Diesel Fuel

Broken1 · 08-13-2005, 10:09 AM

I don't think this applies to many of you...but I want an answer and this is the best place I can get it...

When filling up, I have the choice between .05% diesel and .003% diesel. What is the difference? I know 0.003% is supposed to be better (and is a hell of a lot more expensive) but why should I spend the extra money?

I filled up with Sasol Turbodiesel *charged at R5.97 a litre* - was quite an expensive ordeal.

I usually fill up at the Engen(Near Peter Place) or the BP(W. Nicol), where I can get 0.05% diesel for R5.59 (that's 38c cheaper) - Does the lower sulphur diesel give me better consumption?More power?A smoother diesel engine?Or a ONLY a longer engine life?

I just want to justify the extra cost, else it hardly seems worth it...my beancounting skills they're drilling in at varsity is getting the better of me!

QQQ1970 · 08-13-2005, 10:14 AM

Is that the percentage of sulphur in your diesel?
I think in North America, one of the problems is our diesel has high sulphur content, and affect the performance of the new generation diesel.

E90Fleet · 08-13-2005, 10:21 AM

Actually its 0.3% and 0.05%
It shows the percentage of Suphur in the diesel

As fro the lower Sulphur
From SASOL :

Significantly reduces engine wear, thereby prolonging engine life
Greatly reduces oil breakdown, thereby extending service intervals and reducing maintenance costs
Produces cleaner burning and significantly less air pollution
Is compatible with, and provides all the above benefits to, any kind of diesel-burning engine
Is compatible with exhaust systems' catalytic convertors and particulate traps

My answer:
Makes less smoke, so wont clog your particulate filter as fast
Burns better thus reducing chances of blowing your turbo, ad gives a bit better performace

The higher Sulphuer Diesel will no longer be available asof January 2006, with the 0.05% becomming standard, and a even lower brand will become available as a alternative

There are a number of diesel engines that cannot run on the 0.3%
This is supposed to be part of why the 535d is not available here yet, and why we derate out Diesels

stressdoc · 08-13-2005, 10:37 AM

Which mix will the USA be getting (eventually) that will allow BMW to start importing diesels here? Are there good reasons why RSA is ahead of USA in diesel availability?

QQQ1970 · 08-13-2005, 10:42 AM

AFAIK, it is no that US is behind the world in technology, but the low sulphur diesel is more expensive to refine and it would cost $$$ for refinery to upgrade. US wants cheap diesel so it doesn't slow down the economic engine (same reason why the gov't does not ratify the Kyoto accord).

Enough said, this is a BMW not a political forum.

Broken1 · 08-13-2005, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

My answer:
Makes less smoke, so wont clog your particulate filter as fast
Burns better thus reducing chances of blowing your turbo, ad gives a bit better performace

The higher Sulphuer Diesel will no longer be available asof January 2006, with the 0.05% becomming standard, and a even lower brand will become available as a alternative

There are a number of diesel engines that cannot run on the 0.3%
This is supposed to be part of why the 535d is not available here yet, and why we derate out Diesels

So...If you were filling up your diesel - would you justify the extra 40odd cents it cost per litre to get the sasol fuel - or would you buy the cheaper one, until the cheaper one is the current low sulphur one?

Maybe I'll just use a combination...that way it's the best of both worlds!

Ps. Is BMW going retune my detuned engine next year when all diesel is 0.05% and my engine wouldn't have needed to be detuned!! :/

:mad: :mad: :mad:

E90Fleet · 08-13-2005, 10:52 AM

As far as I know the USA has the 0.3% Diesel, like ost of our fillinf stations.

Its that with 0.3% most diesel cars cannot meet all 50 States emmisions regulations

Our emmisions regulations arnt as strict

E90Fleet · 08-13-2005, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broken1

So...If you were filling up your diesel - would you justify the extra 40odd cents it cost per litre to get the sasol fuel - or would you buy the cheaper one, until the cheaper one is the current low sulphur one?

