Yes, I didn’t kill anything, I just drove longer on the rattling suspension (change it anyway), kept an eye on the engine, and that’s the main thing. The suspension will be changed and it will continue to drive and drive.

This is the author of the review. Well, you shouldn’t all think so badly of me. This is what the person wrote absolutely correctly. I didn't kill anything. The car was always clean, both externally and internally well maintained. Kill - I meant high revs, because when I drove Russian cars, their engine stopped working for me after a maximum of six months from high speed, and no amount of expensive oil helped them. But the Passat would at least benefit from such speeds. Did the suspension rattle?! So they sentenced only two levers, they rattled, the rest were good. By the way, I sold it for a very reasonable price. You know what good condition and for such a year they ask for up to 330 tr. I sold it for 220. Think for yourself when you buy 100 tr cheaper. A professional driver took it, he looked good and he himself is not a sucker, but a pro! Of course, it will take about 100 tr to fine-tune it. But you will know that you did everything for yourself. I didn't want to do this. I revealed all the secrets. I’m very glad that this site has such wonderful, loving cars People. I have the same opinion that a car is living creature! Thank you all for reading my chaotic review!

Well yes... for that price...
A friend of mine bought it for 320 rubles. E39, produced in 1997... having done the diagnostics, I roughly estimated that I would have to invest about 30-40 kilos of rubles. So... after six months of owning this cheap unit, he already rolled 110 rubles into it (replacing all the struts, rear subframe, front and rear H-arms, power steering pump, radiator) and this is not the limit to the point that he still needs the same amount of mine! The rack is on the way, the wheels are on the threshing floor, the airbags with an error, the rear camber is not being done and therefore it still shakes at speeds over 100 km/h
Well, it's that simple...by the way.
I myself always urge you not to save money when choosing a car and try to buy a car in a condition close to ideal. Some bugs will still come out, but they won’t be a BOUQUET!
It’s not for nothing that the proverb says that trouble doesn’t come alone! Most often, if the suspension is damaged, it means that money was spared on the car and, accordingly, surprises can be anywhere.
Recently, a friend and I went to see the Golf 4 00 for 220 thousand.
It does not have a single serviceable node:
The walker is rattling
Airbags with an error (the control does not even light up)
ESP and ABS are generally not clear when the last time it worked (the control is sealed with black electrical tape)
the engine does not develop speed
the air conditioner doesn't work... like freon needs to be filled with current
the interior is smoky and scorched
The dashboard is glitchy and lights up like a Christmas tree.
fuel level does not show
But what price?!! The seller says... like... if you invest 40 thousand correctly and you will be happy, and estimating the cost of spare parts and repairs it already comes out to more than 100 thousand rubles. And this is just what we saw, but how much more threshing floor can come out. And the seller insists... the machine is a reliable scribe... it doesn’t eat money at all... I don’t remember the last time I was in the service department.

Back in 1996, Volkswagen released another Passat, which turned out to be not another, but completely different. Inherited from the previous model, new Passat received only a name, Volkswagen developed everything else from scratch. The new B5 was not at all a “people’s” car in terms of maintenance, but received a number of advantages over the old generation.

What's the difference?

When creating the new model, the manufacturer focused on design, quality of materials and comfort of movement. For the B5 we used the 1994 Audy A4 platform. Along with the platform, Volkswagen also inherited a front multi-link aluminum suspension, several engines with a longitudinal arrangement and a couple of other components. The body was created taking into account passive safety and aerodynamics, and was produced completely galvanized (12 years warranty), so problems with corrosion are usually not observed (if there were no accidents, of course), with the exception of the only place - the lighting area rear number. The new Passat began to look and drive much more respectable and prestigious, and after restyling in 2000, the model received updated bumpers, front and tail lights and began to look even richer. Changes affected the front suspension and interior (the most noticeable change is the bright blue backlight devices).

The first owners often bought the car in rich equipment, so it’s not difficult to find specimens with full “minced meat” on the market. Although even the base version has climate control, ABS, front power accessories and two airbags.

Which engine to choose?

