A significant event for Volkswagen fans was 1996 - the time of the appearance of the new Passat B5 with a sedan body, a year later, in 1997, the Volkswagen Passat B5 Variant station wagon appeared. With the release of a new generation of the model, the German auto manufacturer has seriously decided to take its place in the category of prestigious cars.

In 2000, the Volkswagen Passat B5 underwent a restyling, as a result of which the bumpers, headlights, rear optics, instrument lighting (blue instead of green) and the front suspension were changed. In this form, the model was produced before the advent of a successor.
In our article, we will try to help a potential buyer of a Passat B 5 with mileage in choosing a worthy copy in the secondary market, we will also provide data on the maintenance of the car and the procedure for replacing consumables and components and assemblies that have expired.

Indeed, even today, despite its considerable age, this model is extremely popular on the market. Many people want to become the owner of such a car, but buying a Volkswagen Passat B5 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 or 2001, sedan or station wagon, is only half the battle. Before the release of this model, Pasat really belonged to the category of a car for ordinary people.

But the filling with electronics and other complex assemblies force us to be very careful about the choice, taking into account the tuning performed on the car, the necessary diagnostics and repairs for the Volkswagen Passat B5 in question, the purchase of auto parts and the price of spare parts (it is possible to select spare parts for disassembly), the condition of the engine, and other possible errors, malfunctions and problems, which, fortunately, are well known thanks to the numerous reviews of the owners of a car of this model.

Body characteristics

The body of the car is completely galvanized, the presence of traces of rust is a sign of unqualified restoration of the car of the victim in an accident. The German concern gave a 12-year warranty for the body, which means that corrosion resistance is at its best. However, this is traditional for German cars.

What's inside

The salon of the Passat of the 5th generation, including the instrument panel, covers, and everything with which the passengers directly have contact inside, is made so soundly and efficiently that the driver sometimes feels like his car is of a higher class. The gaps between the panels are minimal, the wood finish looks high quality, solid and expensive, and there are also a lot of options in the store. Thanks to the ratio of a solid interior and a large selection of additional equipment, the Passat stands out from the competition.

• The Volkswagen Passat B5 is still available in three trim levels: Trendline, Comfortline and Highline.

In the basic version of the Passat B 5 there were only 2 airbags, ABS, steering column adjustment, power steering, central locking and power accessories (mirrors and front windows). The number of options and additional equipment is simply enormous: xenon, rain and light sensors, various radio tape recorders, air conditioning or climate control, steering wheel and seat heating, leather interior, sunroof and other attributes of an expensive car.

Specifications Volkswagen Passat B5 with mileage

The choice of Volkswagen engines is the broadest, it has already become a tradition of the company. And yet, what other model could boast of 8 gasoline engines and 7 diesel engines with power from 90 to 193 forces ?! Add to this the ability to order in addition to front-wheel drive cars with 4Motion all-wheel drive and three gearboxes. Standing apart are the Passat W8 and Passat Variant W8 models with a 275-horsepower 4.0-liter engine.
All gasoline engines are equipped with a distributed injection system, and the Volkswagen Passat B5 diesel is equipped with a TDI system with pump nozzles.

• The most popular were the 150-horsepower 1.8-liter turbo engine with a low-pressure turbine and the 2.8-liter naturally aspirated engine.

Overall, the engines are quite decent and reliable, even by today's standards. Breakdowns are usually caused by improper operation and untimely maintenance.

According to the factory regulations, the oil in the engines must be changed every 15,000 km, along with the oil and air filters, but domestic mechanics advise to reduce the interval to 10,000 km. Engine oil should only be filled with synthetic oil, because not only the resource of the turbine directly depends on it, but also the trouble-free operation of all engine parts. Gasoline is recommended only for AI-95, but the use of any additives is strictly prohibited. Fuel consumption, of course, directly depends on the installed engine, its technical condition and the owner's driving style. The average fuel consumption of the engine of the Volkswagen Passat B5 1.8 T (150 hp), the most popular among Russian owners, averages 10-12 liters, for those who like to light up in city mode, the engine readily digests 15-16 liters of gasoline.

After buying a car, we strongly recommend replacing the timing belt (replacement according to the regulations - every 120,000 km), since on many cars the odometer readings often do not correspond to the real escape, so you can only guess about the actual mileage traveled.

Possible problems and malfunctions Volkswagen Passat B5 bu

This category includes the uneven operation of the engine at idle speed. This error can be easily treated, the reason most often lies in a clogged throttle valve. Quite often (every 45-50 thousand kilometers) the water fuel pump (pump) fails, due to poor quality antifreeze, which corrodes the pump oil seal. The most problematic point of a turbocharged 1.8-liter engine is the turbine; to extend its life, it is imperative to let the engine idle for 1-2 minutes before turning off the engine.

As for diesel engines, many diseases of gasoline engines are not typical for them, but you cannot do without troubles. 1.9-liter turbodiesels are often spun up to high revs (contraindicated for a diesel engine) during acceleration, and this leads to faster wear of the cylinder-piston group (CPG), but still, subject to competent maintenance, they will pass 400,000 km without any problems.
To the sores of diesel engines, mechanics consider the rapid wear of the turbine, due to a violation of lubrication and the failure of the coolant temperature sensor. Often, antifreeze leaves little by little, the boost valve fails and the compression drops due to burnout of the valves. A very serious problem can be a fracture of the tension roller, which leads to a broken belt and collision of valves with pistons, and this guarantees a large investment.
Although the unit injectors have proven to be very reliable, they are still quite expensive to repair. The reason for the replacement is the terrible quality of domestic diesel fuel with a high sulfur and paraffin content.

Gearboxes are a priori reliable, but subject to timely oil change and maintenance.

• From the factory, the cars were equipped with a five-speed mechanics, to which a 6-speed manual was added after restyling. There are no complaints about both boxes, only the replacement of the clutch disc at the turn of 200,000 km. Over time, there is a slight backlash when shifting gears, but this does not create problems.
• With regard to the automatic transmission. Until 1999, a 4-speed automatic was installed on the Passat B5, later it was replaced by an automatic transmission with 5 steps and a tiptronic manual shift function. In general, automatic transmissions are very reliable and do not bother the owners, but all this is true only on condition of timely qualified service. An oil change is recommended every 60,000 kilometers.

Prices for spare parts for Volkswagen Passat B5 with mileage

Although the creators position the car as a popular car, prices for auto parts are often far from democratic. But this was to be expected, since the car is quite complex in technical terms. For example, chassis parts, various sensors responsible for the operation and control of the engine, fuses can be unpleasantly surprised by their cost. The only consolation is that the Passat bu is a very common car, so there will be no problems with original parts. In the worst case, it is possible to buy a used part for disassembly, and this applies not only to such frequently required parts as the hood and bumper, but also to the technical filling. Also in online stores you can order original and non-original stock for Volkswagen Passat B5. Another plus is that the car is well known to the craftsmen, so there are usually no problems with the provision of high-quality repairs.