Maybe I'll just use a combination...that way it's the best of both worlds!

Ps. Is BMW going retune my detuned engine next year when all diesel is 0.05% and my engine wouldn't have needed to be detuned!! :/

:mad: :mad: :mad:

Its a hard decision, and since motorplan takes care of any problems it probably doesnt matter.

The detuning is done via the ECU software, so it is possible to change it if BMW SA decides to.
But the diesel was oly part of the problem here on the Highveld. Because of our altitude the turbo works harder than at sea level, and the detuning helps save it.

For those wondering we are at about 5,500 feet above sea level here in Johannesburg

stressdoc · 08-13-2005, 10:59 AM

Slow down the economic engine? Maybe in the short term. It seems one of the biggest threats to the USA economy is high energy costs and the associated military/political expenditures. Efficient diesel engines would significantly reduce energy consumption (viz euro). Imagine how much better the situation would be if our SUVs had 3.0l BMW diesels in them. Looks like more of a threat to USA auto manufacturers and some of the seven sisters than to the overall economy. Sorry if I am

Broken1 · 08-13-2005, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

Its a hard decision, and since motorplan takes care of any problems it probably doesnt matter.

The detuning is done via the ECU software, so it is possible to change it if BMW SA decides to.
But the diesel was oly part of the problem here on the Highveld. Because of our altitude the turbo works harder than at sea level, and the detuning helps save it.

For those wondering we are at about 5,500 feet above sea level here in Johannesburg

I could always go half half, I hear Total sells 0.1% sulphur up here in JHB? (Probably the same price as the 0.05%) :/

I'll just see how my wallet is feeling each week then...Probably will only keep the car MAXIMUM end of 2007.

I wonder when they are facelifting E90's... That's probably the only thing I would want to replace my e90 with...if I can actually let go of it. I still have my father begging me to lend it to him for the weekend, just to take his girlfriend out.

E90Fleet · 08-13-2005, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broken1

I could always go half half, I hear Total sells 0.1% sulphur up here in JHB? (Probably the same price as the 0.05%) :/

I'll just see how my wallet is feeling each week then...Probably will only keep the car MAXIMUM end of 2007.

I wonder when they are facelifting E90's... That's probably the only thing I would want to replace my e90 with...if I can actually let go of it. I still have my father begging me to lend it to him for the weekend, just to take his girlfriend out.

Think TOTAL is also 0.05%

E90 facelift will probably be about late 2008

Broken1 · 08-13-2005, 11:47 AM

What BMW are you driving E90Fleet? - Just out of interest...

E90Fleet · 08-13-2005, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broken1

What BMW are you driving E90Fleet? - Just out of interest...

Currently a 540i

Have had E39, E36 and E46 BMW's

Broken1 · 08-13-2005, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

Currently a 540i

Have had E39, E36 and E46 BMW's

Cool. I am driving my diesel after 2 E46 325ti's :P

I noticed tonight when I was driving that it seems my engine is running a bit smoother. It might be my mind playing tricks on me...needing to believe the extra 40c a litre is worth it...but I really felt it was smoother. The test will be tomorrow morning when it's cold, as it's always a bit rough feeling in the morning. :-)

E90Fleet · 08-13-2005, 04:54 PM

Keep us informed

David328M-Sport · 08-13-2005, 06:10 PM

Nice conversation guys. We are having a more consistent low sulphur diesel fuel being introduced into Australia now. Although it has been available for many years, the diesel fuel quality here was inconsistent and BMW couldn't bring diesel cars into Australia for that reason. Never stopped Mercedes Though!

BMW will now be bringing their X53.0d and other diesels may follow. I don't know because I haven't been following the diesel story much.

Anyway, broken1, if you couyld afford to fill up with the expensive diesel for a while, maybe the ecu adjusts itself to the different fules and there may be an increase in the distance you travel between fillups. That may help to offset the cost differential between diesel grades you can choose from.

