E10 fuel compatibility

[Ringmaster]

Hello all,

Just to follow my previous post about the dangers of Ethanol (E10) unleaded fuel due here in 2013 thanks to the mandarins in Europe, it looks like E10 may not be as dangerous to older cars as I first read. Below is an extract from the European Auto Manufacturers Association. Unsuitablilty most likely means certain components are made from incompatible materials.

Audi

E10 petrol is cleared for use in all Audi petrol driven vehicles, excluding the following vehicles:

First generation direct injection engines:
Audi A2 1.6 FSI, model years 2003-2005
Audi A3 1.6 FSI, model year 2004
Audi A3 2.0 FSI, model year 2004-2005

Audi A4 2.0 FSI, model years 2003-2004Audi A4 Saloon petrol engine models with OEM parking heater, of model years 2001-2008. E10 is not suitable for use during the heating season in countries with colder climates.

Audi A4 Avant petrol engine models with OEM parking heater of model years 2002-2008. E10 is not suitable for use during the heating season in countries with colder climates.

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The Australian Federation of Automotive Industries confirms this and states that all Audis from 1986 onwards should be okay.

[Puglife]

Ethanol technically lowers the Octane rating due in part to its composition (water being a constituent). The issues with ethanol fuel tend to be through its storage....

[Ringmaster]

Looks like E10 fuel will be with us from next year. Thought I'd revive this thread (Christ, 9 years already!) as I discovered an interesting article you may all find useful, especially those of us with cars made before 2000.

According to the article, apart from a few exceptions (see above), all Audis should be able to use E10 without issue. This is based on the USA having used E10 as a standard blend for around 40 years, with no reports of problems. It's an interesting read although I am not sure of its accuracy as I don't believe E10 fuel has been generally available for that long in the US.

http://www.eerl.com/Uploads/E10-Good...l-23.11.18.pdf

Australia seems to be a good source of information on this topic and I have seen articles stating that Audis made from 1986 should be able to use E10. I have also seen 1992 mentioned as the cut off date, so make of that what you may. Audi UK were no help and I ended up bouncing to and fro between them and Audi Germany. Eventually Audi Germany confirmed that my 1987 C3 should be able to use E10 so long as the engine has not been modified. I got the feeling that my enquiry caught Audi on the hop. I hope their advice is correct.

I also hear good reports on ethanol stabilzers you can add to your tank. Lucas and Millers make some, the latter is endorsed by the FBHVC....

[Ringmaster]

The government has announced E10 will appear on forecourts this summer, maybe by September. E5 should remain available as Super Unleaded (98 Ron). Below is from the .Gov website regarding compatibility with Audis........

E10 petrol is cleared for use in all Audi petrol driven vehicles, excluding the following vehicles:

First generation direct injection engines:
Audi A2 1.6 FSI, model years 2003-2005
Audi A3 1.6 FSI, model year 2004
Audi A3 2.0 FSI, model year 2004
Audi A4 2.0 FSI, model years 2003-2004
Audi A4 Saloon petrol engine models with OEM parking heater, of model years 2001-2008.
Audi A4 Avant petrol engine models with OEM parking heater of model years 2002- 2008.
NOTE: If your vehicle is listed above you should continue to use E5 petrol. If you are unsure please contact your local Audi dealer.

Does first generation direct injection refer to our K-Jetronic FI systems, such as that on my KU engine, or something earlier?

If I wish to continue using E5, I assume I should have my ignition timing adjusted to reset the engine to what it was when it used 4 star leaded.

I recall the Australian government announcing that Audis made from 1986 should be OK.....

[John.]

Originally Posted by Ringmaster

Does first generation direct injection refer to our K-Jetronic FI systems, such as that on my KU engine, or something earlier?

I think it reads as the first generation refers to the cars listed, as direct injection means direct into the combustion chamber as far as I'm aware ?

K-jet is injected into the inlet manifold.

[Ringmaster]

Thank you, John. My eyes didn't register the colon!

Does anyone know if C3 fuel tanks are made of fibreglass or metal?

[mikes2]

Tanks on the type 89 are metal.

I think some 100 / A6 got plastic ones