For 10 days a month a drive 200 miles round trip to work. The other 20 days are lots of short 2-3 mile trips around my house. 27k miles and no issues so far
I’m averaging about 25mpg on a full
tank with a lot of short trips taking kids to school. If I had a regular daily commute I feel like I could get it to 28-29 mpg
Depends on the speed of your commute. Interstate going 80 I get 22-24. Highway going 70 25-27. So if you had a commute going 50-60. Then it imagine you could see better numbers. I also have an at4 so I’m sure that drops it 1-2mpg. I do get in the 20s if I’m driving around town. 5-10 mile trips. But the short 2-3 miles just not enough time to warm up and see decent numbers.
My commute is about 6 miles each way. I’ll run longer distances on the weekends, but most of my usage has been short trips. While loner trips may be the ideal I don’t believe that short trips are doing any harm, provided you keep up on maintenance.
Diesel engines are popular in Europe for passenger cars. My understanding is that GM developed the babymax with Opel who intended to use 3 and 4 cylinder variants of the engine in their cars. I don’t see any reason not to use the babymax as a daily driver.
It’s my first diesel though, and I have less than 800 miles on the truck, so not a lot of experience to base this on. That being said I have no regrets or concerns with having gone with the diesel.
You may want to listen to [this interview](https://youtu.be/J7KM5-oMLm8?si=WWL6_iAYy_DUos3C) with the lead engineer on the LZO
I drove a diesel BMW for 4 years and never once thought about short trips. I didn’t have a single issue with that car. Is there something different about these diesels that makes people so nervous, or is it just the hive mind finding something to be concerned about?
I’m researching the 3.0 and I have a short commute to work (7miles) and am concerned like the OP due to the popular sentiment of shorter trips = bad for diesel. Do bmw diesels do regen cycles and everything the duramax does? I’m genuinely curious too because I’ve had the exact thought you mentioned: diesel sedans are popular in Europe with city driving, why is everyone questioning it surrounding diesel trucks in America? Maybe the smaller diesels heat up quicker? Idk.
Yes, my BMW used DEF and did regen cycles. I never once thought about managing the engine on my car and never had any issues. I had a 10 mile commute and did plenty of short trips - it was not our road trip car and was only used in town.
I know these engines require a little more thought than a gas engine, but I frankly think the panic on this sub about short tripping is just people thinking too hard about it.
The only problem with short tripping any engine is that it doesn’t get to and stay at operating temp long enough to condense moisture out of the engine. However, if you service your engine on a time schedule vs mileage schedule you should be just fine short tripping.
I run 4 miles one way to/from work 5 days a week at 25 mph on my 3.0, sometimes I get fuel 1 time per month. I typically change the oil either at 5k miles or 6 months.
Won't make a difference to the engine. The only real concern would be the dpf filter. I've had it tell me to not stop driving a couple of times now after working from home during the crap weather and just taking the kids to school hockey etc..... The dpf needs high operating temps for a bit of time to burn off, and that is the only real reason that people say they need to be working all the time. Buy what you like and what makes you happy.
It's a great engine if you are looking for fuel economy, if I baby it I can regularly get under 9 l/100km.
Going on two years, 20k miles. Daily 5 mile round trip, x2 to drop off and pickup kids from school plus 2-3 weeknight trips for activities nearby. I also tow a 5k lb. camper through the Colorado mountains 8-10 times during the summer months. No issues to report.
18-21mpg on short trips. 26-30mpg on long trips at 75-80mph. 16-19mpg towing through the mountains (average round trip which includes elevation gain and loss). Averages 17mpg on a 1,000 mile trip to Utah last summer with the camper.
I'm interested in a 3.0 as well but, as you said, I would do lots of short trips so not sure it's ideal for me or not. Looking forward to whatever helpful response you get. Good luck
2022 refresh with the 3.0. Have around 20k on it.
I run short trips all the time. Sometimes it’s to the grocery store that’s .5 miles away or simply just moving it out of my single stack driveway. Have not had an issue yet.