As you have already mentioned, there may be other possible benefits like a smoother, quieter engine.

Het e90fleet, just a little off topic. is your 540 a current model? Are you happy with it? Powerful enough? Any mods?

E90Fleet · 08-14-2005, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David325Australia

Het e90fleet, just a little off topic. is your 540 a current model? Are you happy with it? Powerful enough? Any mods?

No, E39

Stock standard to keep its Motorplan ( BMW SA's full maintenance and repair progeramme )

Torque is very nice from a V8

It cost me less than your 325i would to buy

Broken1 · 08-14-2005, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David325Australia

Anyway, broken1, if you couyld afford to fill up with the expensive diesel for a while, maybe the ecu adjusts itself to the different fules and there may be an increase in the distance you travel between fillups. That may help to offset the cost differential between diesel grades you can choose from.
As you have already mentioned, there may be other possible benefits like a smoother, quieter engine.

Well as I said, I noticed an improvement last night...whether it's real or not is another story. I will keep using the new diesel and see how my fuel cons goes. It could go down due to other variables - engine running in (on 1800km's now) etc...

But we'll see and make a best guess.

David328M-Sport · 08-14-2005, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

It cost me less than your 325i would to buy

oh yeah, don't i know it!!!
but i absolutely enjoy every second in my new car.

David328M-Sport · 08-14-2005, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broken1

But we'll see and make a best guess.

well i wish you well and hope that the lower sulphur diesel translates into a better overall drive, better power and of course better economy.

all the best.

garthbo · 08-16-2005, 12:58 AM

Anyone knows what a Diesel Particle Filter is for? Is this option needed for a 320d? Thanks.

E90Fleet · 08-16-2005, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garthbo

Anyone knows what a Diesel Particle Filter is for? Is this option needed for a 320d? Thanks.

Its a filter in the exhaus system that removes the black smoke you usuall see with diesel cars.

