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Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Owners Manual: Bioethanol (Ethylalcohol)

Bioethanol E85 for the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 MultiFuel engine is a blend of 15% petrol (RON 95) and 85% bioethanol, usually dyed red for identification. This page explains that using E85 can raise fuel consumption compared with pure petrol, a practical consideration for MultiFuel owners.

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings

Bioethanol E85 consists of 15% petrol (RON 95) and 85% bioethanol (ethylalcohol). Bioethanol E85 normally contains a red dye for identification.

When using the MultiFuel engine with bioethanol, the fuel consumption may rise by approximately one third in comparison to petrol, but the CO2 emissions remain below those measured when petrol is used exclusively.

Starting the engine at low outside temperatures

Bioethanol has poor cold-starting properties and it is not easy to start the engine at low temperatures. At outside temperatures of below -10°C (+14°F), the engine should be preheated (  ) or the quantity of petrol (RON 95) in the mix should be increased.

Outside temperature Minimum engine preheating time:
Above -10°C (+14°F) Engine preheating is not necessary.
Below -10 C (+14°F) Preheat the engine for up to one hour.
Below -15℃ (+5 F) Preheat the engine for at least one hour.
Below -25 C (-13 F) Preheat the engine for at least two hours.

NOTICE

  • Before parking the vehicle for an extended period, fill the tank with fuel with a high percentage of petrol. Bioethanol E85 can contain a small amount of contaminants that may cause corrosion.
  • Volkswagen recommends that you fill the tank with petrol every 15,000 km to reduce the contaminants in the engine deposited by bioethanol E85.

    Questions & answers

    Bioethanol (Ethylalcohol) — Volkswagen Golf Mk7

    Can the Golf Mk7 run on bioethanol E85?
    Only the MultiFuel engine variant is approved for E85 (85% bioethanol, 15% petrol at RON 95). Standard TSI engines must not use E85.
    What is E85 fuel?
    A blend of 85% bioethanol (ethyl alcohol) and 15% unleaded petrol. It is dyed red for identification and has a lower energy content than pure petrol, increasing consumption.
    Does E85 affect Golf Mk7 fuel consumption?
    Yes. E85 has approximately 30% less energy per litre than petrol, so fuel consumption increases accordingly. The driving range on a full tank is shorter.
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