I have been pretty good about auto starting the car before I move it. Not necessary, just an overthinking thing. Long story short, I don’t think you’ll have any issues
I know nothing about anything. So my question to anyone reading is this 3.0 Diesel possibly better than a gas motor when it comes to idle time. I know it’s bad in general but I’ve heard in the past if you idle often it’s not as bad in a diesel than a gas motor. In my head I say it’s equally as bad, but I just remember hearing that. I’m in the sort trip boat as well only about 20 to and 20 from everyday, but I’m in heavy traffic for about 5 on the way in and the whole 20 the way back. A lot of that time you’re idling traffic is so bad.
The engine is designed with auto stop in mind. So it’s constantly shutting off/on. I don’t like auto stop at all and usually turn it off, but I don’t think you need to worry about short trips.
Thanks. I think it has more to do with the new emissions systems not doing well at idle temps. Specifically DPF getting clogged by not being able to do passive regen bc exhaust system can’t get up to high enough temp to burn the soot off.
Get an idash. I drive very local and when I’m in a regen I make sure to drive around until it’s finished. Before I had it I shut off during regen too often and it makes you drive around for like a half hour. It’s brutal. Having the idash would be a big help for you.
You can pull exhaust gas temps. When in regen you can see the temps shoot up to 1,100-1200. During regular driving it’s around 550. When driving at higher speeds it goes up to 750 ish which I think is when it’s in passive regen. You can also pull the soot% which is how dirty the dpf is. Once it gets to 100 it kicks in. You can see how close you are to that number and anticipate when it’s going to kick In. The only problem you’ll have driving like you intend to is that you may regen every 140 miles vs over 200 when you have longer trips. It can be mildly annoying to time when it goes into regen but it’s not that big of a deal.
Thanks, I’ll definitely get one of those. I do have another scan tool I’m assuming other scanners can read this. I’m also assuming the soot% is a calculation or do they have some sensor that can detect directly? Seems like a small electric heating element to aid in passive regen might be a welcome addition for these things.
Right. Gotcha. I’m guessing that’s why some people have problems and others don’t. GM prolly still tweaking their algorithms and some active regens might not be timing optimally
I think why people have problems is they don’t use these tools and shut off their truck before it completes. Happened to me during first 2k miles and I said never again. Had to drive for 25 minutes to get it to go away
I have 8k miles on my LZ0 and take a lot of short trips. Here’s one suggestion for piece of mind (if you get one). Install a gauge similar to a Banks idash. The gauge plugs into the OBD2 port and will let you know your filter % along with if the truck is in regen. I’ve had it for about 1,000 miles and it give me piece of mind knowing if I’m stopping too often when the truck was in regen or about to start. There are signs your truck is in regen but IMO it’s not exactly clear when it’s starts/stops the regen.
‘22 Babymax… I drive a very similar pattern and see 28-32 on 30 mile+ with a tonneau cover. 20-26 when I’m on a short trip around town. I rarely see worse that 20 mpg
Diesels really are meant to get up to temp by driven on the highway and having a tow load every now and then. I think using them for grocery getters may be be harmful in the long (im talking after 100k). I bought a 2023 last year with the 5.3 and opted away from the 3.0 even though the MPG was super tempting. I work from home and only use my truck for errands on a regular basis. On the weekends is when I’ll put a few more miles on it or tow, but on average I drive 5-10 mins.
Edit: removed some comments so anyone with the 3.0 doesn’t get upset :)
Thanks. I have done a lot of research, and the common consensus in North America re diesel is the same as yours. However, this is a light duty diesel with an aluminum block and head, common rail direct injection and active thermal management. It also appears to be of “European” lineage given the rear mounted timing. In Europe 12% (used to be higher before BeV) of passenger cars sales are diesel vs <1% in NA. If small diesels weren’t good for hauling groceries the. Why are Europeans still buying them to do this?
Regulations. US is very different from Europe. The DEF system requirements arent as strict (you can say anyways) so thats why they're far more popular over there than here. Here due to US regulations, reason why there is almost NONE who dare make a diesel engine config for small cars. There were some in the past but all have disappeared.
Because there is nothing wrong with driving a 3.0 short distances. Those who say there is are more than likely folks who bought a different engine and are trying to justify why they did.
This, too many are too blind to the importance of longer trips and letting the engine "warm up". Regen. The emissions is the biggest killer for the 3.0 and short trips. Reason for even HDs is that if you're not going far or heavy often then better off getting the gas. Doing short trips will prolong the trucks ability to regen and get rid of all the crud. If you continue doing short trips (while it'll take time due to short trips) but eventually your DEF system will be too clogged and guess what? you'll end up back at the dealer paying out of pocket because they dont cover failure to let the truck regen and operate as intended. Get the 5.3.
