Biodiesel in an E46 320d

[ol]

Hello,

I've got a 2001 (pre facelift) 320d E46, and i've been thinking for a while about using Biodiesel.

I was just wondering if anyone else has run an E46 320d on it, and if there would be any problems in doing so?

I found a place that sells it near my house, and have been reading up on 'brewing' my own with a garage kit and used cooking oil from the local pub, but i've heard stories about newer cars not running on it, or getting damaged in the process.

Any information would be great.

Thanks in advance.

[gizlaroc]

I know someone who has run his 2002 320d (150bhp) car on heating oil and diesel 50:50 sindce he got it with no problems.

Bio diesel has been run by many on the 320d, so I am sure you will be fine, I would think the seals on the pipes would be your main concern? But if they start to whither replace them with the bio deisel compatible ones available from BMW germany.

[dxb335d]

Not sure about older diesel's but new ones it actually states on the filler cap ''No bio-diesel''

[ol]

Hmmm, i think i'm going to try a 50/50 mix as i found somewhere that sells it near my house.

If the engine blows up or the car breaks down i'll report back on here!

[fixedwheelnut]

BMW recommend Diesel fuel in accordance with EN 590 with a bio content of UP TO 5% RME [rapeseed methyl ester]

Fuels with a bio diesel content of more than 5% RME can damage the fuel system and cause running problems.

[ol]

fixedwheelnut said:

BMW recommend Diesel fuel in accordance with EN 590 with a bio content of UP TO 5% RME [rapeseed methyl ester]

Fuels with a bio diesel content of more than 5% RME can damage the fuel system and cause running problems.

Are you sure about that? One of my friends has been running her 320d E46 off Bio-diesel for the past year and a half, and the only thing she's had to do is change the filters...

[fixedwheelnut]

maybe just lucky we have had a few 330 and 530's with lack of power that have needed new fuel systems due to bio fuel.

[ol]

fixedwheelnut said:

maybe just lucky we have had a few 330 and 530's with lack of power that have needed new fuel systems due to bio fuel.

I suppose it depends where they got the fuel, and how well it was made. That's the biggest gamble i guess, if it's not been refined properly it could well cause some problems...

Either way, the refinery that i was going to take a trip to has now closed down, so no bio diesel for me