Summing up our review, we want to say that, according to the owners of the used Volkswagen Passat B5, the car is the quintessence of the achievements of the German car industry. Simply put, according to many Passat B5s, even a bu is the best Volkswagen in the entire production history of the company of the same name. The main advantages of the Passat B5 are high reliability, excellent handling, high-quality interior assembled from solid materials and high liquidity of the model in the secondary market.

The year 1996 was a special sensation for Volkswagen fans. During this period, the fifth generation of this brand of car with a sedan body, which had the factory marking B5, saw the light. The car opened a new stage in the history of the line. With the release of modern generation, the German manufacturer has decided to seriously approach the category of luxury vehicles.

Volkswagen Passat B 5 has become more technologically advanced, and also in its status has come close to prestigious cars. To ensure a solid level of technical performance, the main parameters of the steel are:

• powerful engines;
• excellent handling;
• comfortable lounge;
• solid interior and exterior;
• high level of reliability.

The Audi A4 autocar was used as a platform for creating the fifth generation. The front suspension made of aluminum was borrowed from it, as well as the location of the longitudinal-type power units. The body of the new model of the German car provided an excellent level of safety and low aerodynamic resistance.

The next year, the Passat was expected to be upgraded. In 1997, the car was released with all drive wheels, and in 2000 Volkswagen underwent a planned restyling. The main task of the modernization was to increase engine power and improve environmental performance.

This model of the Passat marked the transition to a new design solution. She was shown on a special Concept One uniform. The new generation Volkswagen can be described as a large luxury representative, which looks somewhat controversial. This is due in particular to the streamlined low-level contour with small optics on the front and stern. It is because of this that the car has an uncharacteristic appearance.

The B5 was originally offered in two body styles. The first was a sedan and the second was a station wagon. The main parameters of the model:

• length - 4669-4704 mm;
• scale to width -<1740 мм;
• height - 1460-1499 mm;
• the distance from the ground to the bottom of the car is 110-124 mm.

Regarding the interior, it is worth noting its solidity and representativeness. The instrument panel has two large dials. Between them is the information display of the trip computer. The steering wheel has a rex spoke design as well as the brand emblem.

The interior decoration of the German representative is made of high quality materials, including:

• plastic;
• decorative inserts;
• leather.

The car seats have a wide profile and a decent range of adjustment. They are perfect for people of all sizes. Luggage compartment AT 5 designed to carry 475 liters of baggage. If you fold the backrest down - 745 liters.

Model equipment

The fifth generation car has a rich basic equipment. Most experts questioned the strict interior of the model, which does not differ in design solutions. However, the classics, combined with the quality of performance, as well as practicality, were to the liking of many. In addition, the ergonomics and sound insulation of the Volkswagen were not questioned.

The car has significant roominess, which allows you not to feel cramped while in it. Nevertheless, the owners of this model point out several disadvantages. First of all, this is not the corresponding size of the rear-view mirrors. Many point out that the limited visibility in the fifth generation models causes some inconvenience. In addition, the disadvantages include problems with the central locking (found only in the modification - a station wagon) and insufficient heating of the seats.

but it is worth noting a modified suspension and modern electronic devices ... Basic equipment B5 consists of:

• 4 airbags;
• electrical accessories;
• climate control;
• tinted glass;
• adjustable driver's seat.

In addition to the basic one, there are three more variations to choose from: Comfortline, Trendline and Highline.

Power units

The fifth generation engine line has always been the pride of this brand. Volkswagen Passat B5 was equipped with both diesel and gasoline power units. The most popular are:

In addition, the manufacturer offers three variations of the gearbox: five- and six-speed mechanical type, as well as an automatic. The fifth generation is significantly different from the previous one. Good handling of the model, according to experts, is achieved due to the multifunctional front suspension.

The B5 looks solid and dynamic. The round shape of the rear lights complements the sporty appearance of the vehicle. The salon is equipped with a variety of decorative panels "wood", as well as details of leather and chrome-plated steel.

Specifications Passat B5

The fifth generation Volkswagen is still a popular model today. Even despite the considerable age, the car remains in demand now. Before the appearance of this model, the Passat really belonged to the group of simple machines.

Equipping with advanced electronics and the presence of other technologically sophisticated parts makes the choice to be taken with particular seriousness. In this case, the following is taken into account:

• tuning costs;
• the need for testing;
• repair B5;
• prices for auto parts;
• unit condition;
• possible breakdowns.

As for the body characteristics, the car body is completely galvanized. The presence of rust indicates a poor-quality restoration of the coating after an accident. The German manufacturer gave a 12-year body warranty. The fact indicates that its corrosion resistance remains at a height ... This has already become a tradition for German cars.

What's inside?

One of six gasoline-type units can be found under the hood of this model. For this brand, a five-cylinder engine in the form of a V-shape with a volume of 2-3 liters was offered. Its capacity is 150 liters. sec., as well as 250 Hm of the maximum moment. The four-cylinder unit category consists of naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines. Their volume ranges from 1.6 to 2 liters with a generation of 101 -150 horsepower. The rotating thrust of the unit ranges from 140 to 220 Nm.

The leading position is occupied by a 2.8-liter engine, which develops a power of 193 horsepower. The torsional thrust of the unit is 290 Nm. The vehicle was equipped with a front-wheel drive transmission by default. In addition, the 4Motion technique was available. The fifth generation Passat accelerates to the first 100 km / h from 7.6 to 15 seconds, depending on the modification. The maximum speed of the model is 177-238 km / h.

The B5 is based on the PL45 platform, the power unit of which is located longitudinally. The steering system is equipped with power steering, and the brake package includes full disc brakes. It is worth noting that they are equipped with ventilation in front. The rear suspension is represented by a semi-independent scheme, which is equipped with a torsion beam on front-wheel drive cars, and with a full one - an independent "multi-link". The front is a double wishbone design.

The main advantages of the model

The owners of the Volkswagen Passat B5 describe the model as a car with a stylish design, a spacious interior and reliable construction. Serving a fifth generation representative costs an adequate amount. It should be noted that the vehicle also has:

• large luggage compartment;
• optimal fuel consumption;
• high level of noise insulation;
• high quality finishing materials.

The suspension for domestic roads turns out to be quite rigid, and there is also a small clearance to the roadway. The interior of the cabin creates a feeling of high cost and chic, it seems that the B5 is a class higher than it really is. The Passat stands out favorably against the background of its competitors. This is due to the solid interior and a large selection of additional equipment.

The petrol units of the model are equipped with a distributed injection system, and the diesel itself is equipped with TDI communication, which is equipped with unit injectors. The car's engines remain quite decent and reliable today. As a rule, malfunctions arise as a result of improper operation, as well as untimely maintenance.

Maintenance

In accordance with factory standards, it is worth changing the oil every 15,000 km along with all filters. However, domestic experts advise performing the procedure after 10,000 km. The functioning of the turbine, as well as the uninterrupted functioning of all parts of the unit, directly depends on the quality of the oil, therefore it should only be synthetic.

• type of built-in engine;
• technical condition of the unit;
• forms of driving the car owner.

The average consumption of the engine of the most popular unit is 1.8 tons, in urban conditions it is 15-16 liters.

