• 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 addition GP stand for Large product upgrade, 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.

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 eleven years warranty against corrosion. 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 at the exchange rate of that time VW-saving restoration company Lopez together. 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.

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.

On 10 November 2000, the launch of the Passat 3BG type or B5 GP was ( Large product upgrade).

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 under the name Passat Protect built 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 (136hp), 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 developed by Volkswagen for the German market in the passenger car segment is now abandoned. As of 2002, there was a very similar model of the Passat, the Group sister Koda, the Skoda Superb I. He has over the Passat a longer wheelbase, seats and other equipment details. This is the so-called-China trade quite equivalent.

For the 2004 model year, 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.

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.

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.

There were in addition also still different, partly country-specific models. In 2000 there were, for example, a Edition Series with Adelaide alloy wheels and neat 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.

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