Mercedes-Benz's AdBlue diesel additive is EXPENSIVE!!!

AdBlue is the urea-based additive that is needed in MB diesels in order to emission standards—and it's expensive according to this CR report.
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2010/01/mercedesbenz-gl320-bluetecfeeling-- a-bit-adblue-over-spending-a-lot-of-green.html
$316.99 for seven gallons plus labor (filling the tank). YIKES!
Bob
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2010/01/mercedesbenz-gl320-bluetecfeeling-- a-bit-adblue-over-spending-a-lot-of-green.html
$316.99 for seven gallons plus labor (filling the tank). YIKES!
Bob
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What happens if you don't add AdBlue? does the vehicle stop running? incur damage to the catalytic converter or sensors? or just put out regular diesel emissions?
According to an article in Automotive News, GM stated, "If the urea tank runs dry, the driver will notice no difference in performance. But the vehicle won't meet emissions standards for smog-producing oxides of nitrogen, or NOx. "
Then there is the criteria.......
Vehicle compliance. There are five different categories for vehicle compliance, and manufacturers must satisfy all five:
1. Driver warning system
2. Driver inducement
3. Identification of incorrect reducing agent
4. Tamper resistant design
5. Durable design
Reducing agent availability. EPA will review each manufacturer’s plan for reducing agent availability and accessibility, with particular emphasis on the following procedures:
1. Reducing Agent Available at Dealerships
2. Reducing Agent Available at Truckstops
3. Back-Up Plan
There is currently no EPA regulation that I have been able to locate that says the vehicle must stop should it run out of Urea. Some manufacturers have provisions for a "limp mode" or "power reduction mode", should the vehicle run out of Urea in the middle of the desert at 80 mph. Having the vehicle shut down in that type of situation would cause a liability problem that no manufacturer wants to deal with.
Right now, SCR additive (Urea) is available in most areas for $12-$14/gallon.
We run it in some of our heavy trucks. Should they run out of SCR, then the truck defaults to a slight power reduction and the truck keeps moving.
From Light & Medium Truck Magazine, "The dosing rate will be based on engine size and activity, but the general consensus from several SCR engine representatives is that the rate of DEF use will be about 1½% to 2% of diesel fuel use."
I don't like the limp mode or the urea tank where a spare tire should be. Hopefully that all gets ironed out before they offer many more diesel vehicles.
Yep, it sure sounds like this information was put out to misinform people who take their word on Consumer Reports intelligence. Maybe this is their Consumer Reports for Dummies edition? They're assuming that only a trained MB mechanic can get the right jug, open it, and pour it in the tank in the car.
CR might as well report on how a change of wiper blades at a Lexus dealer is $100, so don't buy a Lexus.
2009 BMW 335i, 2003 Corvette cnv. (RIP 2001 Jaguar XK8 cnv and 1985 MB 380SE [the best of the lot])
Urea prices have fluctuated between $80 to $200/ton (12 to 30 cents/gallon) in the last three years, the ADL study shows.
AdBlue is one third urea and two thirds water. That means the stuff is REAL cheap to produce. They could sell it at a buck a gallon and make a fortune.
Well, that sort of thing is the genesis of my question. That is, if the low level indicator trips, and you fill the reservoir, will the low level sensor reset? It strikes me that EPA/CARB may not allow that, because it could be gamed by putting in a non-approved (and likely cheaper) substitute. Being basically paranoid, especially about EPA/CARB, I suspect that refilling the reservoir alone will not reset the indicator and instead it has to be reset by a 'qualified' person using special equipment to ensure that the approved fluid is used.
2009 BMW 335i, 2003 Corvette cnv. (RIP 2001 Jaguar XK8 cnv and 1985 MB 380SE [the best of the lot])
I too was concerned about Adblue. After a little research I am perfectly comfortable owning one. BMW keeps it full the first 50,000 miles.
http://www.worldimpex.com/parts/genuine-part-urea_934647.html
I am shocked, shocked I say.
:P
A solution to that would be to add AdBlue before the sensor is tripped. If the sensor is simply working on level and does not have a "mileage input signal" then one could simply add Ad-Blue when it was 2/3 depleted, and never set the sensor off.