Volkswagen Passat (B5)

The VW Passat B5 (type 3B ) is a mid-size car from Volkswagen. He released in autumn 1996 from the Passat B4.

The first model B5 was from October 1996 ( Variant: as of March 1997) produced by August 2000, the second model B5 GP from October 2000 to May 2005. The suffix " GP" stood for "Great product improvement ," a proper name of VW for facelift, mainly based in this case on external changes. The model was produced in Germany in the two plants in Emden, and Mosel / Saxony.

In spring 2005 it replaced in Germany the Passat B6.

• 2.1 Specifications

Passat 3B/B5 (1996-2000)

VW Passat Sedan (1996-2000)

The Passat B5 provides particularly good space in the rear. Compared to previous models 35i type of motor is again as in the first two model generations of the Passat that were offered to 1988, installed longitudinally. The powertrain is similar to the Audi A4 was introduced in 1994. With the Series B5 Volkswagen wanted to set new quality standards for future products of the company: The body is fully galvanized and VW are a eleven-year warranty against rust. In connection with the torsionally rigid body, the four-link front axle of the Audi A4, as well as a redesigned rear torsion beam axle, the Passat received good reviews in terms of ride comfort. The sales ratio of combined (Variant) and sedan is about 80:20.

While due to the fully galvanized Karrosseriekonstruktion at this no deficiencies were noted, it was the mechanical quality of the moving parts in the beginning partly bad: loose tie rods and ball joints and scattered rust on the tailgate were a problem. To this end, defective door locks and much more joined. The numerous quality problems also hung along with the course of the then "VW - saving restoration company " Lopez. The B5 was the first model with a CAN bus for the convenience systems. Unfortunately, it came there often to problems ( for example, with the central locking ). The problems decreased with the model years. As of 2000, the Passat 3BG could keep up in the functional quality of the competition on equal terms.

• Platform: PL45
• October 11, 1996 common platform with Audi: Re- longitudinally mounted engines.

VW Passat Variant (1997-2000)

Rear view

Cockpit

Specifications

For motors 1.8 ( 92 kW), 2.3 V5 (110 kW ) 1.9 TDI ( 81/85 kW) and 2.5 TDI (110 kW ) is also a four-wheel drive could be ordered. The 2.8 (142 kW) was standard with all-wheel system syncro or from 04 /1999 4motion drive. The all-wheel drive system gets 1998, the new name 4Motion. This all-wheel drive ( syncro and 4motion ) is largely identical with the Audi quattro drive.

Note: The TDI lettering for 1.9 -liter and 2.5 - liter engines with distributor injection pump with 81 kW (110 hp) or 110 kW ( 150 hp) was seen on the red "I". The TDI lettering for 1.9 liter pump -jet engines with 74 kW ( 100 hp ) was on the red "I" and for 85 kW to recognize (115 hp ) on the red " DI ".

Passat 3BG/B5 GP ( 2000-2005)

VW Passat Sedan (2000-2003)

On 10 November 2000, the launch of the Passat 3BG type or B5 GP took place ( " Great product improvement ").

It differed from the original Passat B5 by optical retouching, contained the modified headlights and taillights. The scattering glass headlights were altered by clear-glass headlights with chrome inserts and sharply contoured indicators. At the rear, the newly introduced round lights look was particularly striking that marked other VW models until the onset of the design by Walter da Silva. The mechanical quality improved significantly. On the engine side was completely converted to pump-nozzle injection at the 1.9-liter diesels.

From model year 2001 with the 4Motion all-wheel drive, an eight -cylinder engine ( W motor) both as a sedan or variant as a Passat W8 (type 3BS ) offered, although it increased the image, but remained very low in the sales figures and therefore in the summer was discontinued in 2004. The W8 was also built under the name "Passat Protect" as a special protection vehicle of the B4 resistance level, but only as a sedan.

Just such a rarity was the end of 2003 ( model year 2004) offered 2 -liter TDI with diesel particulate filters and 100 kW ( 136 hp ), which could boost the then sagging sales figures again clearly. A special feature of this engine decreed for the first time as standard with this filter means. To this end, he offered an additive dosing system, the urea solution beimischte the combustion process from an auxiliary tank in the rear. This technology was abandoned by Volkswagen for the German market in the passenger car segment again now. As of 2002, there was a very similar model of the Passat the sister company Skoda, the Skoda Superb I. He has over the Passat a longer wheelbase, seats and other equipment details. With this, the so-called "China trade " is largely identical.

For the model year 2004, another minor facelift was carried out without changing the product. Significant differences are the modified side mirrors with integrated turn signals. In addition, the series trim levels were revised.

VW Passat Sedan (2003-2005)

Rear view

VW Passat Variant (2000-2003)

VW Passat Variant (2003-2005)

Rear view

Cockpit

Specifications

For motors with 2.0 ( 85 kW), 2.3 V5 (125 kW ) 1.9 TDI (96 kW) and 2.5 TDI (110 kW ) is also a four-wheel drive could be ordered. The 2.8 (142 kW ) 2.5 TDI (132 kW ) and the W8 was equipped with 4motion. This all-wheel drive ( 4Motion ) is largely identical with the Audi quattro drive.

Note: The TDI lettering for pump -jet engines with 74 kW ( 100 hp ) was on the red "I", for 96 kW ( 130 hp ) on the red " DI " and the 100 kW to 09/2004 on the red "TDI " to recognize. After which the lettering was " 2.0 TDI" used in silver. The TDI lettering for distributor injection pump engines with 110 kW ( 150 hp) was on the red " DI " and 132 kW can be seen on the red "I", for 120 kW (163 hp) (180 PS) at the red "TDI".

Equipment lines of the Passat 3B 3BG and

The Passat B5 (type 3B and 3BG ) was available in four trim levels: Base, Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. The standard equipment features described relate to the first model year of the model 3B5 (model 1997 ) and the former VW price list are removed.

• Trendline surfaces with soft-touch paint, front electric windows, 4 -spoke steering wheel, cup holder, cushion cover in a simple substance, partially painted bumpers, Luggage compartment blind (Variant), steel wheels with wheel covers
• Comfortline was in contrast very designed for comfort. There was soft comfort seats in velor, 4-spoke steering wheel, electric windows front and rear, luggage compartment blind (Variant), partially painted bumpers, steel wheels with wheel covers
• Sportline was aiming mainly at sport-oriented customers and so there was sports seats, 3-spoke steering wheel, sports seats with lumbar support, electric windows front and rear, trim strips in carbon design, steel wheels with wheel covers, luggage compartment blind (Variant), partially painted bumpers
• Highline was the highest trim line. She was much more expensive, but it also offered more features such as leather seats (or Alcantara ), radio gamma, wood or carbon trim. Externally, there were bumpers painted in body color with surrounding Buffer Profiles and doors with chrome trim, Luggage compartment blind (Variant), electric windows front and rear, standard alloy wheels ( or no extra cost other VW rims of your choice) and an automatic climate control.

There were in addition also still different, partly country-specific models. In 2000, there were, for example, an "Edition " series with Adelaide alloy wheels and neatly patterned cushions that of the first - generation run- 3B5 model. In Austria designations GL and GT ( upgraded Comfort or Highline ) were introduced from MJ04. Furthermore, there was a special model "Business", which was delivered with an integrated speakerphone.