AUDI S3
Pinking
Q I am hoping you can help with a possible problem. I have a 2016 Audi S3 Sportback with 48,000 miles and a full Audi service history since new. The S3 has passed its MOT with no problems. At its last service Audi stated it was in great condition and again no problem. This was all quite recently, I think, but I am not sure, that in June when it was very hot I heard a little pinking or pinging. I’m not sure what the proper term is when going up a hill. The Audi itself is always run on Super Unleaded, everything else is fine, it idles perfectly when parked, you would not know the engine was running its that smooth.
The pinking seems to be very slight if that is what it is called and only when I start to go up the hill slowly, as turning to ascend the hill there is speed bump going across the road like a wave not the individual type. I heard that pinking is OK but not continuous – this is just from YouTube videos. I did think maybe carbon build-up may cause it but again I have been informed that S3 third-generation engines do not have a carbon problem unlike the 1st- and 2nd-gen engines.
I must admit I used to have a E39 530i M Sport with the M54 engine – this also seemed to pink slightly on very hot days when under load. On this occasion a BMW specialist thought he heard it as well – anyway it was never cured in the six years I had the car with one dealer stating all M54 engines did it because they run very hot.
I was also considering purchasing a small code reader like Carly
