Newbie here. First question is on a simple replacement to cover the front license plate holder. I removed the holder and it looked worse underneath! S1 package with fogs looks great but what's available to replace the center grill section since I don't have to display a front plate?
Second, my research failed to see that the 2.0T recommends premium(although the manuel say it will run with 87 octane). I'm a cheap old coot who likes a nice car to covet but will drive it gently. Anyone running run with regular? Thanks if advance for any input on either issue.
Dennis
'08 A3 2.0T S1 auto

 

Search the Noob thread for the answers to many questions. You can buy the different license plate fronts from the online shops, and it's an easy install.

I would always put premium in your A3. You can definitely put the 87 octane stuff in your car, but the power would be reduced and your injectors will probably clog more quickly. Just man-up and put the good stuff in your baby.


Cheers!

 

Plus you get better fuel economy on premium. I've never run 87, so I don't know how much of a variance there is (and therefore whether it will offset the added cost), but it's something to think about. Your car deserves the good stuff

If you purchased the car in a state that doesn't require front plates, the dealer should've swapped the no-plate filler piece on. Depending on how long you've had the car, they may still do it if you ask nicely.

 

on top of which the difference is only about 2-3 maybe 4 dollars at max in 'saving'. but the performance is highly noticeable. not worth it in that aspect. I could see if it was a huge tank, but 14gal, cmon...

 

Thanks for the input! "I believe" on the premium fuel. And I'll check with the dealer on the blank plate. The grill would look so much better without that lic. plate holder. dr

 

Put in premium. What's it really gonna cost you per tank? An extra 2 bucks?

 

As the price of gas goes ever towars the stars, thought of how to concerve on a smart persons mind. Now that cold dense air is abundant, the use of octain rated fules less tan 91 (here in CA) may be warramted as octain plays a direct role is the motor's ability to ward off knock(AKA predetonition). Cold dense air is inversly related to fule RON numbers...Now that it is cooler gasoline vaporized slower, so a move to lover RON (not less quality, not less valve protectoin...cooler temps aviod knock, higher RON numbers reduce knock.

So on a frosty cold night at fill up I'd choose 87 RON. The valve amd leakdown (if any) would have shown previoujs damage.