Like its sister company Volkswagen, Audi currently approves the use of B5 biodiesel blends in all Audi TDI diesel vehicles. Biodiesel blend must meet all current petroleum industry specifications (ASTM D6751 and ASTM D975) and be purchased from a reputable commercial retail pump. In addition, Audi will allow the use of up to B20 biodiesel blends for their customers with 2009 and later model year Audi TDI vehicles in the states of Illinois and Minnesota, where blends >B10 are common. See the letters from Audi to their IL and MN customers in the links at the right.

Audi is in the process of wrapping up an extensive B20 research study in partnership with the biodiesel industry. Stay tuned for further details.

BMW currently supports the use of up to B5 biodiesel blends.

BMW currently offers diesel models in the X5 xDrive35d as well as the 2011 BMW 335d. BMW has confirmed that it will be bringing two more diesel models to the U.S. market in 2013-2014.

B20 approved for majority of engine models. B20 approved for Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIb and beyond engines with aftertreatment devices.

B5 approved for some Tier 2/Stage II or earlier emissions regulations engines.

Tiered biodiesel blend approval structure based on equipment type and model. In the Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations document below (SEBU6250-17), see pages 106-115 for Biodiesel recommendations. For On-Highway Truck Engines (SEBU6385-07), see pages 43-53 for biodiesel recommendations.

Caterpillar requires the use of biodiesel fuel meeting ASTM D6751 and/or D7467 specifications, sourced from BQ-9000 certified suppliers. See reference documents attached for more details.

In order to align Caterpillar recommendations with the latest revision of “ASTM D7467” specification for B6-B20 blends and to ensure that biodiesel fuel meets defined quality standards, Caterpillar recommendations for acceptable biodiesel blend for most engines have been changed to B20. Details on the use of higher blends are given in the “Biodiesel” section of the Special Publications referenced below. For use of blends higher than B20, contact your local CAT dealer.