New Gasoline OKAY for Audi's?

[Barton Oleksy]

Larry, I've been wondering the same thing lately here in Canada...we
have a chain of gas stations ("Mohawk") that have been selling
ethanol-blended gasoline for a few years now.  The 'premium' gas they
sell can contain up to 10% ethanol, with an octane rating of 92.  The
'midrange' gas has 5%, octane of 89 (I think).

I'd been meaning to ask if the ethanol blend is OK - I'd been using the
premium to get the highest octane rating (and it's "Mother Nature's
gasoline" - better for the environment, etc.) but now am unsure if I
should continue.  I'll be watching replies closely too!

On a somewhat-related note, I wonder if anyone out there (esp. in
Canada) knows of any difference in gasoline bought from the mainstream
chains (Esso, Shell, Petro-Can, etc.) vs. the lesser-known places (Joe's
Gas & Gulp, or somewhat 'better' ones like the grocery store ones like
Safeway, Save-On, Superstore/Overwaitea, and the like).  My
usually-trusty Audi mechanic (used to work for a dealer but has been on
his own for at least 8 years now) says I should only buy gas from the
big boys, but I wouldn't mind some confirmation of that to really
*know*.  Thanks!

Bart
'86 CGT
'89 200T
'91 200TQ

   From:
        "larry leung" <l.leung at juno.com>
     To:
        Quattro at audifans.com


Our illustrious US President has determined that, in order to meet
environmental
concerns, that alcohol (ethanol I think) will be added to our fuels. I
just read
through the owners manual for my 200Q and it states that alcohol blends
are to be
avoided. Is there anyway to determine which, if not all alcohols will be
harmful to
the fuel system of our cars? (I currently do not have access to the
owner's manual
to my ‘85 Golf GTI, which I think was more specific.)

LL - NY