ionian2k

If I recall correctly the manual says Octane 91 gives best performance. I am using 87 and haven't experience the knocking. My mileage is a bit lower but at $.50 cheaper per gallon compare to 91 it is worth the trade off. I don't need that "extra" performance since I don't drive like I stole it.

gamegenie

You don't have to drive like you stole it when driving on premium fuel, you might find you get better fuel economy and better performance of your car's engine in the long run if you give it the proper fuel.

<< 93 Octane - Premium - Amoco Ultimate

superswiss

You won't feel the knocking as the ECU automatically retards the timing to avoid the knocking when it detects knocking. Running 87 is ok if you are in a pinch and can't get anything better in the middle of nowhere as stated in the user manual, but it's not just about performance. The engine is tuned for the recommended fuel, which is 91 in North America. Running the engine on lower grade fuel is running it outside of what it is designed to run on. It's your car, but just keep in mind, for the ECU to retard the ignition timing the engine has to knock first. You may not feel it, but it will knock and the ECU will continue to try to advance the timing until it senses knocking again. Trying to save money by using 87 vs 91 has been largely debunked. Your mileage will suffer and you end up burning more fuel and you may incur long term maintenance cost due to the engine not running optimally. If you can't afford the recommended fuel grade, buy a car that is designed to run on 87.

SYMAWD

For MY2016+ in the US, 87 is the recommended fuel listed on the fuel door (for all A3s except the e-tron, S, and RS). Absolutely nothing wrong with using it.

superswiss

I stand corrected. I thought Audi exclusively recommended 91 on all their current engines. I guess the 2.0T is detuned enough in the A3.

billyjk

SYMAWD,
So glad I read your post. I've had my A3 less than a week now and I need to get gas today. I assumed that I need Premium gas, but I just checked the A3 manual, and it clearly states to check the Octane rating on the inside of the fuel filler door, which I will do.

435Studio

Good one!; isn't "driving like you stole it" one of the reasons you got this car in the first place?

gamegenie

nope I reserve that to S3 drivers. I was happy with anything over 200hp as my previous car was 198hp.


Between the CLA 250, C250 (W204), A4 (B8.5) , the A3 had the fresher look inside and out.

CaliJohn

For 2016s maybe. My US 2015 A3 2.0T fuel door recommends 91 or higher.

SYMAWD

Yes that's why I put 2016+