Immediately after purchase B 5 it is recommended to replace the timing belt. According to the regulations, the procedure is performed every 120,000 km. This must be done for safety reasons. On many cars, the odometer readings do not correspond to the real mileage, so one can only guess about the real numbers.

Possible problems

During the operation of the vehicle, breakdowns and malfunctions often occur. In the category of malfunctions and possible problems of the fifth generation Passat, first of all, it is necessary to include suboptimal engine idling. This fault is actually very easy to fix. The main cause is usually a clogged throttle valve.

In addition, a water fuel pump breaks down almost every 50,000 km. This is due to the use of poor quality antifreeze, which destroys the pump oil seal. However, the most vulnerable point of the B5 engine is the turbine. In order to extend its operating period, the engine must idle for several minutes before turning off the car.

If we consider diesel units, then most of the breakdowns of gasoline engines are not characteristic of them. But in this case, you cannot do without troubles. The main problems are considered:

• rapid pipe wear;
• breakage of antifreeze;
• inflatable valve failure;
• drop in compression.

The most serious malfunction is considered to be a breakdown of the tension roller. ... This leads to a breakage of the timing, as well as friction between the valves and the pistons.

What is the result?

Manufacturers AT 5 represent the brand as a folk brand. Nevertheless, the pricing policy of the parts is not at all democratic. This could be expected, since the mechanism of the car is quite complex in technical performance. The fifth generation Volkswagen Passat is a fairly common brand, so there are no problems with spare parts, which is good news.

Model B5 is a direct result of the achievements of the German holding company. Summing up, we can say that this is one of the best cars in the history of Volkswagen. The main advantages of the vehicle include:

• high level of reliability;
• excellent handling;
• high-quality finished salon;
• high marketability.

Basically, all breakdowns and malfunctions occur due to the fault of users, as well as improper maintenance and untimely replacement of components. As mentioned above, it is THAT that plays the main role.

What do we end up with? The fifth generation Volkswagen Passat is a reliable, comfortable and high-quality car, the price of which remains quite reasonable. For many years in a row, it holds the position of the best family car. Among the huge number of foreign cars, it still stands out for its presentable appearance. This is a car that is really worth the money.

Passat B5 interesting in that it was built according to the precepts of its ancestors - Passat B1 sample 1973 and Passat B2 1981, with a longitudinally located engine and strong unification with Audi. Next generations, B3 and B4 , had a transversely located motor and were built on their own platform, but on B5 the idea of ​​"audio-like" returned: the machine is closely related Audi A4 with the same index B5.

And Passat B 5 turned out to be a very interesting car: the most spacious in the class, with excellent handling and comfort, but at the same time it has lost a bit of "nationality" for which two generations of its ancestors loved so much, because the relationship with the premium brand does not pass without leaving a trace.

In the photo: Volkswagen Passat (B5) "1996-2000

So, a strange solution in the form of a multi-link suspension in front and a twisted beam in the back has slowly gained fame as exemplary unsuccessful in terms of reliability of operation and repair cost. But excellent ergonomics and a very spacious interior, and even with excellent finishing materials, migrated to and on, joining the traditional qualities of the car in the form of a wide range of configurations, options for motors, drives, transmissions.

In the photo: Volkswagen Passat Variant (B5) "1997-2000 and Volkswagen Passat Sedan (B5)" 1997-2000

And I must say that the build quality was also premium, and in the sense that was put into this concept throughout the sixties and nineties of the XX century, and not now. The car is really well made and you can feel it even in the smallest detail. Everything is perfectly done, not only the materials of the interior and exterior, here they really tried to do it for centuries. The only thing that prevented this from being realized was the desire for technical excellence and the desire to be at the forefront of progress. What this translates into in modern cars, you probably. And how things are with the old Passat, read below.

Body and interior

I must say right away that the body is really galvanized here. Unlike the sixth and seventh generations, a zinc coating is present on almost all elements and allows you not to see traces of rust for another year or two even if the paintwork is damaged, unless, of course, the body element already rusts somewhere from the inside.

Given the age of the cars, this no longer guarantees an excellent condition of the body, but through holes are rare and most often indicate the presence of chronic damage, poor-quality paintwork and complete neglect of anti-corrosion protection in general. But the number of copies in decent condition is large enough and you can definitely find a copy in good condition, if you do not limit yourself to the minimum price level.

Just pay attention to the condition of the internal seams of the body - the danger of galvanizing is that the seams are protected much worse than the outer panels, and body problems that will appear in the coming years can be hidden behind the ceremonial appearance. But there is no need to be afraid of the presence of external point defects - they may spoil the appearance, but are not associated with serious design problems, rather, they speak of inaccurate operation in winter or frequent trips on dirt roads.

The problem areas of the body are quite expected: these are the rear arches, the front part of the sills, the attachment points of the upper front suspension arms, the attachment points of the rear beam and shock absorbers, the "aquarium" of the engine compartment, the front edge of the hood, the bottoms of the doors and the rear door for station wagons ... Corrosion also loves the side members near the bumper mounts. Feature B5 - frequent damage to the bottom and sills due to the low fit. Pay close attention to all the places that can be damaged in this way, often there are problem points and even patches on the bottom. Examine the front subframe and rear wheel well carefully for both corrosion and geometry abnormalities. Damage elsewhere is most likely due to poor quality body repairs.

However, there are enough problems with the body, in addition to corrosion. The plums of the engine compartment niche are sometimes called the "vegetable garden" - there really can grow moss. Constant humidity and difficulty in cleaning create conditions for the development of corrosion and also provoke electrical problems and the ingress of water into the interior. Water can enter the passenger compartment in other ways - most often it supplies condensate drain in cars with air conditioning or the front drains of the hatch.

In the photo: Volkswagen Passat Variant (B5) "1997-2000

Headlight cost

price for non-original

from 2 002 rubles

Less often, door seals are the culprits, they are not very good shape, and if damaged, water will be able to get to the cabin. Banal problems with pasting the windshield can also happen, but no one is immune from this. The windshield on the B5 is quickly overwritten, even the "original", not to mention the Chinese, aerodynamics is to blame here. By the way, Chinese body parts for it are of very good quality, since cars on its basis are still assembled there. The headlights, bumper and dashboard are at risk due to the fact that they are regularly removed when servicing the engine and cooling system. In addition, the dense arrangement of the radiators makes them wash very often. Check the fasteners carefully, and if there are extra gaps, you will have to find out that this is the fault - body repair or careless work of locksmiths.

The salon is one of the strengths of the car. Good materials, excellent ergonomics, a wide range of options. And good execution. Most of the complaints are caused by the poor choice of the backlight color, the low resource of the backlighting of the switches and air duct deflectors, and the breaking lock of the glove box.

1 / 3

2 / 3

3 / 3

And there is also not the most reliable climate system - in addition to purely electronic failures of the "climate", there are problems with the reliability of the radiator of the stove and the evaporator of the air conditioner, antifreeze leaks occur at the slightest overheating, but refrigerant leaks from the air conditioning system on the B5 occur constantly. Most often this happens due to damage to the radiators or its hoses - they do not tolerate the constant removal of the front end for service. However, breakthroughs in the condenser also occur regularly. In a word, a non-working "condo" on B5 is rather the norm, and this is not at all the fault of the age.

