2.7L vs. 3.0L diesel additive (urea)

[RetiredJohn]

I moved this from the Class B category to Class C since I think it gets more "traffic" and the models I'm looking at fit in both Classes. Here is the message..........

I know there is an additive on the newer (2008+) 3.0L Mercedes diesels but I'm getting conflicting info on how much that really costs. While looking at a 2012 model the dealer tells me the added cost is minimal but based on an average driver of 15,000 miles it adds only about $14/year. However I found a nice clean 2006 (2.7L) unit at another dealer and he tells me that having the 2.7L and not having to add the additive would save me "hundreds" of $/year.

What's the real facts?.....and thanks, I'm getting closer to decisions here.

[frankdamp]

I suppose you can't just pee in the tank to save money. I wonder how long it will be before the EPA starts finding formaldehyde in diesel exhausts.

Frankly, if I were looking at diesels, I'd go for the best pre-DEF one I could find, just to get away from the additional maintenance and cost, no matter how big or small. It's another "thing" to watch out for.

I do about 5000 miles in a season. I'm sure the pollution I leave behind couldn't be measured.

[odinjunior]

Retired John,

I have a 2013 Itasca Navion with the DEF tank under the hood. I only have 2800 miles on it and have not had to add any DEF yet. I'm hearing that a tank full of the fluid should last almost 10,000 miles. I have also heard prices quoted of $2.70 a gallon at the pump at the truck stops. I would not take a salesmans word for anything.

Do yourself a favor and join the Yahoo View/Navion group you will be overloaded with information and well armed against any salesmans claims....

Tom in AZ
13 NM

View-Navion : Winnebago's Skinnie-Winnies

[mlmaikranz]

We have a 2013 Winnebago View Profile. Just completed a 3000 mile trip, filling up with DEF before and after the trip. I used less than 2 gallons in 3000 miles. Prices can range from $2.50 to $5.00 per gallon, so I estimate my cost at less than $3 per thousand miles. Not too bad a price for reducing our collective impact on the environment.

[djnash]

Just picked up a 2009 24P. I might have missed it in the manual but where is this DEF fill location on my vehicle.

[odinjunior]

I believe MB did not start using DEF until the 2010 Chasis..

[djnash]

thanks I believe you are right