<html xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
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--></style></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>My 2003 Audi A6 wagon calls for premium fuel. I have used 89 octane in the past and have noticed a more difficult start and a little less performance. It just doesn’t seem to run as well without premium (93). Gas mileage is lousy with either, about 18mpg combined. The cost of maintenance/repairs and insurance in addition to the use of premium fuel and poor gas mileage makes the car hardly worth driving these days and it mostly just sits. </p><p class=MsoNormal>Oddly enough, I worked for a Mercedes dealer in 2007 and 2008 and we always recommended (as the manual does) premium fuel.</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hth</p><p class=MsoNormal>gordie</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the risk of starting a thread to rival the 'synthetic vs. conventional oil' debate, I have a question.</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I always had trucks. I'm not a performance or luxury guy, so my fuel of choice was always go ole 87 octane.</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Two weeks ago, I got an amazing deal on a 2007 MB GL450 just has my GMC was getting ready to 'move on.'</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>So, as all good geeks, I read the owners manual (not cover to cover yet, War and Peace was shorter.) But in there, they state I should only use 91 or higher octane.</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Well, I don't necessarily mind pay about $10 more a fill up, but it got me wondering.</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Does anyone know if this is REALLY necessary? Would 89 Octane do as well? What if I filled up the tank every time it hit a half tank and alternated between 89 and 93? (to average about 91)</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>What if I just ran 87? Is it possible engine damage, or just reduced fuel economy?</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I started searching this on the web and I found out that the consensus is unanimous... Half agree, half dis-agree. 8>)</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Anyway, what does this think tank think of this tank issue? 8>)</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sent from my Commodore 64 on a 2400 Baud Modem.</p><p class=MsoNormal>Tech Viper</p><p class=MsoNormal>"Be as beneficent as the sun or the sea, but if your rights as a rational being are trenched on, die on the first inch of your territory." Ralph Waldo Emerson </p><p class=MsoNormal>_______________________________________________</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shop-talk@autox.team.net</p><p class=MsoNormal>Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html</p><p class=MsoNormal>Suggested annual donation $12.96</p><p class=MsoNormal>Archive: http://www.team.net/archive</p><p class=MsoNormal>Forums: http://www.team.net/forums</p><p class=MsoNormal>Unsubscribe/Manage: http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/shop-talk/mg_garage@comcast.net</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>