You might try looking for a different brand of fuel. The mechanic definitely seems to have been BSing you, but he may have accidentally stumbled onto something. In my experience, Shell branded fuels always offered poor performance and some hesitation, so I never buy from them. In other cars, Shell has worked fine.

Each company has different formulas and additives, and it varies throughout the country, also. Not all fuels are created equal and the ethanol levels are not exactly the same, and the wide variety of engines and fuels sometimes causes trouble despite the strong efforts to keep everything as standardized as possible.

 

So whatever ended up happening here? Was it the fuel filter?

 

Agree, take it to another dealer. If they get it right, then you might want to write a letter to A o A and let them know about the poor quality service you received at their distributor.

 

I've recently stopped going to the dealer in Massachusetts where I bought my car. They got some new service reps that are just plain jerks and I won't give them anymore of my business.

Some of these guys are not only clueless, but work on commission so they're trying to get you or if the car is under warranty, Audi USA, to spend as much money possible each time the car comes in.

I can give you the name of a good independent foreign car mechanic in Boston.