Photo: Interior Volkswagen Passat Variant (B5) "1997-2000

The cable drive of the window regulators also creates problems, since the cables are changed relatively inexpensively. Otherwise, without any special surprises, the car is old, you need to be ready for both the sitting seats and the worn steering wheel, many cars actually have mileage for half a million, if not a million. Just be careful, proper repair of the B5 interior is not a cheap undertaking.

Electrical and electronics

In general, the reliable electrical system of the machine has several serious miscalculations. I already wrote about the water in the "aquarium" above, as well as about the ingress of water into the salon. These body problems quickly lead to the appearance of numerous failures of electronic components, especially since there are many of them at the feet of the driver, passenger and under the seats, and the tightness is not at all outstanding.

In addition, the wrong choice of the fuse rating of the climate system by the manufacturer leads to the fact that it melts the switching unit in the passenger compartment, and as a result, repairs can cost a pretty penny. Fortunately, fires rarely happen, the plastic is not flammable there, but the car can remain motionless for a long time - often the reflow area covers four or five nearest contact pads, and smoke with a smell will not please.

In the photo: Volkswagen Passat Sedan (B5) "1997-2000

By and large, there are no more serious problems, but the nerves of an electrician can still spoil, since the electronic filling is complex here, the climate, the comfort unit, the multimedia system, and the immobilizer unit can fail, which is especially unpleasant. Cheaply, these problems are eliminated only by a very expensive specialist, but the garage electrician will soon create a bunch of new ones, and it's good if the car does not turn into real estate.

There are also purely resource difficulties of electricians, which are already manifesting themselves with might and main. In particular, the door wiring and the engine compartment harness require attention. Resistors, relays of interior and air conditioning fans fail, plus the active antenna, heaters, buttons and a thousand other "smart little things" die. If the car was well maintained, now the electronics does not cause much trouble, but most of the copies managed to be in the hands of "collective farmers" with the inevitable confusion and layering of problems and mistakes.

Suspensions, brakes and steering

Front brake pads cost

price for original

2 696 rubles

The Passat B5's suspension is the traditional bogey of this model, but honestly, it's not all bad. A rather complicated multi-link on the B5 is, in fact, the first version of this kind of suspension for Volkswagen. And even in spite of a serious modernization of the design in comparison with the original version of 1994 on the Audi A4 and serious changes in 2001 with the appearance of the B5 +, one cannot do without "childhood illnesses". Throughout the release of the model, the design was changed almost constantly, the characteristics of its individual units improved. In the course of restyling, we modernized the attachment points of the pivot arm suspension, switched to the so-called "thin fingers" of the levers, changed the levers themselves, the design of their ball joints, the material of the fingers, and the design of the anti-roll bar.

In the photo: Volkswagen Passat TDI Sedan (B5 +) "2000–05

In the 1990s and early 2000s, the suspension, which requires investment and high-quality repairs, caused a shock among European second-hand buyers who were accustomed to "eternal" structures. By today's standards, the costs no longer seem astronomical.

Think about it: a full set of eight levers for a complete replacement of a good quality front suspension costs from 18 to 30 thousand rubles. The upper price bar is a kit from Lemforder, lower - for example, from HDE, but there are other decent options. Unfortunately, the state of the machines is such that all elements need to be replaced, and all partial options will only lead to new money spending in the near future.

If the suspension is repaired as a whole, then even on bad roads it will be able to delight for a long time with a resource, in any case, there are reviews about the resource of most of the levers over 150 thousand kilometers, with the replacement of one or two levers that accidentally failed in the process.

Particularly economical B5 lovers have long mastered the repressing of ball joints, since there are enough options with a suitable finger diameter, for example, from Muscovites and Opel. A little locksmith work, and now you can change penny parts for 300-600 rubles instead of a bulkhead. You need to be more careful with the "collective farm": not all of the Kulibins' creations are reliable and thoughtful, although there are also genuine masterpieces with locking nuts and even reinforced steel upper levers.

It is worth noting a large number of suspension options: different motors and drive types have their own units, which greatly complicates the selection of components and often requires work to be performed immediately on the right and left, otherwise the wheel alignment angles are violated. It is clear that all this raises the cost of maintenance and contributes to the legend of the unnecessary hassle of suspensions. In especially neglected cases, you can find in the suspension a set of elements from the later Audi A4 or even A6 - there are enough kulibins, and the more recent suspension options are really more reliable.

The rear suspension on front-wheel drive cars is completely indestructible, because there is a simple twisted beam here. By the way, the car's handling is still a reference, so from this point of view, everything is fine. All-wheel drive vehicles are equipped with a double wishbone suspension with an additional steering lever, in fact it is a multi-link suspension. It is very strong, in any case, there are much less complaints about it than about the front multi-link, and the silent blocks are almost everywhere changed regularly. But if the levers are damaged, the replacement price will be too big - about 10 thousand rubles each.

In the photo: Volkswagen Passat W8 Sedan (B5 +) "2002-04

The service life of the shock absorbers is not too large, especially given the low seating position of the car and the tendency to sway. Native components lose their effectiveness after 40-50 thousand mileage, and with non-native ones, part of the charm of a complex chassis is lost. The springs, especially the rear ones, are also not distinguished by a high resource, and the price bites. And the front wheel bearings are also overloaded and often have a resource within hundreds of thousands of kilometers. In general, you need to monitor the suspension not only for the multi-link.

There are practically no complaints about the braking system, except that the richness of execution options will "please". Often it is not possible to find even the pads the first time, let alone the repair kits for the calipers, because there are at least six of them here. All in all, a paradise for parts dealers and a hell for buyers. ABS units can have electrical problems due to soldering, but the condition of the brake pipes and hoses on the oldest cars is sometimes already emergency, it is worth looking carefully.

The steering is distinguished by a not very large resource of the rack - with runs "over 200", it often begins to gradually lose fluid, and the power steering pump has a completely finite resource, but in general there are no particular complaints. Backlash is often associated not with the rack, but with the broken steering column hinges.

Power steering high-pressure pipes are susceptible to corrosion, moreover, in the risk zone, there is a bend in the hoses near the radiator mount. If there are traces of oiling, it is better to change it right away, otherwise you will also have to change the pump, and it's good if you do without an accident, without the help of an amplifier, the steering wheel on the Passat is very heavy. The relatively small resource of steering rods and tips is an inevitable feature of the machine layout with its very overloaded front end.

Transmission

Here the Passat B 5 is also good. Fortunately, longitudinal motors are combined with very strong manual transmissions and automatic transmissions, and all-wheel drive versions also have no particular difficulties. Most of the transmission units now suffer primarily from purely resource problems, wear of anthers, drying out of lubricant, damage to bearings and CV joints.

Machines with manual gearboxes often have a problem with the wear of dual-mass flywheels, the part is expensive for an old car, and often re-sharpened flywheels from older engines are used without any dual-mass and clutch with a conventional damper. The checkpoints themselves are usually ready to work and work.

