B7 Biodiesel Implementation 320d owners

[ahshawn]

Hi all diesel owners out there,

It seems that B7 implementation is impending for all diesel users. If Im not mistaken, the new F30s have specifically mentioned that they can take up to B7 fuel conditions, but no further advice is given on E90s.

http://paultan.org/2014/10/30/b7-biodiesel-programme-implemented-november-2014/#comment-3522776

I thought this comment picked out from paultan site made some sense, any thought or inputs on the matter?

"I might be wrong on this, pls enlighten me if otherwise.
While pure biodiesel technically exceeds euro5 emissions because of no sulphur content, we forget that biodiesel residue or palm oleins can be problematic for modern commonrails systems with issues such as clogging. Am I correct to say this?"

 

[SilverBullet]

A number of factors related to fuel compatibility need to be considered when using biodiesel in any particular engine. Logically, the effect of biodiesel on engines and aftertreatment systems depends on the blend level used. While in many cases the most significant effect would be expected with higher level blends, where it can be most prone to the precipitation of fuel insolubles and filter plugging. Some cumulative effects can be also caused by prolonged operation with low biodiesel blends.

Biodiesel advocates, including biodiesel manufacturing groups and those environmental organizations that support the use of biodiesel, often claim that biodiesel can be used in existing diesel engines without modifications. While it may be true that most diesel engines can be started and operated for a number of hours with biodiesel fuel (at least under mild weather conditions), engine manufacturers limit the use of biodiesel in many engine models to ensure no adverse effects over the entire life of the engine. The restrictions on the use of biodiesel fuels are typically imposed through new engine warranties that become void if the engine is operated with a fuel that does not meet the manufacturer’s specifications, such as B100 or high level biodiesel blends.

Another common issue is the lack of standard specifications for neat biodiesel and/or higher biodiesel blend fuels. Even if the engine is designed for an average B100 fuel, problems may arise due to the variability of a non-standard fuel without a widely accepted and enforced quality specification.

The potential issues with biodiesel fuels may be grouped as follows:

• Material compatibility—Depending on the engine make model and model year, the engine components that come in contact with the fuel can be made from incompatible materials.
• Oil dilution—A possibility exists with all engines that some fuel will make its way into the engine’s crankcase and dilute the lubricating oil. Over time, the accumulated fuel can amount to a significant proportion of the engine’s oil capacity. What happens to the lubricating oil and engine components that come into contact with the oil/fuel mixture can have an impact on engine durability and longevity.
• Fuel injection equipment—Impacts on fuel injectors, filters and other fuel system components can cause a significant deterioration in engine performance.
• Emission control system—Emission aftertreatment systems, including catalysts and particulate filters, can be negatively affected by biodiesel fuels. Increased engine emissions or shortened durability of emission components can result.

*copy paste from the internet

 

[ahshawn]

A number of factors related to fuel compatibility need to be considered when using biodiesel in any particular engine. Logically, the effect of biodiesel on engines and aftertreatment systems depends on the blend level used. While in many cases the most significant effect would be expected with higher level blends, where it can be most prone to the precipitation of fuel insolubles and filter plugging. Some cumulative effects can be also caused by prolonged operation with low biodiesel blends.

Biodiesel advocates, including biodiesel manufacturing groups and those environmental organizations that support the use of biodiesel, often claim that biodiesel can be used in existing diesel engines without modifications. While it may be true that most diesel engines can be started and operated for a number of hours with biodiesel fuel (at least under mild weather conditions), engine manufacturers limit the use of biodiesel in many engine models to ensure no adverse effects over the entire life of the engine. The restrictions on the use of biodiesel fuels are typically imposed through new engine warranties that become void if the engine is operated with a fuel that does not meet the manufacturer’s specifications, such as B100 or high level biodiesel blends.

Another common issue is the lack of standard specifications for neat biodiesel and/or higher biodiesel blend fuels. Even if the engine is designed for an average B100 fuel, problems may arise due to the variability of a non-standard fuel without a widely accepted and enforced quality specification.

The potential issues with biodiesel fuels may be grouped as follows:

• Material compatibility—Depending on the engine make model and model year, the engine components that come in contact with the fuel can be made from incompatible materials.
• Oil dilution—A possibility exists with all engines that some fuel will make its way into the engine’s crankcase and dilute the lubricating oil. Over time, the accumulated fuel can amount to a significant proportion of the engine’s oil capacity. What happens to the lubricating oil and engine components that come into contact with the oil/fuel mixture can have an impact on engine durability and longevity.
• Fuel injection equipment—Impacts on fuel injectors, filters and other fuel system components can cause a significant deterioration in engine performance.
• Emission control system—Emission aftertreatment systems, including catalysts and particulate filters, can be negatively affected by biodiesel fuels. Increased engine emissions or shortened durability of emission components can result.

*copy paste from the internet

while this is understood theoretically, i am anxious of the actual impact on the engines on the long run. if you work in a petrochem plant processing biodiesel, you will probably know the clogging due to olein formation they face. I do take solace that b7 is still a relatively light blend and while the f30's are designed for it, it should be mean that the e90's can take it too (same commonrail system, engine etc.?). correct me if i am wrong here

 

[SilverBullet]

All I can say is....good luck to the diesel owners if B7 biodiesel is implemented...especially in the long run...but I have read on this forum a couple of e60 diesel owners have reached 200k km with no major issues..