There are as many as 17 engines that were installed on the Passat B5 (10 gasoline and 7 diesel), but in “our area” the most common are the 1.8 gasoline engines with a turbine. Not so common are two-liter, 2.8 V6 and turbodiesels with a volume of 1.9 liters. Other motors are rare. Due to the longitudinal arrangement of the engine, the procedure for replacing the timing belt has become slightly more expensive (masters have to disassemble almost the entire front of the car, and the work itself costs $100), the belt must be changed every 120,000 km (or immediately after purchase, because faith In all honesty, the speedometer does not exist). A set of spare parts for replacing a timing belt will cost from $120 to $300, depending on the manufacturer (and quality). Be sure to change the water pump along with the belt - it won’t last two times ($50-80).

When purchasing, be sure to check the turbine (if there is one), or bargain for an extra $800-1000 for a replacement. The average service life of a turbine on a Pasat is about 150,000 thousand km, but this period radically depends on the quality of service and the method of operating the vehicle. For long-term operation, you need to observe some things:

• Always use high-quality synthetic oil in your engine;
• The engine maintenance interval should not be less than once every 7-10 thousand km (although the manufacturer recommends an interval of 15 thousand km, in our realities it is better to reduce it);
• Every 30 thousand. km to clean the turbine oil pipe (it is advisable to change it every 60 thousand km, and after purchase it is mandatory);
• Change the air filter at least every 15-20 thousand km;
• Do not turn off the engine immediately after dynamic driving; you must allow the turbine to “rest” for idling a couple of minutes (or set a turbo timer).

Unfortunately, not all owners comply with at least half of these rules. Signs of imminent turbine “death”: whistling or howling and extraneous noise when it is running, there is oil on the body, a decreasing whine after the engine is stopped. Typical failures of the 1.8T and V6 engines include ignition coils, which regularly fail, and the electric hydraulic tensioner of the phase change mechanism, the life of which usually ends after 150 thousand mileage (this mechanism was not installed on 1.8T AEB engines until 2000). The two-liter engine loves to eat oil. An alternative to the 1.8T engine could be the VR5: a 5-cylinder engine that has the same power, but without a turbine. It pulls well from the very bottom, and instead of a belt it has a more reliable timing chain (this idyll is only marred by noisier engine operation).

If you decide to buy a diesel engine, then you should think about the fact that the diesel car rarely bought to drive 15,000-20,000 km/year. If you are sure, then you need to opt for the turbocharged 1.9 liter. These engines turned out to be quite reliable even when proper care They can easily travel up to 400,000 km. Possible problems:

• Turbine - the problems discussed above, for gasoline models;
• Fuel injection pump is a bad diesel fuel, especially if water gets in, repairs are expensive;
• Cylinder-piston group, if the previous owner was a racer (110 horsepower is not enough for dynamic driving and the engine has to be revved up);
• It is necessary to flush the tank and clean the nozzles annually;
• Spark plugs usually last no longer than 60 thousand km.

Passat B5 gearboxes

Before restyling manual transmission There was only one gearbox - a 5-speed one, after 2000 it also appeared with six speeds. The mechanics are usually problem-free, and the clutch “survives” up to 200,000 km during “human” use.

There were two types of automatic transmissions on the VW Passat B5:

• The old 4-speed is “thoughtful”, but terribly reliable (don’t forget to change the oil and filter every 60 thousand km)
• Newer 5-speed Tiptronic, with manual shifting, which is main problem this box. After 150 thousand mileage, the valve block and gear packages often fail.

For mysterious reasons automatic boxes gears with high mileage(over 200,000 km) can “die” from a banal oil change. Therefore, many owners play it safe and dream that the box will last until it is sold without changing the oil and filter.

Is the Passat B5's suspension expensive?

The ride quality of the B5's suspension is praised by everyone - comfortable, grips the road excellently, and corners wonderfully! Such characteristics were achieved thanks to a complex multi-link front suspension (4 levers per wheel), but you have to pay for it. Today, everything is not as scary as in 1996-1999, then the lower control arms rarely lasted more than 30-40 thousand and there was no such choice of alternative spare parts. After restyling, the situation with durability has improved slightly. Many are scared off by the myth that Volkswagen Passat B5 front suspension needs to be replaced as a whole - this is not true. The main source of the spread of the myth is official dealers who don’t want to bother with replacing individual levers, and they can earn more from a complete replacement. Buy complete set arms and ends of the front suspension will have to be done if it is already completely “killed” (when purchasing this can be easily checked at any service and you can safely reduce the price by $600-700) or if you are going to drive this car for a long time (the kit is cheaper than each part separately, and you will gradually change individual parts as needed). The quality of spare parts can be divided into three categories:

• The original is of high quality, but the price is even higher. In addition, it is easy to run into a Chinese counterfeit, which you will buy for crazy money;
• LEMFORDER, HDE, Ruville are German manufacturers who value their name and monitor the quality of their products (LEMFORDER gives a guarantee of 80 thousand km on a set of levers and you can buy this set for $500);
• China, Turkey, Taiwan - the quality leaves much to be desired, and the packaging may contain loud inscriptions: GERMANY, ITALY, USA, which show where the Brand is registered, and the production will be you know where and you know how.