Cars with automatic transmissions are also not uncommon, there are mainly two types of transmission.

Four-speed automatic transmissions, which were installed mainly before restyling with eight-valve gasoline engines and diesels - from the 01N series, produced by VW itself. This is a very respectable design and, I must say, very successful. She has a separate final drive housing and good mechanics and electronics of the box itself. The main troubles are associated with the resource of the blocking linings of the gas turbine engine and the slow contamination of the box itself with wear products. In addition, with age, rubberized rings cease to hold pressure, and the gaskets begin to leak, and the box loses oil.

In addition, there are quite a few plastic parts in the box, including bearing cages and clearance washers. Over time, they crumble, and in case of abnormal sounds from the box, you should immediately check if there are any pieces of plastic in the pallet. The resource of the box solenoids is also limited. On average, the resource of this automatic transmission, provided that the oil is changed every 40-60 thousand kilometers, is no less than 200-250 thousand, but it may be necessary to change the linings of the gas turbine engine and clean the valve body in the process.

Repair is inexpensive if the structure is not brought to complete destruction. A certain amount of hassle can also be caused by the electronics of the box, speed sensors and a loop. Like all automatic transmissions, this one does not like overheating and lowering the oil level, but it will delight you with a resource if you take good care of it.

Most of the cars are equipped with a much more interesting "five-step" ZF 5HP 19FL from the "driving" point of view. Such automatic transmissions can be found on many cars, this is one of the most successful "automatic" in principle. It combines high efficiency, dynamics and a resource that is not bad at present. Here, too, the linings of the gas turbine engine wear out intensively during sudden accelerations and there are also problems with the gradual contamination of the valve body, but in general, these boxes successfully nurture their 200-300 thousand kilometers before serious repairs, you only need to repair the gas turbine engine with a mileage of 150 to 180 thousand kilometers and change it regularly base pressure solenoid without waiting for drum damage.

As practice has shown, these boxes can easily tolerate active driving even with the most powerful of the "Passat" motors. Unfortunately, on B5 they lack cooling, overheating becomes a frequent cause of failure ahead of time. And the oil change must be done often - much more often than in four-stage gearboxes.

Spare parts are widespread, inexpensive, and repairs have been mastered even in the outback, because these automatic transmissions were installed on both Audi and BMW. There are also copies with runs over 500 thousand, which went in the same hands and required only an oil change, yes.

Motors

Passat B5 engines also got good ones. And even though the design of the later series of engines EA827 / EA113 is no longer as simple as that of their ancestors on the Passat B 3 / B 4, but in terms of mechanics, everything is done very well. Of course, the layout is a lot of trouble - the engine protrudes strongly forward, which is why the radiators are very closely located, right next to the fan, and even the engine crankcase is too low and often suffers from driver errors - it breaks or crumples. Compact radiators not only get dirty quickly, but also many operations on the motor, including the replacement of service belts and sensors, require the removal of the entire front part - the bumper, headlights and radiators with a panel.

Any violation of the geometry - and now the fan damages the radiators, and the hoses and wiring in the front part additionally suffer, and the appearance deteriorates with inaccurate reinforcement work. In general, the layout of the engine compartment is very tight, as it is narrow due to the use of multi-link suspension on the front axle.

Gasoline engines before restyling are mainly 1.6 and 2.0 eight-valve engines of the old EA827 series and 1.8 engines of the related EA113 series, already with a new cylinder head with 20 valves. Yes, these engines had five valves per cylinder. The age of the units is already decent, often, in addition to general wear and tear, there are problems with wiring, hoses for the cooling system and power supply.

In the photo: Volkswagen Passat 1.8T Sedan ZA-spec (B5 +) "2000–05 engine

Eight-valve engines are some of the most successful VWs, simple and with good traction. Moreover, the 1.6 unit was installed on VW Golf and Skoda Octavia for a long time, it was remembered by many as an almost ideal engine, simple, reliable and cheap. The two-liter version differs only by even better traction on the bottoms, otherwise the design is just as streamlined and comfortable. Power, however, is small, 100 and 120 liters. with., but with a two-liter engine, traction is already enough, and the junior engine in combination with a manual transmission provides quite reasonable dynamics in the city.

The timing belt is simple and reliable, repair is not affordable, even if you change it after the recommended 60 thousand kilometers, and not through the "routine" 90. problems with the intake and lubrication system.

With lubrication, everything is simple: a blow by a crankcase usually entails either crankcase deformation and oil starvation, or simply oil loss and major repairs. And the shape of the motor crankcase is not very successful, in turns, even at full level and high rpm, the "oiler" can blink, and at a lower speed it can really ruin the engine. The crankshaft, by the way, is very reliable, often endures such troubles without consequences, only replacement of liners and grinding is required. But the control system and the intake can, in indifferent hands, kill the engine slowly but surely. Intake leaks, failures of sensors and ignition modules cause accelerated wear of the piston group.

Photo: Volkswagen Passat TDI Sedan ZA-spec (B5 +) "2000–05 engine

Motors 1.8 are distinguished by a more complex timing design with a hydraulic tensioner, the use of a second camshaft drive chain, which is sometimes forgotten to be replaced, and on the most powerful engine options, after restyling, it also has a phase shifter clutch.

The turbocharged version, of course, has a much more complex control system and is noticeably more difficult to maintain, but in general it has no less resource. The large load on the connecting rod and main bearings of the crankshaft for a 1.8T engine already creates certain difficulties here - with SAE 30 oil, they can be cranked even with a slight loss of pressure, for example, due to a short-term oil outflow in a corner. The new crankcase ventilation system with a PCV valve also adds to the hassle, it requires regular replacement. In the event of a failure, oil consumption usually increases, the intercooler becomes dirty and detonation occurs. As a result, the total resource is not less than that of eight-valves, but the cost of servicing such a motor is slightly higher.

Turbines on different engine versions also differ, but basically it is BorgWarner K 03, and on B5 + and "Americans" you can find both K04 and MHI TD 040-13. One thing unites them - there are no bad ones among them, all are very reliable. With a working lubrication system and cooling after annealing, the resource of the turbines is over 200 thousand kilometers.

But there are nuances that have ruined a lot of supercharged 1.8. First of all, this is the coking of the oil supply tube - it is very poorly laid, as well as the drop in oil pressure during lateral acceleration. The first problem is treated either by regularly cleaning the tube, re-laying it and installing a heat shield, and the second by raising the oil level in the crankcase above the maximum by a centimeter or two, this is about a liter and a half volume.

Photo: Volkswagen Passat W8 Sedan engine (B5 +) "2002-04

Turbine cost 1.8T

price for non-original

66 512 rubles

In addition, we must not forget that the supercharged motor dies from any problems in the power system. Low gas pressure due to a "tired" fuel pump, dirty intercooler (it is small and stands in the left wheel well, it gets dirty quickly), intake leaks, sensor failures, oil entering the intake ... There are a million reasons, and they all require a high level of maintenance motor, and the problem of the intercooler can be solved by installing a frontal, larger volume. True, in this case, the response of the engine to the gas pedal worsens.

