Blue liquid tank

[rw.perkins]

Was chatting at work today, and a colleague asked if my car needed this Blue liquid stuff topping up. Apparently her husbands Mercedes needs it, and it is £37 a litre?
I have heard of this in some cars, but am not sure which it is for. I believe it is to do with diesel efficiency and emissions control - is that right?

And which cars need it? Mine is a C220 CDI.

Also, what are the average costs, how often is it needed, and is it covered under Mercedes service plans?

 

[grober]

It's p*ss or more accurately urea for the Blue Tec exhaust treatment to reduce NOx in the exhaust of diesel cars. Not many mercedes were fitted with this till very recently.
See this rather acrimonious thread. http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/engine/187934-particulate-filter.html

and
http://www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk/con..._sales0/fleet-after-sales/you-and-adblue.html

AND

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/part.../157827-refill-adblue-workshop-message-2.html

 

[rw.perkins]

Thanks Graeme - I see what you mean about the acrimony! Just so everyone knows, I have read my manual many times, and viewed the interactive manual many times too.
My car is 12 months old, does not have a filler along with the diesel cap, and no BlueTec, or Blue Efficiency badges. Have to admit to not removing the spare wheel to look for a tank under there.
So, it is not the easiest thing to be sure about.
I was just intrigued after the conversation today, and the cost she stated.
Thanks again.

 

[l5foye]

Adblue costs anywhere from £11 to £19 for 5 litres. Whoever quoted £38 per litre has got it wrong. Mind you, I think it is wrong of mercedes to have it that the car stops if it is not topped up at the right intervals.

 

[buster651]

with a truck goes into get home mode

 

[S205-FTW]

Pretty sure 'BLUETEC' on the back equals AdBlue required.

 

[st13phil]

Pretty sure 'BLUETEC' on the back equals AdBlue required.

That's my understanding

 

[tode]

Adblue costs anywhere from £11 to £19 for 5 litres. Whoever quoted £38 per litre has got it wrong. Mind you, I think it is wrong of mercedes to have it that the car stops if it is not topped up at the right intervals.

Not correct: if you have had the Adblue topped up at your last service, you will get a warning light come on, advising you to do it.

From that point, you have 2000 km in which to do it (you're running on 'reserve').

Only when the tank is completely empty will the car stop.

It's a bit like your fuel tank, really

 

[Merc Owner 2B]

My 250 ML has this. When the tank runs out the engine will not restart. It doesn't just cut out. It's refilled at the annual service and lasts for the year.

Had a problem last year with a sensor that flashed up a "You have 500 miles to top up ad blu then engine restart not possible" Sensor replaced under warranty.