Based on the above, it is recommended to choose golden mean. Rear semi-independent suspension front wheel drive cars almost eternal, it is usually replaced due to old age, as cracks appear on the rubber parts. On all-wheel drive versions rear suspension independent, but does not cause any special problems and runs about 100,000 km. By the way four-wheel drive The Passat has a copy of the quattro system on the Audi. During operation it does not cause any problems (oil in the gearbox and transfer case filled at the factory for the entire service life), and cross-country ability in winter and dirty times increases dramatically.

Bottom line

Volkswagen Passat B5 is a worthy car that has earned such popularity for a reason. When choosing a used car, carefully diagnose all the problematic issues that were considered, and you will have a real chance to buy an excellent car. Otherwise, owning a Passat can be a burden even for a good family budget.

For your information!

If the electrics in the car start to malfunction: the windows themselves open, central locking and the alarm takes on a life of its own—this means moisture has reached the comfort unit, which is located near the driver’s left foot. The solution is deep floor mats.

Repair Manual
VW Passat B5 since 1997, VW Passat B5 Variant since 1997.
Repair manual diesel engines 1.6 with letter designation: AHL, ANA, ARM. Revision 09.1999
These engines were installed on Volkswagen cars Passat B5 / Volkswagen Passat B5 (3B2, 3B5) 1997 - 2001
Contents (repair groups): 00 - Technical data, 10 - Removing and installing engine, 13 - Crankshaft group, 15 - Cylinder head, Valve gear, 17 - Lubrication, 19 - Cooling system, 20 - Fuel supply system, 24 - Mixture preparation , Injection, 26 - Exhaust system, 28 - Ignition system.
00 - technical data, 10 - engine disassembly, 13 - gear crankshaft, cylinder block, 15 - cylinder head, valve mechanism, 17 - lubrication system, 19 - cooling system, 20 - fuel system, 24 - formation fuel mixture, injection, 26 - exhaust system, 28 - ignition system.
230 pages. 4 Mb.

Cooling, heating, ventilation and air conditioning system
(Cooling, Heating, Air Conditioning and Climate Control Systems)

Injection and ignition systems
(Injector, ignition system)

Fuel system
(Fuel System)

Exhaust system
(Exhaust system)

Front and rear suspension
(Front and rear suspension)

Brake system
(ABS, EDS, ESP / Brake system)

Steering
(Steering)

Gearboxes, clutch
(Transmission, clutch)

Body
(Body)

Electrical equipment
(Electrical equipment)

Generator repair - no charging, generator lamp blinking (rus.) Photo report

Replacing Bosch generator bearings (rus.) Photo report.

Electrical diagrams VW Passat B5 1997-2000 (rus.) Colored, detailed, in Russian! 5 Mb.

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 new stage in the history of the line. With the release of the modern generation, the German manufacturer decided to seriously approach the category vehicles luxury class.

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

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

The Audi A4 car was used as a platform to create the fifth generation. The aluminum front suspension, as well as the location of longitudinal power units, were borrowed from it. New model body German car provided an excellent level of safety and low aerodynamic drag.

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

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

Initially, the B5 was offered in two body styles. The first of them was a sedan, and the second was a station wagon. Main parameters of the model:

• length – 4669-4704 mm;
• scale in 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 is equipped with two large dials. Between them is the information display of the trip computer. The steering wheel has a three-spoke design and also features 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 any body type. Luggage compartment B5 designed to carry 475 liters of luggage. If you fold the backrest - 745 liters.

Model equipment

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

The car is distinguished by significant spaciousness, which allows you not to feel cramped while in it. However, owners of this model note several shortcomings. First of all, these are the inappropriate sizes of the rear view mirrors. Many point out that the limited visibility in fifth-generation models causes some inconvenience. In addition, the disadvantages include problems with the central locking (found only in the station wagon version) and insufficient heating of the seats.