For those who want more power and are afraid of turbo engines, the V 6 and VR 5 engines are intended. Before the restyling of 2001, the VR 5 2,3 engines had 10 valves and a power of 150 hp. with., after the valves it became twice as large, and the power increased to 170 horsepower. The problems here are the same as those of the newer VR 6 engines in the Touareg and Superb - a complex timing chain with a floating resource, a complicated cylinder head design, a high cylinder block mass, a tendency to overheat when the cooling system is dirty. But in general, these are not bad engines for those who are ready to service an old and complex engine.

Photo: Volkswagen Passat W8 Sedan (B5 +) "2002-04 engine

But for lovers of large aspirated engines there is a better option, the V 6 2.8 engine. By the way, this is not a VR 6, there are two separate cylinder heads, similar in design to a 1.8-liter engine - a timing belt drive and a chain at the back. But the problems and features are exactly the same as for the 1.8 engines, adjusted for size and weight. By the way, instead of this motor, during repairs, they often install three-liter Audi engines of the same series.

Diesel eight-valve engines 1.9 and 2.0 are also revered as some of the best. In addition to standard diesel troubles, only the high cost of pump nozzles can be noted, there are losses of oil pressure on the camshaft, as a result of which shafts and rockers wear out, and a tendency to increase oil consumption in the most forced versions with a capacity of 120+ horsepower with mileage.

Now most of the problems of any engines on the B5 and B5 + are related to their age, the features of specific structures are of little importance at an age of over 10 years and an average mileage of more than two hundred thousand kilometers. But the margin of safety inherent in those series of motors is still tangible, and even after overhaul, they can please the owners for a long time.

What should you choose?

Once this car confidently won in comparison with any classmates, and even now it looks very good. Even in comparison with modern counterparts, and even more so - with cars a class lower. The body and interior are well preserved, the electrician feels worse, but there are also no global difficulties in maintaining a normal state. Motors and transmissions in general have a good resource, although the most running 1.8T engine must be recognized as quite expensive to maintain.

Well, the suspensions, which many are so afraid of, if not saving money, are very reliable and provide a high level of comfort. In an extreme case, there are "collective farm" repair options, so with the current cost of spare parts and competent repairs, the owners of B5 should not be ruined.

There is only one serious minus of the car - this is VW Passat, and it is often bought by people who hope to get a very reliable and cheap car in service that does not require anticorrosive, with cheap spare parts, etc. As a result, “collective farming” begins with unsuitable spare parts from disassembly, cutting at car washes and maintenance, thousands of expenditures on spare parts after serious breakdowns, and as a result - attempts to sell the car at a higher price to the next “connoisseur”.

In the photo: Volkswagen Passat Sedan (B5 +) "2000–05

It is said that VW parts sellers have made a fortune on this model, and this is close to the truth. This is one of the first VW cars to become very demanding to service, with a large range of parts, and poorly tolerated in rough use. But for the comfort and high performance of the chassis you have to pay at least a little.

If you are not ready, then look for a cheaper and simpler car, for example, Passat B 4, or Vectra B. If you are ready, then the risk can pay off, especially with careful selection and proper maintenance.

owner of Volkswagen Passat B5 2004 release

The only breakdown is the twisted liner. Except for the motor, nothing broke from the word "absolutely" (two cracked windshields do not count, no one is immune from this). The car came in a good package: Alcantara with a leather steering wheel inside, repeaters, fog lights and chrome trim on the outside, which pleases. Additionally, I put cruise control. I am glad about the attitude of other drivers in Russia: when I drive faster than the flow (for example, 130-140, and the flow is 100-120), absolutely all cars, including more expensive ones, calmly let me through. Calm and respectful attitude, despite the age. Traffic police almost never slow down (the account goes 1 time in 2-3 years). I am also very glad that in Scandinavia and the Baltic States, where I travel quite often, I feel "at home" on this Passat. I don't want to change it for anything - in terms of comfort, the car still overtakes the same Jetta and Octavia. The Passat B8 and the new Superb are, in principle, not bad, but with a price of 2 million they somehow no longer fall under the "cars for the middle class". I also came up with an idea: if we carry out an analogy with games, then Passat B5 is more likely for those who prefer Civilization to any Need for Speed ​​and GTA. It's not that Big Car Theft doesn't seem interesting to them - they just played enough of it before that.

Volkswagen Passat among our motorists is one of the most beloved foreign-made cars. If the first four generations attracted future owners with the simplicity and low cost of maintenance, as well as the availability of spare parts, then the fifth generation of the Passat, which received the B5 index, was distinguished by excellent handling, comfort and durability in sharp turns - for all this the owner has to pay a lot of money, comparable to the content of the Honda Accord, or Mitsubishi Galant.

Volkswagen Passat B5 review

Volkswagen Passat B5 was created on the Audi A4 platform in 1996. The developers returned to the longitudinal engine layout as in the early B1 and B2. In addition to Germany itself, the assembly of the Tradewinds was carried out in Slovakia, Britain and even China. It is worth clarifying here that the Chinese cars were intended only for the Chinese automotive market.

Appearance and Body

The fifth generation Volkswagen Passat is distinguished by good aerodynamics, the drag coefficient is only 0.29. For comparison, the Volvo S60 and Saab 9-3 have a drag coefficient of 0.28.

In terms of corrosion protection, the Passat deserves a good rating, the manufacturer provided a 12-year warranty on its body. Volkswagens even said that the owner would not see through holes on the body of their car, which had not been in an accident, for at least 12 years.

In 1999, a long wheelbase version was introduced in China, which became an alternative to the first generation Skoda Superb. The elongated Passat is 100mm longer than its usual version, the same increase of 100mm makes a regular Mercedes S-class - S-class Long. Volkswagen themselves say that after restyling the Passat B5 received more than 2,000 new parts.

Since 2OO1, the model has undergone changes, mainly affecting only the external design. New bumpers, front grille and taillights, the use of chrome trim gives a more expensive look.
An important innovation was the W-concept of the engine, which was later used in the more famous Volkswagen Phaeton and Bugatti Veyron vehicles. After restyling, a new name came - Volkswagen Passat B5.5.

A very important nuance is the fact that it was the B5 that became the first Passat with a galvanized body. The most powerful modification of the Volkswagen Passat B5 is shod in tires with a dimension of 225/45 R17, while the Passat with base motors is shod in tires with a dimension of 195/65 R16, the six-cylinder versions are on tires with a dimension of 205/55 R16.

Salon and Equipment

Soft plastic and good build quality brought Volkswagen very close to the AUDI level. The armrest located between the front seats can be adjusted longitudinally. It should also be said that the Passat B5 salon is one of the most spacious in the class.

The minimum equipment - BASIS includes a hydraulic booster, electric drive of mirrors and all windows, central locking and two airbags; since 1996, the basic equipment of the Passat has included an air conditioner. At the request of the first owner, the Passat could be retrofitted with six airbags, cruise u climate control, a navigation system and even an electric seat, besides, the interior could be covered with leather.

