Combustion has been optimised to reduce fuel consumption and adapted to reduce particulate emissions. AdBlue converts the nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and water vapour.

The four main components of the BlueTec® system are an enhanced engine that has been uprated (depending on variant), the AdBlue additive with a separate tank, an SCR catalytic converter and system diagnosis.

No, in terms of both lifetime and reliability, the engines achieve the familiar high levels at the very least.

BlueTec® vehicles can run on all currently approved diesel fuels, including biodiesel and fuels containing sulphur.

No. The entire BlueTec® system only has a few smaller parts subject to wear, such as the AdBlue filter, which need cleaning or replacing at the usual service intervals.

AdBlue is a non-toxic, colourless, odourless, water-soluble substance that is used in several domains, including the agricultural, textile, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Its composition is specified in the DIN 70070 and ISO standards. AdBlue freezes at about -11 degrees Celsius, in which case it slowly becomes jelly-like and then solid.

The entire system is heated by the engine’s cooling circuit. Even when all SCR components (AdBlue tank, pump, lines) are frozen, the system does not suffer any damage and becomes fully functional again once the vehicle reaches operating temperature. During a cold start, NOx emission limits are initially exceeded as the catalytic converter does not operate to full effect until the temperature exceeds 200 degrees Celsius. Even at extremely low ambient temperatures, however, the required operating temperature is reached and AdBlue is available within a few minutes. Regulations state that compliance with emission limits is possible only when the engine is running at operating temperature.

If BlueTec® is fitted, AdBlue consumption is around 4% of diesel consumption (depending on application).