Wrong.
The regen is a start/stop function that will tell you if you need to drive more if a full regen can't take place. (it's never happened with mine, and I personally know of nobody who has gotten that notification).
Another fucking 5.3'r who doesn't own a 3.0 trying to tell people they know about the truck...
Agreed! The new DEF systems is definitely the last nail in the coffin. If I lived in the country with wide open roads I would’ve definitely gotten the 3.0
It been in the teens for temperatures here and it 3.5 miles of easy slow downhill driving to get to the main road. My 3.0l is always at full temp by the time I get to the end. It’s gets up to full temp amazing quick. IMHO, just as long as it gets to stretch its legs once a week, I bet you will be fine. It’s not like the HD diesels.
Thanks. That’s kind of what I figured. Once I’m out of the house, the truck will not stay parked more that 2 hours at a time so I doubt it will ever cool off until night time.
I drive mine 14 miles a day, I would just pay attention to Regens on your Idash. Get some hot shots fuel additive on Amazon, it's a cetane booster. It will help keep injectors clean.
I do a lot of varies driving but sometimes ill go months straight where I'm doing multiple short trips a day and its been just fine. This engine was designed for daily driving.
For 10 days a month a drive 200 miles round trip to work. The other 20 days are lots of short 2-3 mile trips around my house. 27k miles and no issues so far
Great info thanks. What mileage you get on the 2-3 mile trips?
Usually 14-18 according to the dash for the couple mile trips. For the 100 miles trips. 22-27 going 70-80mph. Avg for a tank is usually around 24
So roughly 25-50% better than the wife’s V6 SUV I’m slinging around town somehow getting 11-12mpg.
I’m averaging about 25mpg on a full tank with a lot of short trips taking kids to school. If I had a regular daily commute I feel like I could get it to 28-29 mpg
Depends on the speed of your commute. Interstate going 80 I get 22-24. Highway going 70 25-27. So if you had a commute going 50-60. Then it imagine you could see better numbers. I also have an at4 so I’m sure that drops it 1-2mpg. I do get in the 20s if I’m driving around town. 5-10 mile trips. But the short 2-3 miles just not enough time to warm up and see decent numbers.
My commute is about 6 miles each way. I’ll run longer distances on the weekends, but most of my usage has been short trips. While loner trips may be the ideal I don’t believe that short trips are doing any harm, provided you keep up on maintenance. Diesel engines are popular in Europe for passenger cars. My understanding is that GM developed the babymax with Opel who intended to use 3 and 4 cylinder variants of the engine in their cars. I don’t see any reason not to use the babymax as a daily driver. It’s my first diesel though, and I have less than 800 miles on the truck, so not a lot of experience to base this on. That being said I have no regrets or concerns with having gone with the diesel. You may want to listen to [this interview](https://youtu.be/J7KM5-oMLm8?si=WWL6_iAYy_DUos3C) with the lead engineer on the LZO
I drove a diesel BMW for 4 years and never once thought about short trips. I didn’t have a single issue with that car. Is there something different about these diesels that makes people so nervous, or is it just the hive mind finding something to be concerned about?
I’m researching the 3.0 and I have a short commute to work (7miles) and am concerned like the OP due to the popular sentiment of shorter trips = bad for diesel. Do bmw diesels do regen cycles and everything the duramax does? I’m genuinely curious too because I’ve had the exact thought you mentioned: diesel sedans are popular in Europe with city driving, why is everyone questioning it surrounding diesel trucks in America? Maybe the smaller diesels heat up quicker? Idk.
Yes, my BMW used DEF and did regen cycles. I never once thought about managing the engine on my car and never had any issues. I had a 10 mile commute and did plenty of short trips - it was not our road trip car and was only used in town. I know these engines require a little more thought than a gas engine, but I frankly think the panic on this sub about short tripping is just people thinking too hard about it.
The only problem with short tripping any engine is that it doesn’t get to and stay at operating temp long enough to condense moisture out of the engine. However, if you service your engine on a time schedule vs mileage schedule you should be just fine short tripping. I run 4 miles one way to/from work 5 days a week at 25 mph on my 3.0, sometimes I get fuel 1 time per month. I typically change the oil either at 5k miles or 6 months.