As you can see from the level of equipment, the Passat B5 is quite comparable with the business class of the late 90s. Compared to the previous Passat, the trunk of the B5 has decreased by 20 liters, the trunk volume of the B5 sedan is 470 liters, the station wagon can hold 495 liters in the normal state of the trunk and 1600 liters with the rear sofa folded down.

Technical component and characteristics

• Wheelbase: 27OO mm
• Length: 4675 mm
• Width: 174O mm
• Height: 146O mm
• Trunk volume: from 745 l to 15OO l

The least powerful gasoline engine offered for the Volkswagen Passat B5 transmits 1O1 horsepower to the wheels, not bad for an eight-valve 1.6.

Gasoline naturally aspirated 1.8 transmits 125 forces to the wheels, the engine is notable for the fact that there are five valves in each combustion chamber.

The turbocharged modification of the aforementioned 1.8 develops 150hp.

A two-liter aspirated gasoline engine with four valves per cylinder produces 115 forces, a two-liter engine with five valves per cylinder develops 130 hp.

Occasionally, on the roads of large cities, you can find a VR5 modification with an atmospheric 2.3 power of 150 horsepower, no more often there are VR6 modifications with a six-cylinder 2.8 at 193 horsepower. In 2003, the famous W8 appeared with a 4.O liter engine with a capacity of 280hp. Externally, a car with a W8 can be recognized by the four tailpipes of the exhaust system.

Gasoline engines:

• 1.6 L4
• 1.8 L4
• 2.0 L4
• 2.3 V5
• 2.8 V6
• 4.0 W8

Diesel engines:

• 1.9 LTDI4
• 2.0 LTDI4
• 2.5 VTDI6

Pros and cons of Volkswagen Passat B5

Volkswagen Passat B5

Of course, after the release of the troika, it is not for nothing that the B5 received such special attention from the European market. In it, as never before, the two indicators "price" and "quality" are optimally combined. "Troika" B3 was transformed into "four", which attracted the relative cheapness, spacious interior and ease of getting the right parts. And finally, in 1996, Volkswagen released a completely new type - the B5. After 5 years, it evolved into the B5 +, which consumers preferred to buy in a station wagon.

Volkswagen Passat B5

In its current form, the Volkswagen Passat B5 freely competes with similar classmates Audi and Saab. A quick glance is enough to determine that all changes are reduced to the outer shell, mainly to the comfortable interior. It should be noted that the car is well equipped. The youngest configuration already contains power accessories, ABS, airbags. A huge plus is the double galvanized body.

Among the drawbacks noted by experienced car enthusiasts included reduced safety due to frequently breaking unreliable aluminum suspension and difficulty in repairing.

pros

• double galvanized body,
• knocked down suspension allows you to comfortably pass speed bumps,
• 6 airbags,
• comfortable lounge, good sound insulation,
• automatic front power windows,
• cabin filter,
• climate control.

Minuses

• acceleration dynamics on the base engine is rather weak,
• the seats, although they are adjustable in all planes, but manually,
• the trunk is small, although there is no problem with stowing the stroller,
• there is no USB / FM switching on the steering wheel, you can only change the volume and switch the track,
• squeaks about an unfastened seat belt as soon as you start the engine (unnerving),
• unreliable aluminum multi-link suspension (levers are interchangeable with Audi A-4, not repairable, on our roads require maintenance 2-3 times a year, you can only replace the silent block, but the ball joint itself is rolled up in aluminum),
• inexpressive appearance (a car like many).

Neutral qualities

• Tiptronic (very few people will come in handy),
• shelf for trash in the trunk,
• a cigarette lighter in the trunk (perhaps for a refrigerator?),
• The battery is hidden, but at least not in the wing,)
• there are towing loops.

When buying a Volkswagen Passat B5, it is advisable to strive for the best configuration - Highline, which, in addition to excellent characteristics, is distinguished by a beautiful interior trim with wood-like inserts. However, it should be borne in mind that most of the cars that come to us are broken. After the accident, apart from the disturbed geometry of the body, they have reduced anticorrosion resistance, so even double galvanizing will not help.

Video

Main Road VW Passat B5

2001 Volkswagen Passat B5. Overview. Test Drive. AvtoMan

The fourth generation Volkswagen Passat received the B5 index. The car was assembled in Germany itself, as well as in Slovakia and even China. Note that the Tradewinds assembled in China are intended exclusively for the domestic market. You can find out where the car is assembled by the 11th symbol of the VIN-code: the letter "E" indicates the city of Emden, D - tells about the assembly in Bratislava, and the number 8 indicates that the car was assembled in Dresden. The first generation of the Volkswagen Passat saw the world in 1973, interestingly, but the cars of the first generation were produced in a hatchback body, the sedan became available only with the appearance of the second generation Passat in 1980.
The third generation called B3 entered the market in 1988, it was this car that became widely known and popular in the CIS, the car formed the Passat's image as a reliable and easy-to-repair car. In 1993, the third generation of the Passat was updated, sometimes the updated B3 is called the fourth, but in fact it is a restyled B3. In 1996, assembly of the Passat B5 began. Volkswagen Passat B5 is based on the AUDI A4 B5 platform, which makes the vehicle highly efficient. The assembly of the Passat sedan was curtailed in 2005, the station wagon in the back of the B5 was produced for another year. In this review, we'll take a look at the Passat B5.

Body and appearance:

Volkswagen Passat B3 became the first car of the brand with a galvanized body, thanks to double-sided galvanizing, the manufacturer gave a 12-year guarantee against perforating corrosion, which is twice the warranty for the body. Judging by the appearance of Passats driving on our roads and reviews of the owners - the bodies are actually the strong point of this car. When creating the B5, much attention was paid to aerodynamics and body streamlining, the drag coefficient of the Volkswagen Passat B5 is 0.27. For comparison, the drag coefficient of the Chevrolet Corvette C6 is 0.29.


The car was produced in two types of bodies: a sedan, according to the internal corporate classification of Volkswagen - Limousine and a station wagon, which was designated as Variant. Compared to the previous Passat, the B5 has become 10cm longer, the width has increased by 3cm and the wheelbase has increased by 7cm. After modernization in 2001, the track was widened by 17mm, the front overhang became 15mm longer, and the rear overhang by 13mm. According to the Volkswagen employees themselves, the restyled car received 2,315 new parts. The updated B5 is called the GP, or B5 +. After restyling in 2001, the car received a new grille, new front and rear bumpers, new optics and front fenders. In China, a long-wheelbase modification was produced, which is 10 cm longer than the usual Passat, in Europe it played the role of an elongated sedan. The length of the extended version of the Passat is only slightly inferior to the dimensions. Cars brought from the United States are not difficult to distinguish by additional side lights that are built into the bumpers, as well as by the rear niche for a square-shaped license plate. The most powerful modification of the Volkswagen Passat with a W8 engine can be distinguished by alloy wheels with 225/45 R17 tires, a W8 4motion nameplate on the trunk lid (as Volkswagen designates its four-wheel drive), as well as four chrome-plated exhaust pipes. Less powerful Volkswagens wear 195/65 R15 and 205/55 R16 tires. You can find the external differences before and after the restyled Volkswagen in the photo, the top photo - before the restyling, the bottom photo - after the 2001 restyling.

