Can I put BIOFUEL into my diesel Land Rover Discovery 2005?

Question

I've asked the Land Rover dealers and they don't know enough to say one way or another. I'd really like to do my bit for the environment but obviously don't want to ruin my car. Anyone know any more facts about it?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

There is people who specialise in it. But it would have to be conferted for bio-diesel

Answer 2

I agree with ndicki - contact rover for the best answer, but...
Most modern diesels can run on biodiesel. The engine itself works the same, the old concern was with the rubber fuel lines and other rubber parts. Biodiesel is a stronger solvent and melts these parts, but this has only been a concern for older cars. These older cars needed to have fuel lines swapped out to be able to run biodiesel BUT NO OTHER CONVERSION. Meanwhile, many who use biodiesel consider it a better fuel for the engine as it has greater lubricity. If you switch to biodiesel, it will clean old petroleum gum from your fuel lines leading to the need to replace your fuel filter after a few tanks of bioD. After that, you should be fine with your regular maintainance schedule.

Good luck
~~~~~~~~~
2003 VW Golf TDI running on 100% bioD
43 mpg overall, 51 mpg on long trips ;-)

Answer 3

Contact Land Rover UK directly. They are the only ones qualified to give the correct answer, and if someone else tells you otherwise, just wonder whether believing him is worth the risk of having to buy a new engine.

I had a similar dilemma with my Octavia, and contacted Skoda Germany directly. If Lannie UK don't know, the Germans certainly will - biodiesel/biofuels are a big thing over there.

Incidentally, the new generation of VW TDi engines DO NOT take biodiesel, although the previous ones did. I used even to run my old TDi90 Octy on 70% chip oil/30% mineral diesel with no ill effects. It depends essentially on injection pressures, etc.

Interesting that the car manufacturers have been forced to take a step backwards by the Euro 4 regulations - which aim to preserve the environment. EU logic again.

Answer 4

How about running a less thirsty car as well? Discoveries aren't the most frugal of cars, are they?

Answer 5

Says on page 118 of my handbook for my '04 Discovery 'This vehicle is NOT compatible with 'Bio-Diesel' fuel'. I would go with that. Ignore Michael C's answer, he's obviously an anti 4X4 twerp, who can't be bothered to get his facts right.