12, 2010 (10:55 am)

Replying to: gagrice (Jan 09, 2010 3:34 pm)
Consumer Reports as they many times do, skewed the facts to promote their agenda.
 
Yep, it sure sounds like this information was put out to misinform people who take their word on Consumer Reports intelligence. Maybe this is their Consumer Reports for Dummies edition? They're assuming that only a trained MB mechanic can get the right jug, open it, and pour it in the tank in the car.
 
CR might as well report on how a change of wiper blades at a Lexus dealer is $100, so don't buy a Lexus.

#9 of 15 Re: Mercedes-Benz's AdBlue diesel additive is EXPENSIVE!!! [kernick] by bhill2

Jan 13, 2010 (1:22 pm)

Replying to: kernick (Jan 12, 2010 10:55 am)
I have a question on this. Can an owner handle the refill/reset the AdBlue supply? I mean, obviously they can put the fluid into the receptacle, but can they reset the sensor that says that the level is low? Will it automatically reset with the refill (like the fuel gauge) or does it need to be reset by a "qualified technician"?

#10 of 15 Re: Mercedes-Benz's AdBlue diesel additive is EXPENSIVE!!! [bhill2] by gagrice

Jan 13, 2010 (3:06 pm)

Replying to: bhill2 (Jan 13, 2010 1:22 pm)
I am sure it has a sensor that tells how much is in the reservoir. It is not a mileage thing. It is determined by how you drive. The better fuel mileage the less Urea is used. 16,000 miles for CR before it needed to be refilled. For me that would be every other year. By then it will probably be down to a couple bucks a gallon. It is not some exotic chemical.
 
Urea prices have fluctuated between $80 to $200/ton (12 to 30 cents/gallon) in the last three years, the ADL study shows.
 
AdBlue is one third urea and two thirds water. That means the stuff is REAL cheap to produce. They could sell it at a buck a gallon and make a fortune.

#11 of 15 Re: Mercedes-Benz's AdBlue diesel additive is EXPENSIVE!!! [gagrice] by explorerx4

Jan 13, 2010 (3:57 pm)

Replying to: gagrice (Jan 13, 2010 3:06 pm)
i wonder if that blue windshield washer fluid will work? that stuff is really cheap.

#12 of 15 Re: Mercedes-Benz's AdBlue diesel additive is EXPENSIVE!!! [gagrice] by bhill2

Jan 15, 2010 (11:18 pm)

Replying to: gagrice (Jan 13, 2010 3:06 pm)
AdBlue is one third urea and two thirds water. That means the stuff is REAL cheap to produce. They could sell it at a buck a gallon and make a fortune.
 
Well, that sort of thing is the genesis of my question. That is, if the low level indicator trips, and you fill the reservoir, will the low level sensor reset? It strikes me that EPA/CARB may not allow that, because it could be gamed by putting in a non-approved (and likely cheaper) substitute. Being basically paranoid, especially about EPA/CARB, I suspect that refilling the reservoir alone will not reset the indicator and instead it has to be reset by a 'qualified' person using special equipment to ensure that the approved fluid is used.

#13 of 15 Re: Mercedes-Benz's AdBlue diesel additive is EXPENSIVE!!! [bhill2] by gagrice

Jan 17, 2010 (9:23 pm)

Replying to: bhill2 (Jan 15, 2010 11:18 pm)
Adding Adblue to an AUDI, BMW, MB or VW is simple as removing a cap and pouring in the liquid. If you let the MB run dry you get 20 starts before it will not start. It then takes 2 gallons to reset the sensor. Buying Adblue will become as simple as getting oil very soon. You can order it from Impex. A 2.5 gallon container is $14.87. If CR really wanted to provide an honest assessment of the AdBlue systems being sold by the 4 different automakers they would have done a little research. They leave a lot to be desired as a research company. That $300+ AdBlue visit should have cost $45. That is less than 3/10ths of a cent per mile.
 
I too was concerned about Adblue. After a little research I am perfectly comfortable owning one. BMW keeps it full the first 50,000 miles.
 
http://www.worldimpex.com/parts/genuine-part-urea_934647.html

#14 of 15 Re: Mercedes-Benz's AdBlue diesel additive is EXPENSIVE!!! [kernick] by british_rover

Jan 25, 2010 (9:46 am)

Replying to: kernick (Jan 12, 2010 10:55 am)
CR puts out misleading information....
 
I am shocked, shocked I say.
 
 

#15 of 15 Re: Mercedes-Benz's AdBlue diesel additive is EXPENSIVE!!! [bhill2] by kernick

Jan 25, 2010 (10:34 am)

Replying to: bhill2 (Jan 15, 2010 11:18 pm)
I suspect that refilling the reservoir alone will not reset the indicator and instead it has to be reset by a 'qualified' person using special equipment to ensure that the approved fluid is used.
 
A solution to that would be to add AdBlue before the sensor is tripped. If the sensor is simply working on level and does not have a "mileage input signal" then one could simply add Ad-Blue when it was 2/3 depleted, and never set the sensor off. I don't think the sensor needs to be reset by a technician anymore than your low-fuel level alarm has to be reset, if you run your tank low. There's nothing stopping you from putting some non-EPA/CARB fluid in your fuel right?

Messages Page 2 of 2

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