Q7 V6 Octane 87 or 93?
 

I was just at the gas station for the first time since my purchase of my 2008 Q7. I saw on the gas door that it says 91 premium but on the manual it says I can use 87 regular.

What do you guys use? is 87 fine ?

I have always used premium. The 3.6 has direct-injection and high compression. Not sure I'd want to risk it to save a few bucks per fill up.

Jimbo

I have the V8 and put nothing but 93 in

Basically they are saying that you can use it if you have to but its not recommended.
The engine management system will compensate by retarding ignition and altering mix. In short you lose power.
Of course if you have less power you have to drive it harder which uses more fuel. We ran a few tests years ago with members on the board and the general conclusion was there is no saving to be had over a tank of fuel and mixed driving conditions. The vast majority use the higher grade or should I say higher octane fuel.
As carbon build up is always a concern for Audi owners or at least a pet worry despite being a non issue... again more reason to stick to the higher or recommended fuels.
Lets hope the Europeans do not chip in as we use RON value not octane to so our numbers are different but lets not go there.

Thanks guys, comments really help and I will use 93 from now on.

i use shell93 99% of the time, in the rare instance there isnt a shell around i use sunoco93.

Icon,

The 'gaseterias' around NYC don't make the cut?! LOL!

Audi recommends 91 octane, but I've only been able to find 89 and 93 at my local stations. On average there is a $.20 difference between the two types and I've been putting 93 octane since I purchased my 2010 last October. I was talking about this with my father in-law (who has owned several Mercs and BMWs) and he told me that he mixes the 89 and 93 to get an octane average of 91 for his BMW. Has anyone ever heard of this? Is it safe? Is there any value other than saving $.20 a gal on half of a fill up?

Thanks in advance.

No value other than money save minus the hassle of it.

91 minimum, anything higher is fine.

I do the mix by filling with 93 then refilling with 89 when I get to half a tank. I then run it out and restart. It saves a little.