New Benz BlueTec Diesels Won't Run Without Urea - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 10-20-2008, 09:22 PM

http://jalopnik.com/5066115/new-benz-bluetec-diesels-wont-run-without-urea

To meet stringent new diesel emissions criteria here in the States, new Mercedes Benz BlueTec diesels use urea, carried in a separate tank, injected into the catalyst. The urea must be replenished at service intervals — generally 10,000 miles — and now Mercedes acknowledges the vehicles won't start if the urea is allowed to run out. BlueTec cars and SUVs will notify the driver when the seven-gallon urea tank reaches one gallon, and again when it runs completely out, allowing 20 additional starts before disabling the vehicle. At least two gallons of fluid must be added for the system to reset and permit the car to be started. Now, where would you find two gallons of urea on the open road?

Mercedes dealers will sell urea in half-gallon containers, using a special mess-free store-and-fill bottle, for $7.50, but that's the expensive option. At service intervals, using bulk containers, Mercedes is expecting the fluid to run no more than the cost of diesel fuel. If you run out of emissions juice, urea transport and refill is reportedly included in your roadside assistance plan, as is tire changing — fortunate since the urea tank occupies the spare tire well. [Automotive News, Sub. Req.]

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If it were me, I'd stick the sensor that detects urea content into a separate urea jar and just fill the main tank with plain water. Problem solved.

carlivar · #2 10-20-2008, 09:45 PM

Sheesh, as if diesel doesn't have already have a bad enough perception in the U.S.

Why does Mercedes require urea but not VW?

#3 10-20-2008, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carlivar

Why does Mercedes require urea but not VW?

Bigger engine. EPA tests for gallons burned, not MPG.

iwrock · #4 10-20-2008, 09:55 PM

This is sooo stupid...

bgkast · #5 10-20-2008, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

Now, where would you find two gallons of urea on the open road?

Easy, just look for the bottles filled with yellow thrown by the side of the road by helpful truckers.

It would probably be easy to fool the car into thinking it has a full tank of piss.

#6 10-20-2008, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgkast

Easy, just look for the bottles filled with yellow thrown by the side of the road by helpful truckers.

I could grab a few form the truck yard. I almost ran over what looked like a gallon jug of apple juice last week.

Wodnek · #7 10-20-2008, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgkast

Easy, just look for the bottles filled with yellow thrown by the side of the road by helpful truckers.

It would probably be easy to fool the car into thinking it has a full tank of piss.

That is just nasty. I traveled out west a few years ago for my Grandfathers funeral. We drove from LA to vegas and on a long upgrade there is a rest area. There were like 16 gallon jugs of yellow stuff just laying by a lamp post. i was like "What is that?"