Community Forums

Murf2u · 06-03-2014, 06:44 AM

I looked at getting a diesel, but then did the math. It didn't make economic sense.

From a purely mileage point of view I would have had to do a minimum of 65,000 miles before I saved enough money to even (without accounting for interest) save the cost of the engine upgrade.

smiller · 06-03-2014, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murf2u

I looked at getting a diesel, but then did the math. It didn't make economic sense.

From a purely mileage point of view I would have had to do a minimum of 65,000 miles before I saved enough money to even (without accounting for interest) save the cost of the engine upgrade.

?

If we're talking about the Mercedes diesel in the Sprinter chassis (as in the subject line) then there isn't any choice, diesel is the only option (unless you're talking about a handful of used vehicles from 2008, the only year a gas option was offered.)

roncrul1 · 06-03-2014, 10:59 AM

2011 Coachmen Prism, 3500cc Mercedes Diesel, 22K odometer reading, getting between 15 and 17 mph (depending on speed!). Traveling cross country from Boston To Vancouver, BC. It seems to prefer 55-60mph!

Murf2u · 06-03-2014, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smiller

?

If we're talking about the Mercedes diesel in the Sprinter chassis (as in the subject line) then there isn't any choice, diesel is the only option (unless you're talking about a handful of used vehicles from 2008, the only year a gas option was offered.)

That is correct.

However the same floor plan (and quality level), on a different (F-450 or other) chassis, is substantially less money.

MutinyGuy · 06-03-2014, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roncurl

2011 Coachmen Prism, 3500cc Mercedes Diesel, 22K odometer reading, getting between 15 and 17 mph (depending on speed!). Traveling cross country from Boston To Vancouver, BC. It seems to prefer 55-60mph!

I had the same experience as you....15-17mpg is a good average depending on terrain....when we tow our mileage dropped by 1 mpg.
The biodiesel issue I am afraid may be a real issue in the future. Hopefully more states will NOT go with mandatory B20 diesel as MB only warrants B5 diesel...that is a show stopper...

Showkey · 06-05-2014, 10:51 AM

If you read the pump label bio additive can vary from 5-20 % in many states . MB can NOT deny warranty on fuel % not to mention they never test at the dealer level. Obvious would not cover dirt or water in the fuel.
EPA allows 20% thats what MB was to deal with.........the owners manual are just wiggle words and have no real meaning in real life.

The 20% also has had no real problems and some believe it is a good thing because of the added lubrication qualities of the bio additive. Mileage may be effected........but it is really impossible to know what % is actually being sold. Call companies like BP they give the EPA line 0-20 % varies by location.

This is parallel story to ethanol on gasoline.........not saying its a good thing (in fact the ethanol is a far worse thing) it just the government at work. Car manufactures are stuck with ethanol and all the problems it causes including poor MPG. The small engine guys have it far worse, but they can deny warranty for bad fuel due to poor storage and stale gas.

smiller · 06-05-2014, 11:06 AM

Mercedes CAN deny warranty coverage on problems caused by a greater than 5% biodeisel fuel mix as that is clearly stated in the warranty terms. Also, biodiesel content does not necessarily have anything to do with the EPA per se. For example, in Illinois the legislature has exempted biodiesel fuel mixes above a certain percentage from fuel taxes and that's why most all stations use it (to stay cost competitive.) Stuff like that has no relationship whatsoever to Mercedes warrnaty coverage.

However, I agree that for a number of reasons it is unlikely that Mercedes would deny coverage based on a fuel mix alone, even though they technically can. I would think it would open a can of worms they don't want opened.

Showkey · 06-05-2014, 03:45 PM

I do agree............but states like IL. Where bio is the only thing available..........can't imagine MB would have or even try to say is the problem.........let's say in Lemon law case.........they would loose the case just like the ethanol gas cases. If its the law that mandates fuel blending MB can not just say fuel blending isn't for us.

MutinyGuy · 06-05-2014, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Showkey

If you read the pump label bio additive can vary from 5-20 % in many states . MB can NOT deny warranty on fuel % not to mention they never test at the dealer level.

I suggest you speak to a MB Dealer or call Sprinter USA....when I spoke to them they both said absolutely do NOT put anything higher than B5 in your fuel tank.
Good Luck!

Showkey · 06-06-2014, 09:06 AM

Of course they said that.......that's what the manual says........the point is......in some states you have no idea what blend your purchasing.

Again Example: Illinois the label only has to say 5-20% blend

If you hang around the Sprinter forum blended fuel has not been a concern so far..........

smiller · 06-06-2014, 09:18 AM

You're missing the point... Mercedes says no more than 5%, it doesn't matter what the EPA or the State of Illinois or anyone else says or does, or whether the label on the pump is clear, or anything else... if you use a more than 5% fuel blend and there is damage related specifically to that then they can deny warranty coverage. It is the OWNERS responsibility to use the right fuel and if local availability (or labeling, or whatever) is incorrect then it is the owner's problem, not Mercedes.

Showkey · 06-06-2014, 09:32 AM

Nope........35 years at the auto/ truck manufacture .......here's a example ethanol was causing leaks, misfires, corrosion, poor fuel economy! hot restart or no start hot and host of other problems many due to improper blending or excessive % of ethanol. We the manufactures cried foul.............EPA said too bad........fix the cars or buy them back..........no choice.

The cars are EPA certified to run and be used on the available fuel in the 50 states.

This went on for years. Today the cars are much more tolerate of the ethanol. The only relief we received was on low MPG, that customer complaint was considered normal for the blended fuel.

Diesel blend is the same story.........MB can say what they want........they can not deny warranty coverage and won't. There a little law call the MAG\MOSS that says they can't...........

One more story then I am done......another example.......the other manufacture in writing BS or smoke screen example.......stating oil consumption of a quart every 1000-1500 or 2000 miles is normal and no warranty repairs because it is normal. Never ever stands up past the initial threat. It is not a defendable position for the manufacture if the customer pushes back. Unfortunate the customer must push these issues but that is reality.

smiller · 06-06-2014, 09:52 AM

I hope you never have to test your theory

Showkey · 06-06-2014, 10:13 AM

Not with MB yet..........but I was on the receiving end of these concerns 100 and 100's of times. They are and were always resolved in the customer' favor some in court ..99.9 % resolved at a customer relations level with a $$$$$$ settlement, buy back or the vehicle is repair.

My Sprinter has only had minor problems resolved under warranty like EGR and crank sensor no questions ask....especially never asked what fuel I used and I lived in Illinois with the unknown blended fuel. Which in theory the fuel could have a negative effect on the EGR.

By the way......I am not saying blended fuel is a good thing like I said before it just another government mandated regulation gone bad.