I received this in an e mail today, it's off the Volvo forums:

B30 Bio Diesel. Don't use!

Hi everyone, just passing on something that my company's fleet dept has sent out.

It's regarding Morrison's new 30% Bio diesel. It is saying that as it doesn't conform to EN spec or ISO, then warranty may be invalidated.

Have a read of message below.

FUEL WARNING – new B30 bio diesel from Morrisons*

Please be aware that any drivers purchasing the new B30 bio diesel blend - currently available from Morrison's supermarkets alongside their conventional diesel pumps - could invalidate the manufacturer's warranty leaving unsuspecting users with a potentially hefty repair bill.

The new blend of diesel, containing 30% bio-diesel with the remainder being made up from conventional fossil diesel, currently does not have a recognised British Standard designation such as EN or ISO and, without this standard, the fuel will invalidate almost all vehicle warranties.

A majority of manufacturers have said that using this fuel is not sanctioned for their vehicles and would cause the warranty to be invalidated.

Manufacturers which have said that B30 is definitely not approved include, Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Renault, Seat, Skoda, Toyota, Volvo and Volkswagen. Vauxhall has approved it for some Vivaro and Movano LCVs but with conditions including replacement of the fuel filter at 24,000 miles and signing a 'conditions of use' document as well as providing VIN numbers of the vehicles intending to use the fuel. Peugeot will sanction use of the fuel but says that a special dispensation is required to ensure that fuel quality standards are respected. Citroën too, will sanction the fuel but also applies special restrictions. The main diesel fuel injection equipment suppliers say that they would not sanction the use of more than five per cent bio-diesel until such time as a BSI or ISO standard was agreed.

A statement from Morrisons says that there are warning notices on the B30 pumps on their forecourts which advise customers to check with the vehicle manufacturer that the engine is compatible with the fuel before filling up. The pump handles are orange but are situated next to the black conventional diesel pump. For some drivers it could be easy to miss or ignore the notice and fill up with B30 believing that, since it is 'green', it would not cause any problems. While the engine may run on B30, should a subsequent failure occur and the manufacturer is one that has not specifically appr oved the use of the fuel, then the warranty almost certainly would be invalidated. The potential bill for a replacement engine could run to several thousand pounds.

The fuel is supplied by Harvest who make a point of saying it does conform to EN590 spec albiet without the FAME content.

Your car should run fine for years on it but it's down to you if you want to take the chance.

I ran B100 no problems on my old Astra (Bosch VP44 powered direct injection). Would use it on anything more modern, though.

Rotary pump diesels, no problems. Commonrail or PD I'd leave it alone until the various issues with bio are resolved.

Rotary pump diesels, no problems. Commonrail or PD I'd leave it alone until the various issues with bio are resolved.

I have run all three on various mixtures. Never had an issue with any of them apart from one developing an appetite for fuel filters.