Proud to Pump Biodiesel? Show It Off
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA 
on 09. 4.06
Biodiesel has definitely hit the big time: you can get biodiesel with a phone call, celebs can't get enough of it, and it's even in the dictionary now. All those things are great, but how can you tell the world you're hip to the biodiesel groove? AutoblogGreen has a round-up of some handy places to grab some biodiesel bling; included in the list are the TDI emblem seen here, as well as various stickers, decals and accessories to pimp your ride fuel from the biofuel pump. There's even a source to get custom emblems made, so you can proudly proclaim to the world at large that your ride doesn't rely on dead dinosaurs for go-juice. Get a sticker and feel good about yourself, via ::AutoblogGreen
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These are cool, with one drawback: it alerts your dealer to the fact you're using the fuel. In the US, most manufacturers are still limiting their warranty coverage to repairs diesels which use no more than B5 -- only a 5% blend. If you're burning higher and you have engine, fuel system or even transmission problems, the manufacturer can disallow a warranty claim. (BTW, I had a TDI, but sold it for a Toyota Hybrid. The TDI, which I bought NEW, fell apart in under 7,000 miles, leaving me on the side of the highway three times in nine months. If you're thinking about buying one, please do a little investigating about VW service and reliability scores. If you don't, you'll hear what I did from VW: too bad, so sad.)
It's a nice idea for some of us, Scottla. I have an 81' VW Rabbit diesel. Being way past warranty means I don't have to worry about it. I am definitely going to get a nice metal emblem for it.
I'm pretty sure using bio will only affect warrenty cover of the fuel delivery components.
Unless they changed it.
It's interesting to hear your warranty claims with regards to the engine. I'm wondering about the difference in the papers between the engine and transmission as well. To they claim that biodiesel effects the transmission? What was your exact problem with your TDI died? The fuel only affects one part of the drive-train
Aside from that though, I've also heard that the earlier Volkswagen (and Mercedes) engines are tougher when it comes to biodiesel, and oil burning in general. Perhaps that's why the '91 is faring better.
We'll have to check in on this again once the long term numbers come in on these modern engines.
Heresy, I agree on that point for models out of warranty. The photo in the post was of a new TDI. I reacted to that photo.
From the VW site:
"Volkswagen has determined that diesel fuel containing up to five percent biodiesel meets the technical specifications for Volkswagen vehicles equipped with TDI engines imported to the United States. Therefore, the diesel fuel commonly known as “B5 biodiesel” is acceptable for use in all our TDI vehicles. We must stress that vehicle damage that results from misfueling or from the usage of substandard or unapproved fuels cannot be covered under our vehicle warranties. "
When I was pointed to this text, I was advised by my sales person that VW has the option of taking a "wide view" of that policy and advised me against bringing the car in for service with a full tank of biodiesel as a result. I chose not to promote my usage as a result.
As to the problems of my '06 Jetta, only one of the several was as engine issue. After long runs on the highway, the car would stall at low speeds as soon as I got back on city streets. I would have to restart the car at stop lights for a while after. That problem was never diagnosed or fixed. As for the rest of my problems: electrical -- unexplained short made the radio lose its presets every time you shut off the car; transmission -- catostrophic (and unsafe!) clutch failure at about 3,000, then failed total transmission at 6,400 miles, requiring complete replacement. I could go on from there, but that's the basics.
VW's reply was literally, while we understand your concern with continued operation of the vehicle, we believe we are servicing the car within the terms of the warranty. That's just not a sufficient reply.
In my research after the fact, it turns out the VW has the highest lemon claim rate per 1,000 cars sold in New York and other states. I sincerely wish this were not the case, as I would like to be more enthusiastic about the TDI and its possibilities. I just can't, in good faith, recommend anyone purchase a VW knowing what I know now.
Seattle has a very respectable biodiesel community. My family bought a family bought a TDI Jetta about 1.5 years ago and every tank (except the very first) has been biodiesel. The dealer is down with biodiesel and knows we use it.
I might have to forward this to my mom, cause the biodiesel sticker we have in the window now is slowly warping.
For all interested readers:
Make no mistake about it, the VW TDI is an awesome machine. From an environmental perspective, it gets as good or better fuel milage than most hybrids and can burn most biodiesel blends.
Emissions are lower for CO2 than gas engines but slightly higher NOx and particulates. This is being addressed in the newer clean diesels soon to hit US markets.
Try driving one and then drive a hybrid; you'll have to experience the difference yourself.
Yes, there are some TID lemons (like other new cars)and yes, VWoA dealerships generally misfire repairs on TDI's. Most TDI owners quickly learn reputable nondealer mechanics in their areas for repairs, if necessary.
I have two TDI's; both are incredible vehicles with no issues.
My advice: don't buy a new TDI. Get a used one, save the showroom floor MSRP money and be sure the previous owner comes clean on service records and vehicle history.
TDI vehicles are NOT lemons!
Vist the TDI club if you want to verify any of this information.
GSH
do you have to make any mods or can you just filter the oil and put it in your diesel tank?