However It is worth noting the modified suspension and modern electronic devices . The basic B5 package consists of:

• 4 airbags;
• electrical package;
• climate control;
• tinted windows;
• 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 line of fifth generation engines has always been the pride of this brand. The Volkswagen Passat B5 was equipped with both diesel and gasoline power units. The most popular are:

In addition, the manufacturer offers three transmission variations: five- and six-speed manual, as well as 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 appearance of the B5 model is solid and dynamic. The round shape of the rear lights complements the sporty appearance of the car. The interior is equipped with many decorative wood-effect panels, as well as leather and chromed steel parts.

Technical characteristics of Passat B5

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

Equipping with advanced electronics and the presence of other technologically complex parts makes you take your choice especially seriously. 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 poor-quality restoration of the coating after an accident. The German manufacturer provided a 12-year warranty on the body. The fact indicates that its corrosion resistance remains high . This has already become a tradition for German cars.

What's inside?

Under the hood of this model you can find one of six gasoline-type units. For this brand, a five-cylinder V-shaped engine with a volume of 2-3 liters was offered. Its power is 150 hp. s., as well as 250 Hm of maximum torque. The category of four-cylinder units consists of naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines. Their volume varies from 1.6 to 2 liters with a generation of 101 -150 horsepower. The rotating thrust of the unit ranges from 140 to 220 Hm.

The leading position is occupied by a 2.8-liter engine, which develops a power of 193 horsepower. Torque thrust of the unit – 290 Hm. 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 power-assisted, and the braking package includes all-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 cars with front-wheel drive, and with a full-wheel drive - an independent “multi-link”. The front one is a two-wishbone design.

Main advantages of the model

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

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

The suspension for domestic roads turns out to be quite stiff, and there is also little clearance to the road surface. The interior of the cabin creates a feeling of luxury and luxury; one gets the impression that the B5 is a class higher than it actually is. The Passat stands out from its competitors. This is due to the high-quality interior and a large selection of additional equipment.

The model’s gasoline units are equipped with a distributed injection system, and the diesel engine itself is equipped with TDI communication, which is equipped with pump 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 carrying out 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, so it should only be synthetic.

• type of built-in motor;
• technical condition of the unit;
• car owner's driving habits.

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

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 to ensure safety. On many cars, the mileage readings do not correspond to the actual mileage, so you can only guess about the real numbers.

Possible problems

When operating a 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 operation at idle speed. This problem is actually very easy to fix. The main cause is usually a clogged throttle valve.

In addition, almost every 50,000 km the water fuel pump fails. This is explained by the use of poor quality antifreeze, which destroys the pump seal. However, the most vulnerable point of the B5 model engine is the turbine. In order to extend its service life, the engine should idle for several minutes before turning off the car.

If we consider diesel units, then most breakdowns of gasoline engines are not typical for them. But even in this case, troubles cannot be avoided. The main problems are:

• rapid pipe wear;
• antifreeze breakdowns;
• inflatable valve failure;
• compression drop.

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

What is the result?

Manufacturers B5 represent the brand as a national one. However, the pricing policy for parts is not at all democratic. This could be expected, since the car mechanism is quite complex in its technical design. The fifth generation Volkswagen Passat is a fairly common brand, so there are no problems with spare parts, which is good news.

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

• high level of reliability;
• excellent handling;
• high-quality interior;
• 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 has held its position as the best family car. Among the huge number of foreign cars, it is still distinguished by its presentable appearance. This is a car that is really worth the money.

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

To achieve a high level, the main qualities of the new product were powerful engines, excellent handling, aristocratic design of the body and interior, as well as high reliability of the car. The platform for the creation of the 5th generation Passat was the Audi A4 trolley. From it, an aluminum front suspension and a longitudinal arrangement of power units were used. The body of the new Volkswagen Passat B5 provided a decent level of safety and low aerodynamic drag.

More about used cars:

In 2000, the Volkswagen Passat B5 underwent restyling, as a result of which the bumpers, headlights, rear optics, instrument lighting (blue instead of green) and the front suspension were changed. The model was produced in this form until its successor appeared.
In our article we will try to help a potential buyer of a Passat B 5 with mileage in choosing a worthy copy on the secondary market, we will also provide information on vehicle maintenance and regulations for replacing consumables and worn-out components and assemblies.

