Trying to diagnose a hesitation in my '08 RS4 with VAG-COM. No CEL's, but engine simply does not run smoothly. Its hard to describe, but its as if the AC kicking on/off quickly, or as if the throttle plate is wavering. The engine also seems to lack pick-up in 4,5,6 gear pulls (bogs). My experience would lead me to a timing issue,i.e., its not advancing enough. So I logged timing and retardation. Throttle angle is not shown because it was at 100% for the duration. I would think for 7000 rpm, timing would be at least 35 degrees. So to see it wavering on the log between 18-24 degrees, it just doesn't seem right. Are there knock sensors on each cylinder? I am using good gas, sometimes even 93 octane and it acts the same.

Any experience logging timing on a 4.2 FSI?

08 Avus RS4 w/Titanium