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Umm it was just a question don't kill me! Just asking what other folks do cuz I have to spell it out for my wife! My x5 took 89 or higher that's y asking. And yes savings can come from anywhere..doesn't mean you buy a 60k car and you go nuts bro!
Once in a blue moon, in a pinch, sure a little 89 octane is not going to kill your engine so no big deal. However, I advise not to make a habit of it. Remember the 3.0T is a forced induction engine (in this case supercharged) and is tuned to require high octane fuel to prevent detonation (pinging). While occasional use of lower octane fuel may not result in any issues, prolonged and regular use of lower octane fuel than what is recommended will certainly result it many detonation events over time. These detonations have the immediate effect of increasing cylinder pressure, which over time increases engine wear, and can be destructive enough to increase the risk of premature engine component failure. Long story short; while it might seem like a good idea to save money by using cheaper lower octane fuel, if you use it constantly over the life of the car, it will inevitably end up costing you more in terms of engine reliability and unscheduled repair costs, assuming you are keeping the car past its warranty period.
Now if you aren't keeping the car past the warranty period and still intend on using 89 octane fuel, please post your VIN on these forums so that none of us make the mistake of buying your former car pre-owned in the future
The service advisors at my dealership have explained to me that the engine computers will recognize the lower octane and adjust timing so that any detonation is prevented. There is no damage to the engine. The trade off is that you will experience (as the manual says) slightly lower engine performance and also slightly lower gas mileage.
Given all that, I've been using 89 mid-grade in my 2012 Q7 for 4.5 years without problem.
The service advisors at my dealership have explained to me that the engine computers will recognize the lower octane and adjust timing so that any detonation is prevented. There is no damage to the engine. The trade off is that you will experience (as the manual says) slightly lower engine performance and also slightly lower gas mileage.
Given all that, I've been using 89 mid-grade in my 2012 Q7 for 4.5 years without problem.
Agree. Edmunds.com did a dyno test on a 2.0L TFSI equipped VW MK6 GTI using 91 and 87. The power drop is insignificant especially when using the car for mundane daily driving. Today's vehicles have sophisticated electronics that retard or advance engine timing when it detects incidents of engine knock due to lower octane fuel.
04-02-2016, 05:33 PM