Indeed, even today, despite its advanced 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, in a sedan or station wagon, is only half the battle. Before the release of this model, the Pasat truly belonged to the category of a car for ordinary people.

But the filling with electronics and other complex components force you to pay very close attention to 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 prices for spare parts (selection of spare parts at disassembly is possible), the condition of the engine, and other possible errors, malfunctions and problems, which, fortunately, are well known thanks to numerous reviews from owners of cars of this model.

Body characteristics

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

What's inside

The interior of the 5th generation Passat, including the instrument panel, covers, and everything with which passengers directly come into contact inside, is made so well and with high quality that the driver sometimes gets the feeling that 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 stash. Thanks to the combination of a high-quality interior and a large selection of additional equipment, the Passat stands out among its competitors.

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

The basic version of the Passat B 5 had 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 huge: xenon, rain and light sensors, various radios, air conditioning or climate control, heated steering wheel and seats, leather interior, sunroof and other attributes of an expensive car.

Technical characteristics of Volkswagen Passat B5 with mileage

The choice of Volkswagen engines is extremely wide; this 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 horsepower?! Add to this the ability to order, in addition to front-wheel drive, a car with 4Motion all-wheel drive and three gearboxes. The Passat W8 and Passat Variant W8 models with a 275 horsepower 4.0-liter engine stand out.
All gasoline engines are equipped with a distributed injection system, and the Volkswagen Passat B5 diesel engine is equipped with a TDI system with pump injectors.

• The most popular turned out to be a 150-horsepower 1.8-liter turbo engine with a low-pressure turbine and a 2.8-liter naturally aspirated engine.

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

According to factory regulations, engine oil must be changed every 15,000 km, along with oil and air filters, but domestic mechanics advise reducing the interval to 10,000 km. Only synthetic engine oil should be used, because not only the life of the turbine, but also the trouble-free operation of all engine parts directly depends on it. Only AI-95 gasoline is recommended, 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 most popular Volkswagen Passat B5 1.8 T (150 hp) among Russian owners is on average 10-12 liters; for those who like to light up in city mode, the engine readily digests 15-16 liters of gasoline.

After purchasing 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 actual mileage, so one can only guess about the actual mileage traveled.

Possible problems and malfunctions of Volkswagen Passat B5 used

This category includes uneven operation of the engine at idle speed. This error is easily treated; the cause 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 seal. The most problematic part of a turbocharged 1.8-liter engine is the turbine; to extend its life, be sure 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 to high speeds (contraindicated for a diesel engine) during acceleration, and this leads to faster wear of the cylinder-piston group (CPG), but still, with proper maintenance, they will cover 400,000 km without any problems.
Mechanics consider rapid wear of the turbine due to lubrication problems and failure of the coolant temperature sensor to be a problem with diesel engines. Often the antifreeze gradually disappears, the boost valve fails and compression drops due to burnout of the valves. A very serious problem can be a broken tension roller, which leads to a broken belt and collision of valves with pistons, and this guarantees a large financial investment.
Although pump injectors have proven themselves 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 content of sulfur and paraffins.

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

• From the factory, the cars were equipped with a five-speed manual transmission, to which a 6-speed manual transmission was added after restyling. There are no complaints about both gearboxes, just replacing the clutch disc at 200,000 km. Over time, a slight backlash appears when shifting gears, but this does not create problems.
• Regarding the automatic transmission. Until 1999, the Passat B5 was equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission; 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 owners, but all this is only true if timely, qualified service is provided. 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 people's car, prices for auto parts are often far from affordable. But this was to be expected, since the car is quite technically complex. For example, chassis parts, various sensors responsible for the operation and control of the engine, fuses can unpleasantly surprise you with their cost. The only consolation is that the used Passat is a very common car, so there will be no problems with original spare parts. In the worst case, it is possible to buy a used part at a disassembly site, and this applies not only to such frequently required parts as the hood and bumper, but also to the technical stuffing. Also in online stores you can order original and non-original spare parts for the Volkswagen Passat B5. Another plus is that the machine is well known to the craftsmen, so there are usually no problems with ensuring high-quality repairs.

To summarize our review, we would like to say that, according to the owners of a used Volkswagen Passat B5, the car is the quintessence of the achievements of the German automobile industry. Simply put, according to many, the Passat B5, even a used one, 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 high-quality materials and high liquidity of the model on the secondary market.