This service information contains results of the latest inspections.
This edition is also suitable for passing on to customers.
Notes on operation with paraffinic diesel fuels or with FAME (also known as fatty acid methyl ester):
Preliminary remarks
Currently, a distinction can be made between paraffinic diesel fuels and fatty acid methyl ester (FAME, to be precise); their exact specifications are defined in the relevant standards.
EN 15940
Paraffinic diesel fuel made in a synthesis or hydrogenation process
GtL = Gas to liquid
HVO = Hydrotreated vegetable oil
CtL = Coal to liquid
BtL = Biomass to liquid
The above-mentioned model series with engine OM93x or OM47x are partially approved for operation with paraffinic diesel fuels as per EN 15940 (See Point 1: Approvals).
EN 14214
1st generation fatty acid methyl ester
FAME = Fatty acid methyl ester
With regard to the approval of our new vehicles with engine OM93x or OM47x for operation with FAME, the Service Information bulletin "Operation with fatty acid methyl ester (FAME)" should be observed.
1. Approvals
Overview of approvals for operation with paraffinic diesel fuels.
Model | Motor | Operation with paraffinic diesel fuels (EN 15940) possible |
956 | 936.9 | Yes |
967 | 934.9 | Yes |
936.9 | Yes | |
963/964 | 936.9 | Yes |
470.9 | Yes | |
471.9 | Yes | |
473.900/903 | No | |
473.907/909 | Yes |
2. Fuel
The paraffinic diesel fuels must correspond to the EN 15940 standard. Operation with lower quality fuel can lead to damage and malfunctions. Daimler AG is not liable for irregularities and damage resulting from poor quality fuels.
Either 100 % paraffinic diesel fuel or paraffinic diesel fuel along with diesel fuel (mixed-fuel operation) can be used. The various mixtures of paraffinic diesel fuel and standard diesel fuel occurring in the fuel tank in such cases are safe. Precondition here is that individual components correspond to the EN 15940 or EN 590 standards.
If the low-temperature stability is not sufficient or at lower outdoor temperatures, a fuel preheating system is required. The addition of flow improvers or gasoline/kerosene admixtures is neither approved for diesel fuel nor for paraffinic diesel fuel.
EN 15940 specifies the following low-temperature stabilities for paraffinic diesel fuels: (example shows the table for Germany; low-temperature stability specifications may vary depending on the country).
Period | Low-temperature stability up to |
15.04. - 30.09. | 0 °C |
01.10. - 15.11. | -10 °C |
16.11. - 28.02. | -20 °C |
01.03. - 14.04. | -10 °C |
3. Engine oil and maintenance
Operation with 100 % paraffinic diesel fuel or mixed-fuel operation with diesel fuel has no effect on the oil change intervals or intervals for cleaning/exchange of the diesel particulate filter.
4. Engine power
On the one hand, the calorific value of paraffinic diesel fuel lies slightly above that of diesel fuel, while on the other hand, paraffinic diesel fuel has a significantly lower density when compared to diesel fuel; therefore, during operation with paraffinic diesel fuel, there is a slight increase in consumption when compared to operation with diesel fuel. Output and torque of the engines remain almost unchanged in operation with paraffinic diesel fuel or mixed-fuel operation with diesel fuel.
5. Auxiliary heaters
The auxiliary heaters of the company Eberspächer and the company Webasto are resistant to 100 % paraffinic diesel fuel or paraffinic diesel fuel in mixed-fuel operation with diesel fuel.
Generally, all auxiliary heaters can be operated with diesel fuel or fuel oil from a separate container.
The notes in the operator's manual regarding use of auxiliary heater must be observed!
6. Documentation in VeDoc (Vehicle Documentation)
Vehicles that are operated with paraffinic diesel fuel must be identified by the code M8S (Operation with paraffinic diesel fuels) in VeDoc.
7. Miscellaneous
Daimler AG is not liable for damages that have a causal connection with the use of paraffinic diesel fuels of poor quality. The resulting irregularities and subsequent damages are not within the range of responsibility of the manufacturer.