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Do you get the same issues with particulate matter with bio diesel that you do with regular diesel?

Hmmm... seems like it'd be a theoretical possibility (http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/112634599/PDFSTART) at least.

That page seems to need a subscription? Biodiesel generally gives a large decrease in PM10 and HC emissions, a slight increase in NOx, and a net decrease for CO2 emissions. Unfortunately, the new clean diesels are limited to 5% blends because of oil dilution concerns.

Huh, never noticed that it needs a subscription. They must have one where I work.

My understanding mirrors Mike's: slight increase in NOx, but reduction in PM10 and HC. Also, my understanding is that a 20% Bio blend (B20) results in a PM10 and HC decrease of more than 20% relative to pure petrodiesel. More like 35-40% IIRC, making B20 an excellent choice for those who can't or won't go B100.

Anecdotally, I can tell you that my wife's '83 Volvo diesel (which we sold last year), produced thick black clouds at startup if petrodiesel was in the tank, and would still smoke visibly as you drive it ... but with B100 in the tank it would produce a modest grayish cloud at startup and then burn clear (at least to the naked eye).

Of course our TDI burns clean enough that I'm not able to make visual observations about the differences between the two fuels.

I'm guessing you can notice a difference in exhaust smell with your TDI, though? I've never had the luxury of burning biodiesel in my car. Every summer, I e-mail a biodiesel plant that is supposed to be undergoing construction, and every summer the e-mail me back saying to wait another year. This summer I'll try some place different.

Yes. Neither fuel produces anywhere near as much smell as the Volvo did. The biodiesel smell is fainter than the petrodiesel smell though. Doesn't quite smell like popcorn or french fries as some people report ... smells more like olive oil poured into a hot pan, just below the point of starting to smoke.