Salon and equipment:

At one time, the Volkswagen Passat B5 had the most spacious interior in the class. Finishing the materials are soft and superior in quality to the upholstery of the new Korean golf-class cars. Many Passats were equipped with an automatic transmission with manual mode, in order to engage an overdrive, push the lever away from you; to switch to a downshift, pull the gearshift lever towards you. The Volkswagen steering column is already in the basic version adjustable in both directions: both in reach and in tilt. The machines for Europe and the CIS were offered in the following trim levels: Basis, Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. American cars had a different configuration designation: GL, GLS and the most expensive - GLX. The standard equipment of Volkswagen includes two airbags, seat belts with pretensioners, power steering, electric front windows and side mirrors, central locking and air conditioning. As additional equipment for the Passat B5, the first owner could choose climate control, navigation system, leather interior, six airbags, electrically adjustable front seats equipped with position memory. To the left of the steering wheel, there is a niche in the dashboard, which is very convenient for documents. The weak point of the Passat is the control unit under the front seat. This unit is responsible for the operation of alarms, electric drives, interior lighting, etc. In winter, the snow from the sole of the shoe thaws, and water often flows down to the control unit. In 2000, the basic equipment of the Passat included heated front seats and heated windshield washer nozzles. After restyling, the handbrake lever was moved closer to the driver - this made it possible to free up space for two cup holders. Also, the post-styled Volkswagen Passat can be recognized by the instrument scales with silver edging. Behind, even for a tall person, there will be plenty of room. Compared to the previous generation, the trunk of the Passat B5 sedan has decreased by 20 liters, the trunk of the sedan holds 470 liters, the backrests of the sofa can be folded. The station wagon is more spacious, the trunk of the van holds 495 liters, and with the second row of seats folded down, the volume increases to 1600 liters.

Specifications Volkswagen Passat B5

The package of bad roads, which was equipped with the Volkswagen Passat B5 sold new in the CIS, includes: stiffer springs and shock absorbers, these parts increase the ground clearance (clearance) by 30mm. Volkswagen Passat sold new in the CIS was prepared for driving on 92nd gasoline. An electronic stabilization system was available as an option, but it was installed regularly on the W8 modification.

The least powerful gasoline engine offered for the Passat is the four-cylinder 1.6 with an eight-valve cylinder head, producing 101 horsepower. The atmospheric petrol 1.8 is equipped with five valves per cylinder and develops 125 horsepower. The 1.8-liter engine could be turbocharged, the turbo engine power was 150 horsepower (170 after the update). There are also two-liter modifications, a 2.0 engine with two valves per cylinder produces 115hp, and a more modern engine of the same volume, but with five valves per cylinder, develops a power of 130hp. The VR5 modification had a 2.3-liter engine, it is noteworthy that this is a five-cylinder engine and this is the only B5b engine in the entire lineup with a chain-driven gas distribution mechanism. Until 2003, the most powerful Passat was the VR6 with a 2.8-liter V6 engine (this unit is known by). The camber angle of the cylinders in the V-shaped block is 15 degrees, the power of the V6 2.8 is 193hp. V6 2.8 allows you to gain one hundred kilometers per hour 7.6s after the start. The most powerful in the entire range of Passat B5 engines is the W8, which appeared in 2003 with a volume of 4.0 liters and a capacity of 275 horsepower. The eight-cylinder Passat under the hood is always equipped with all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission.

Diesel units have traditionally been in high demand in Europe. The 1.9-liter diesel engine was initially available in three power modifications: 90, 100 and 110 horsepower, but after the installation of a new Common Rail injection system in 1999, the power of 1.9 diesel engines increased to 110, 115 and 130 horsepower, respectively. The most powerful six-cylinder diesel engine 2.5 is considered not the most reliable, experts advise to abandon this power plant. In 2004, a year before production was discontinued, the installation of a new 136 horsepower 2.0TDI diesel engine began.

Five and six-speed mechanics, as well as four and five-speed automatic are available as gearboxes for the Volkswagen Passat. All engines, in addition to the base 1.6 by 101 strength, could dock with an assault rifle. Note also that the five-speed automatic Tiptronic for Volkswagen was developed by Porsche.

The clutch on the Passat with a manual transmission lives 200,000 km (with normal, non-sporty driving).

The timing belt should be replaced no later than with a mileage of 120,000; it makes sense to immediately change the cooling system pump. On 1.8t powertrains, as well as V6 individual ignition coils fail over time, it is logical to assume that replacing six coils with a V6 will cost more than replacing four with 1.8t. On these engines, a loss of tightness of the gasket of the casing of the variable valve timing mechanism was noticed. With a mileage of more than 150,000, the electrohydraulic tensioner of the phase change mechanism wears out. As with the AUDI A6 C5, V6 engines have seen oil leakage from under the valve cover and their front crankshaft oil seal. Gasoline 2.0 is very picky about oil quality. The same can be said about turbodiesels, as well as the 1.8t gasoline turbo four. In turbo engines, low-quality oil leads to coking of the oil receiver, as well as the oil supply pipe of the turbine. Checking the pipe for cleanliness should be carried out with a mileage of 30,000 km. In turbodiesels, low-quality oil can also lead to a defect in the camshaft and failure of the injector pump. The air filter on turbodiesels should be replaced with a mileage of 10,000 - 15,000; on petrol Volkswagen, this operation can be carried out at 20,000 mileage, but better earlier. The front hydraulic mounts of the Volkswagen engine run 60,000 - 80,000. Uneven idling of the power unit can be caused by clogging of the throttle body, varnish-like deposits form on the body. There are cases when antifreeze corroded the water pump shaft seal.

Front-wheel drive versions of the Passat are equipped with a rear semi-independent suspension, a beam, it does not provide excellent driving properties, but it is reliable, but the 4motion all-wheel drive modifications have a fully independent suspension. According to experts, it is the independent suspension that is Volkswagen's weak point.

Let's pay attention to the technical characteristics of the Volkswagen Pasat B5 with a 1.8t engine, front-wheel drive and a five-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.

Specifications:

Engine: 1.8t gasoline

Volume: 1781cube

Power: 170hp

Torque: 210N.M

Number of valves: 20v (five valves per cylinder)

Performance indicators:

Acceleration 0 - 100km: 10.5s (9.2- mechanics)

Maximum speed: 215km (221 - mechanics)

Average fuel consumption: 10L

Fuel tank capacity: 62L

Dimensions: 4670mm * 1740mm * 1460mm

Wheelbase: 2700mm

Curb weight: 1280kg

Ground clearance / clearance: 124mm (+ 30mm bad road package)

Volkswagen Passat with manual and automatic transmissions have a different main pair, on cars with an automatic gearbox - 3.7, and on mechanics, the main pair is longer - 3.09.

Volkswagen Passat B5 price

Today you can buy a well-groomed Volkswagen Passat B5 for $ 10,000 - $ 17,000. The price of a used Pasat is not so much dependent on the engine and equipment, the main role in pricing is played by the technical condition of the car.