So you dont see any black smoke come out of the exhaust anymore

08-13-2005, 10:09 AM	#1
Broken1 Addict 203 Rep 2,074 Posts Drives: 2024 X5 40i M-Sport Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	Diesel Fuel I don't think this applies to many of you...but I want an answer and this is the best place I can get it... When filling up, I have the choice between .05% diesel and .003% diesel. What is the difference? I know 0.003% is supposed to be better (and is a hell of a lot more expensive) but why should I spend the extra money? I filled up with Sasol Turbodiesel charged at R5.97 a litre - was quite an expensive ordeal. I usually fill up at the Engen(Near Peter Place) or the BP(W. Nicol), where I can get 0.05% diesel for R5.59 (that's 38c cheaper) - Does the lower sulphur diesel give me better consumption?More power?A smoother diesel engine?Or a ONLY a longer engine life? I just want to justify the extra cost, else it hardly seems worth it...my beancounting skills they're drilling in at varsity is getting the better of me!
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08-13-2005, 10:14 AM	#2
QQQ1970 New Member 1 Rep 13 Posts Drives: MB C320 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Is that the percentage of sulphur in your diesel? I think in North America, one of the problems is our diesel has high sulphur content, and affect the performance of the new generation diesel.
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08-13-2005, 10:21 AM	#3
E90Fleet Lieutenant General 1312 Rep 10,185 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	Actually its 0.3% and 0.05% It shows the percentage of Suphur in the diesel As fro the lower Sulphur From SASOL : Significantly reduces engine wear, thereby prolonging engine life Greatly reduces oil breakdown, thereby extending service intervals and reducing maintenance costs Produces cleaner burning and significantly less air pollution Is compatible with, and provides all the above benefits to, any kind of diesel-burning engine Is compatible with exhaust systems' catalytic convertors and particulate traps My answer: Makes less smoke, so wont clog your particulate filter as fast Burns better thus reducing chances of blowing your turbo, ad gives a bit better performace The higher Sulphuer Diesel will no longer be available asof January 2006, with the 0.05% becomming standard, and a even lower brand will become available as a alternative There are a number of diesel engines that cannot run on the 0.3% This is supposed to be part of why the 535d is not available here yet, and why we derate out Diesels Last edited by E90Fleet; 08-13-2005 at 10:35 AM..
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08-13-2005, 10:37 AM	#4
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	Which mix will the USA be getting (eventually) that will allow BMW to start importing diesels here? Are there good reasons why RSA is ahead of USA in diesel availability?
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08-13-2005, 10:42 AM	#5
QQQ1970 New Member 1 Rep 13 Posts Drives: MB C320 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	AFAIK, it is no that US is behind the world in technology, but the low sulphur diesel is more expensive to refine and it would cost $$$ for refinery to upgrade. US wants cheap diesel so it doesn't slow down the economic engine (same reason why the gov't does not ratify the Kyoto accord). Enough said, this is a BMW not a political forum.
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08-13-2005, 10:52 AM	#7
E90Fleet Lieutenant General 1312 Rep 10,185 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	As far as I know the USA has the 0.3% Diesel, like ost of our fillinf stations. Its that with 0.3% most diesel cars cannot meet all 50 States emmisions regulations Our emmisions regulations arnt as strict
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08-13-2005, 10:59 AM	#9
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	Slow down the economic engine? Maybe in the short term. It seems one of the biggest threats to the USA economy is high energy costs and the associated military/political expenditures. Efficient diesel engines would significantly reduce energy consumption (viz euro). Imagine how much better the situation would be if our SUVs had 3.0l BMW diesels in them. Looks like more of a threat to USA auto manufacturers and some of the seven sisters than to the overall economy. Sorry if I am
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08-13-2005, 11:47 AM	#12
Broken1 Addict 203 Rep 2,074 Posts Drives: 2024 X5 40i M-Sport Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	What BMW are you driving E90Fleet? - Just out of interest...
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08-13-2005, 04:54 PM	#15
E90Fleet Lieutenant General 1312 Rep 10,185 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	Keep us informed
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08-13-2005, 06:10 PM	#16
David328M-Sport Brigadier General 101 Rep 3,566 Posts Drives: F30 M-Sport 328i Estoril Blue Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Melbourne Australia iTrader: (0)	Nice conversation guys. We are having a more consistent low sulphur diesel fuel being introduced into Australia now. Although it has been available for many years, the diesel fuel quality here was inconsistent and BMW couldn't bring diesel cars into Australia for that reason. Never stopped Mercedes Though! BMW will now be bringing their X53.0d and other diesels may follow. I don't know because I haven't been following the diesel story much. Anyway, broken1, if you couyld afford to fill up with the expensive diesel for a while, maybe the ecu adjusts itself to the different fules and there may be an increase in the distance you travel between fillups. That may help to offset the cost differential between diesel grades you can choose from. As you have already mentioned, there may be other possible benefits like a smoother, quieter engine. Het e90fleet, just a little off topic. is your 540 a current model? Are you happy with it? Powerful enough? Any mods? __________________ 328i M-Sport, Estoril Blue, Carbon XP 35 Tint, front heated seats, black Dakota, Sports Suspension, Anthracite Headliner, HUD, Pro Nav, Sunroof, hk 600w, Bi-Xenon, 19" 403M wheels, Reversing Camera, DAB+, Xenon, BT Ext Connect, MST turbo intake pipe, MST Cold Air Intake, JB4 on Map 2 with Catless DP produces awesome performance in Sport.
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08-16-2005, 12:58 AM	#21
garthbo New Member 0 Rep 26 Posts Drives: e60, cancelled e90 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Philippines iTrader: (0)	Diesel Particle Filter Anyone knows what a Diesel Particle Filter is for? Is this option needed for a 320d? Thanks.
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