(Nearly 600 miles on a single tank of B99 by using the pressure release lever.)
We were going to test the 2005 Volkswagen Jetta TDI and wanted to have a full tank of fuel. Unfortunately, biodiesel stations are few and far between so I knew I couldn't fill up near the track. Instead, I filled up on B99, recorded the amount, then pressed the pressure release lever inside the throat of the fuel filler and continued pumping. It took another two gallons.
With this extra fuel on board I drove the track and arrived with a "full tank." Then I continued driving. And driving. San Diego and back. Work and back several times. In fact, I almost forgot it ever runs out of fuel. When I went back to the pump, here's the final tally.
By the way, we've been running our TDI on B99 for 10,031 miles and saw a slight increase in fuel economy to an average (mostly city) of 39.3 mpg. On petro diesel we got an average of 38.8 mpg over about 7,000 miles.
Philip Reed, Edmunds senior consumer advice editor @ 68,871 miles
smilez says:
02:57 PM, 04/ 1/09
By the looks of that fuel gauge, it seems as though you still have another 80 miles or so left in it!
fadetoblackii says:
03:25 PM, 04/ 1/09
you didn't have the balls to go for 600? you were so close!!!
dino6 says:
03:34 PM, 04/ 1/09
Big picture wise, I think this is the most important long-term test Edmunds is currently doing (until you get a Tesla or start using gasoline from algae on your gas cars). So when are you putting the 09 on biodiesel?
How about getting a 335D and putting it on biodiesel too?
carfreak8394 says:
07:04 PM, 04/ 1/09
I agree with all of these comments. You probably could've pushed 650 miles or so, and you should have gone the extra 1.3 miles to get to 600 :P. Also, I think the bio-diesel plan is a very good idea, and it would be fun to test out biodiesel in the 09 TDI/335d. When are you doing the introduction for the 335 again? :P.
texases says:
08:41 PM, 04/ 1/09
I don't think 38.8 vs 39.3 is significant, at least the biodiesel doesn't hurt mileage.
stovt001 says:
11:20 PM, 04/ 1/09
I really hate it when cruising range is confused for efficiency. Last summer when gas was $4 all the news reports would interview people who were saying "My car is so inefficient. I have to fill up once a week" or "my car is so inefficient, I only get 300 miles on a tank of gas". That doesn't say anything definitive about fuel economy. Tank size and driving habits go into range just as much as engine efficiency.
OK with that rant out of the way (and it was not directed at this blog post, but whenever the subject of range comes up the rant always comes to mind) I do appreciate a car with good cruising range. 400 miles is the magic number for me, as that will get me to the in-laws house on a single tank. On the other hand, I kinda don't like having a bigger tank just to get that range, because that just adds more weight when the tank is full.
stingray454 says:
06:48 AM, 04/ 2/09
My Suburban diesel will go 600 miles between fill ups too. Only problem is it takes 42 gallons and $100!
warren_w says:
08:55 AM, 04/ 2/09
They shouldn't run the 09 Jetta or a 335d on biodiesel. It's not going to tell us much since they can only use B5. Anything higher will void the warranty and throw a check engine light.
I would *love* to see a BMW 335d as a long term test car. It's not as fast as a 335i, but I think for overall driveability, it should be a blast.
dino6 says:
09:43 AM, 04/ 2/09
warren_w - that is precisely why Edmunds s/d be putting the 09 TDi and 335d on biodiesel. Edmunds is in the car testing business, so they s/d be doing things the regular consumer can not do in order to create more knowledge. So what if it voids the warranty, it is not a family car, its a test car.
texases says:
11:38 AM, 04/ 2/09
Why 'test' biodiesel? It apparently works fine, gets same mileage in vehicles that can use it. What's to be gained by voiding warranties?