I just got a 05 A4 1.8t with 57k miles on it and I don't know if this is with all Audi's, but i get like 280 to the tank, which is about 17mpg city. Aren't i supposed to be getting at least 20mpg city? And also the acceleration seems to be slow. At stoplights I usually get smoked by nearly every car when I'm gentle on my peddle(because i try to save gas). It also takes a while to shift gears, like around 3200 rpms. I've been using 87 octane gas since i got it, Which is like three tanks, and i heard that could cause problems. Do you guys think that's what the problem is? Thanks in advance

 

I usually see at least 330 miles to a tank, even if I'm doing a bunch of stop & go traffic city driving, and more like 400+ to a tank if it's mostly highway. The EPA rating of these cars is 21 city/29 highway, but EPA ratings are always a bit optimistic. Here in reality land, it's probably more like 18-19 city, 27-28 highway.

Using 87 octane will cause the ECU to retard ignition timing significantly in order to protect the engine. This will result in a loss of power and/or fuel economy. Yes, it sucks that 91+ octane is 20 cents/gallon more than 87, but you shouldn't be putting 87 in a car where the manual specifies 91 or better unless you're out in the middle of nowhere and have no other option.

I can't speak to the programming of the automatic's shift points, as I have a manual, but unless it's really cold out and I'm intentionally shifting early in order to take it easy on the engine during warmup, I almost never upshift below 3000 RPM.

 

Okay. My tank is at halfway with 120miles so far. I'll try 91 octane next time and see if that's what the problem is.

 

Make sure you have a clean air filter. BTW, I normally shift my 2.7T at 2000-2500 rpm (i.e., gently) and I get 18 mpg around town, 23-25 highway. You should use at least mid-range if not premium. It may take a couple tanks for higher octane gas to reset the ECU.

 

My **** is automatic. But it takes a couple tanks to reset the ECU? Alright.

 

always use 91 octane minimum, i usually put 93 in. its more expensive but it makes your car run better in the long run and prevents problems that you will run into if you're using 87

 

Does it improve gas mileage?

 

I would run 93 for a couple of tanks and get an injection cleaner to run through it too so clean out some of the potential residue left behind from the 87. I never put anything under 93 in mine. I have the same model as you. I have mixed driving, but mostly city, and get around 25mpg in a Quattro.

 

We Don't have 93 around here :/ But i'll look into a injection cleaner

 

Huh?? Where the hellll do you live? Lol