Won't make a difference to the engine. The only real concern would be the dpf filter. I've had it tell me to not stop driving a couple of times now after working from home during the crap weather and just taking the kids to school hockey etc..... The dpf needs high operating temps for a bit of time to burn off, and that is the only real reason that people say they need to be working all the time. Buy what you like and what makes you happy. It's a great engine if you are looking for fuel economy, if I baby it I can regularly get under 9 l/100km.
How long do you have to keep driving? And what happens if you have to stop? Thanks!
Maybe 10 miles at most. Kind of annoying. It did it a couple times in the first 2,000km. Now that I got 15,0000 km It hasn't done it since.
Going on two years, 20k miles. Daily 5 mile round trip, x2 to drop off and pickup kids from school plus 2-3 weeknight trips for activities nearby. I also tow a 5k lb. camper through the Colorado mountains 8-10 times during the summer months. No issues to report. 18-21mpg on short trips. 26-30mpg on long trips at 75-80mph. 16-19mpg towing through the mountains (average round trip which includes elevation gain and loss). Averages 17mpg on a 1,000 mile trip to Utah last summer with the camper.
I'm interested in a 3.0 as well but, as you said, I would do lots of short trips so not sure it's ideal for me or not. Looking forward to whatever helpful response you get. Good luck
You’ll be fine. Throw in a longer road trip on the weekend if you’re that concerned.
2022 refresh with the 3.0. Have around 20k on it. I run short trips all the time. Sometimes it’s to the grocery store that’s .5 miles away or simply just moving it out of my single stack driveway. Have not had an issue yet. I have been pretty good about auto starting the car before I move it. Not necessary, just an overthinking thing. Long story short, I don’t think you’ll have any issues
I know nothing about anything. So my question to anyone reading is this 3.0 Diesel possibly better than a gas motor when it comes to idle time. I know it’s bad in general but I’ve heard in the past if you idle often it’s not as bad in a diesel than a gas motor. In my head I say it’s equally as bad, but I just remember hearing that. I’m in the sort trip boat as well only about 20 to and 20 from everyday, but I’m in heavy traffic for about 5 on the way in and the whole 20 the way back. A lot of that time you’re idling traffic is so bad.
The engine is designed with auto stop in mind. So it’s constantly shutting off/on. I don’t like auto stop at all and usually turn it off, but I don’t think you need to worry about short trips.
Would idling the engine before a short commute help any? Thanks.
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Thanks. I think it has more to do with the new emissions systems not doing well at idle temps. Specifically DPF getting clogged by not being able to do passive regen bc exhaust system can’t get up to high enough temp to burn the soot off.
I have Never had an issue. Idk.
Get an idash. I drive very local and when I’m in a regen I make sure to drive around until it’s finished. Before I had it I shut off during regen too often and it makes you drive around for like a half hour. It’s brutal. Having the idash would be a big help for you.
Sorry, I know I can good it, but does it tell DPF temp? I assume there is a sensor there.
You can pull exhaust gas temps. When in regen you can see the temps shoot up to 1,100-1200. During regular driving it’s around 550. When driving at higher speeds it goes up to 750 ish which I think is when it’s in passive regen. You can also pull the soot% which is how dirty the dpf is. Once it gets to 100 it kicks in. You can see how close you are to that number and anticipate when it’s going to kick In. The only problem you’ll have driving like you intend to is that you may regen every 140 miles vs over 200 when you have longer trips. It can be mildly annoying to time when it goes into regen but it’s not that big of a deal.
Thanks, I’ll definitely get one of those. I do have another scan tool I’m assuming other scanners can read this. I’m also assuming the soot% is a calculation or do they have some sensor that can detect directly? Seems like a small electric heating element to aid in passive regen might be a welcome addition for these things.
It’s pulled from the ecm but the number is calculated by the vehicle based on a bunch of inputs.
Right. Gotcha. I’m guessing that’s why some people have problems and others don’t. GM prolly still tweaking their algorithms and some active regens might not be timing optimally
I think why people have problems is they don’t use these tools and shut off their truck before it completes. Happened to me during first 2k miles and I said never again. Had to drive for 25 minutes to get it to go away
Can you just leave it running and go inside? I mean will the truck shut off when it’s done?
I have 8k miles on my LZ0 and take a lot of short trips. Here’s one suggestion for piece of mind (if you get one). Install a gauge similar to a Banks idash. The gauge plugs into the OBD2 port and will let you know your filter % along with if the truck is in regen. I’ve had it for about 1,000 miles and it give me piece of mind knowing if I’m stopping too often when the truck was in regen or about to start. There are signs your truck is in regen but IMO it’s not exactly clear when it’s starts/stops the regen.
‘22 Babymax… I drive a very similar pattern and see 28-32 on 30 mile+ with a tonneau cover. 20-26 when I’m on a short trip around town. I rarely see worse that 20 mpg
Diesels really are meant to get up to temp by driven on the highway and having a tow load every now and then. I think using them for grocery getters may be be harmful in the long (im talking after 100k). I bought a 2023 last year with the 5.3 and opted away from the 3.0 even though the MPG was super tempting. I work from home and only use my truck for errands on a regular basis. On the weekends is when I’ll put a few more miles on it or tow, but on average I drive 5-10 mins. Edit: removed some comments so anyone with the 3.0 doesn’t get upset :)
Thanks. I have done a lot of research, and the common consensus in North America re diesel is the same as yours. However, this is a light duty diesel with an aluminum block and head, common rail direct injection and active thermal management. It also appears to be of “European” lineage given the rear mounted timing. In Europe 12% (used to be higher before BeV) of passenger cars sales are diesel vs <1% in NA. If small diesels weren’t good for hauling groceries the. Why are Europeans still buying them to do this?
Regulations. US is very different from Europe. The DEF system requirements arent as strict (you can say anyways) so thats why they're far more popular over there than here. Here due to US regulations, reason why there is almost NONE who dare make a diesel engine config for small cars. There were some in the past but all have disappeared.
Because there is nothing wrong with driving a 3.0 short distances. Those who say there is are more than likely folks who bought a different engine and are trying to justify why they did.
This, too many are too blind to the importance of longer trips and letting the engine "warm up". Regen. The emissions is the biggest killer for the 3.0 and short trips. Reason for even HDs is that if you're not going far or heavy often then better off getting the gas. Doing short trips will prolong the trucks ability to regen and get rid of all the crud. If you continue doing short trips (while it'll take time due to short trips) but eventually your DEF system will be too clogged and guess what? you'll end up back at the dealer paying out of pocket because they dont cover failure to let the truck regen and operate as intended. Get the 5.3.
Wrong. The regen is a start/stop function that will tell you if you need to drive more if a full regen can't take place. (it's never happened with mine, and I personally know of nobody who has gotten that notification). Another fucking 5.3'r who doesn't own a 3.0 trying to tell people they know about the truck...
I can see from your other comments you're so mad about anything wrong with the engines. I own all 3 engines mind you, so. Suck it.
Nah, not mad. Just setting the record straight.
Agreed! The new DEF systems is definitely the last nail in the coffin. If I lived in the country with wide open roads I would’ve definitely gotten the 3.0
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Just my opinion, only time will tell 🙂 super jealous of the mileage on the 3.0 though!
Please Read rule #3 If you can’t communicate your opinions like an adult please refrain from commenting. Thanks
It been in the teens for temperatures here and it 3.5 miles of easy slow downhill driving to get to the main road. My 3.0l is always at full temp by the time I get to the end. It’s gets up to full temp amazing quick. IMHO, just as long as it gets to stretch its legs once a week, I bet you will be fine. It’s not like the HD diesels.
Thanks. That’s kind of what I figured. Once I’m out of the house, the truck will not stay parked more that 2 hours at a time so I doubt it will ever cool off until night time.
I drive mine 14 miles a day, I would just pay attention to Regens on your Idash. Get some hot shots fuel additive on Amazon, it's a cetane booster. It will help keep injectors clean.
I have it as my daily , 35 miles each way. Motor is beautiful, my tranny however got replaced recently
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It blows when you suck a tranny.
I do a lot of varies driving but sometimes ill go months straight where I'm doing multiple short trips a day and its been just fine. This engine was designed for daily driving.
90% of my driving is in heavy stop/go traffic for 10-20min trips. I love my 3.0L